Dr Leah Totton Raises Alarms Over Rising Cosmetic Tourism Risks

Dr Leah Totton, a prominent figure in the cosmetic industry and winner of the BBC’s *The Apprentice*, has expressed serious concerns regarding the growing trend of cosmetic tourism. Each year, thousands of individuals from the UK travel abroad seeking cheaper cosmetic procedures, often unaware of the potential risks involved.

In a recent interview, Dr Totton, who co-owns the Dr Leah Clinic with Lord Alan Sugar, highlighted the dangers associated with undergoing surgical procedures in foreign countries. “It’s really worrying; it’s a really concerning trend,” she stated, emphasizing the significant risks that come with general anaesthesia and permanent surgical changes.

Dr Totton graduated from the University of East Anglia in 2011 and has been registered with the General Medical Council since then. Following her victory on *The Apprentice* in 2013, she launched her clinic in central London, which has expanded to include branches in Essex. In October 2022, she also launched Dr Leah Skincare, which has proven to be financially successful.

Many patients seek cosmetic procedures abroad primarily due to lower costs, but Dr Totton warns about the lack of proper aftercare once these patients return home. “If anything goes wrong during or after the procedure, it can be very difficult to find a UK surgeon willing to correct the issue,” she noted. The NHS will provide emergency treatment, but it is not responsible for rectifying cosmetic surgery complications.

She pointed out that while there are competent surgeons operating outside the UK, patients must consider the additional risks involved in cosmetic tourism. “I’ve had numerous patients approach me after experiencing unfortunate outcomes from face and neck lifts abroad,” she revealed. “It is crucial for individuals to understand that revision work can be challenging and costly.”

The promotion of cosmetic tourism by celebrities amplifies this ongoing issue. Dr Totton highlighted that price is often the main driver for seeking surgery overseas. “If the same treatment was available in the UK, no one would opt for the hassle of traveling abroad for surgery,” she explained.

She also questioned the affordability of cosmetic procedures within the UK, suggesting that rising costs might be pushing patients to seek treatment abroad. “Is it that it’s no longer affordable to undergo surgery in the UK, and that’s why we’re seeing this exodus of patients?” Dr Totton asked.

Raising awareness about the risks associated with cosmetic tourism is essential, according to Dr Totton. “Many people are unaware of the necessary follow-up care after surgeries like neck lifts and tummy tucks,” she said. “Furthermore, high-risk procedures, such as Brazilian Butt Lifts, can even result in fatalities.”

Despite her concerns regarding cosmetic tourism, Dr Totton acknowledged advancements in non-surgical procedures for treating issues like neck sagging. “We’re moving towards offering more surgical options to address this, which we plan to launch in December 2023,” she shared.

Dr Totton’s clinic has also expanded its services to include wellness treatments, reflecting a shift in patient demand. “The popularity of cosmetic procedures has soared over the past decade,” she noted, attributing this growth to a reduction in stigma surrounding cosmetic treatments.

Despite the success of her clinics, Dr Totton faced challenges when transitioning from her NHS role to the cosmetic industry. “Leaving the NHS was difficult, but I returned to general practice part-time after a few years,” she explained. She remains grateful for the experience gained during her time in the NHS, as it has been beneficial in her current business endeavors.

Reflecting on her journey since winning *The Apprentice*, Dr Totton expressed gratitude for the mentorship of Lord Sugar. “I learned a lot while opening clinics and searching for locations,” she said, adding that his support has been invaluable.

As she considers the future, Dr Totton remains open to returning to *The Apprentice* as a mentor. “I would love to,” she said, while also expressing admiration for Baroness Karren Brady.

Dr Leah Totton’s insights into the risks of cosmetic tourism serve as a crucial reminder for individuals considering such procedures abroad. Awareness and understanding of potential complications can empower patients to make safer, more informed decisions regarding their health and appearance.