The Government has issued a fresh warning to those who intend to go to Turkey for cheap medical procedures.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice was updated on December 21 with additional information regarding "medical tourism". This involves people travelling to countries like Turkey for cost-effective medical, surgical and dental treatment.
The update urges those who plan to go abroad for procedures such as veneers, which have in the past been called 'Turkey teeth', to first check that they are getting reputable treatment.
The updated section states: "The term 'medical tourism' refers to those tourists who have chosen to have medical/surgical/dental treatment abroad. Cosmetic surgery, dental procedures and cardiac surgery are the most common procedures that medical tourists undertake.
"The standard of medical facilities and available treatments vary widely around the world. As such, British nationals considering undertaking medical treatment in Turkey should carry out their own research; it is unwise to rely upon private companies that have a financial interest in arranging your medical treatment abroad."
The Foreign Office adds that they are aware of 22 British nationals who have died in Turkey since January 2019 following "medical tourism" visits.
How to make sure you're getting a legitimate procedure
The Foreign Office has said that there are some ways to make sure that you are getting legitimate treatment.
There is a tool that tourists can use to find out whether or not their procedure is approved by health officials.
The Government department states: "If you are travelling to Turkey to undertake a medical procedure we would advise you to refer to the HealthTurkiye portal website for medical providers who are approved by the Ministry of Health."
This comes after a Scottish woman was given a serious warning by her dentist and faced criticism online for spending £3,000 on 'Turkey teeth' earlier this year.
Despite the trolling, the Paisley resident Jak Reid, said: "My teeth weren't actually healthy. I already had root canal in the front teeth and I already had veneers, so I didn't actually ruin healthy teeth."
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