Open wounds and eyes that can't close - women warn about cheap bleph eyelid surgery
Women are reporting severe complications and botched results following cheap blepharoplasty eyelid surgeries performed at overseas clinics. Surgeons warn that the trend of seeking low-cost aesthetic procedures abroad is leading to long-term health issues and increased pressure on the NHS for corrective care.
Why it matters
The rise of social media-driven medical tourism highlights the significant health risks associated with prioritizing low costs over regulated, high-quality medical aftercare.
Image caption, Nikita had stitches in her upper eyelids. This photo was taken seven days after her bleph procedure
Warning: Graphic images and descriptions of surgery
"Everyone made it out to be so easy, but my face felt like it was on fire and there was a horrible smell of burning skin," says Nikita Morgan, as she describes her eyelid surgery.
She decided to get a blepharoplasty, or a "bleph", removing skin from just above the eyes - after seeing videos about it on social media. Even though she was given a local anaesthetic, Nikita felt extreme pain.
Oculoplastic surgeons - doctors specialising in surgery around the eyes - say a concerning number of patients are reporting problems from cheap bleph surgery, typically carried out abroad.
Figure caption, Watch: 'My eyelids split open and became infected - I was scared to sleep'
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in