A British man has died after travelling to Turkey for a hair transplant, according to reports.

The 38-year-old flew to Istanbul for treatment at the Dr Cinik clinic in the Besiktas district earlier this week, according to Turkish news outlet OdaTV.

The aesthetics clinic, whose clients include former Manchester United and England footballer Rio Ferdinand, said in a statement that the patient had “unexpectedly became unwell for reasons that are still unknown” while being prepared for surgery.

The statement said he took ill “before the hair transplant procedure had begun”. He had returned to the clinic for a second procedure following a “successful” first operation last year.

The man was taken to hospital but died later in the day.

First transplant last year

A spokesman for the Foreign Office told The Telegraph: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities.”

A spokesman for the clinic said: “In July 2024, the patient had a successful hair transplant procedure at our clinic, and following his satisfaction with the results, he returned for a second procedure.

“Prior to the second operation, all necessary medical evaluations and tests (including blood work, chest X-ray, ECG, etc) were carried out thoroughly and without omission, just as they were during the first procedure.

“These assessments were conducted under the supervision of an anaesthesiologist, and the patient was cleared for surgery.

“However, before the hair transplant procedure began and during the preparatory phase, the patient unexpectedly became unwell for reasons that are still unknown.

“Immediate medical intervention was provided, and he was urgently transferred to a fully equipped university hospital.

“Despite ongoing intensive care treatment throughout the day, the patient sadly passed away later that evening.”

Turkish media reported that the Istanbul Province Health Directorate had opened an investigation.

The clinic spokesman said: “All relevant medical documentation related to this incident has been submitted to the appropriate authorities, and the matter is currently being investigated by judicial bodies.

“Due to the ongoing legal process and out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details will be disclosed at this time.”

Fraction of UK price

Turkey has become a major destination for cosmetic procedures, with prices significantly lower than in the UK. Hair transplants can cost as little as £1,500, compared with £3,000-£10,000 in Britain. More than a million Britons are believed to have treatments there each year.

According to its website, Dr Cinik clinic has treated over 50,000 patients in the past 20 years and now operates a London branch. It describes itself as a “centre of excellence” offering “cutting edge technology”.

The company is headed by Dr Emrah Cinik, a plastic surgeon who the site claims has become “the go to specialist for people worldwide” thanks to his “combination of surgical experience and patient support”.