FIVE MINUTES TO DECIDE — BRITISH MUM DIES AFTER LAST-MINUTE BBL OFFER IN TURKEY

An inquest has heard how British mother-of-three Hayley Dowell, 38, travelled to Turkey for liposuction and a tummy tuck — only to be offered a discounted Brazilian butt lift just minutes before surgery. She later suffered two cardiac arrests and died from a fatal fat embolism.

SHE WASN’T EVEN PLANNING THE BBL

Hayley had travelled to Istanbul for cosmetic surgery at the BHT Clinic.

According to evidence heard at Winchester Coroner’s Court, her original procedures were liposuction and a tummy tuck.

Then, just 10 minutes before surgery, a surgeon reportedly suggested using the fat being removed during liposuction to enhance her buttocks.

The price was reduced by £1,000, from £7,000.

FIVE MINUTES TO MAKE A DECISION

Hayley’s husband, Neil Dowell, told the inquest that the couple had only around five minutes to consider the unexpected proposal.

He said they were quickly trying to work out how to pay for the additional procedure.

He also told the court that he did not believe Hayley had signed a separate consent form for the BBL and claimed the risks had not been properly explained to her.

The clinic has not provided evidence to the inquest.

THEN EVERYTHING WENT WRONG

Four hours into the operation, Neil was reportedly told that everything was going well.

But shortly before midnight, medical staff told him that Hayley was extremely unwell.

She had suffered two cardiac arrests.

He was eventually told to say goodbye to his wife.

Hayley died on October 3, 2023.

WHAT CAUSED HER DEATH?

The coroner said the evidence indicated that Hayley suffered a micro fat embolism affecting her lungs.

A fat embolism can occur when fat enters the bloodstream and blocks blood flow, potentially causing catastrophic complications.

The inquest heard that the pathological findings from Turkey were considered consistent with what would likely have been concluded in the UK.

QUESTIONS OVER CONSENT

The most disturbing part of the case may not simply be the medical complication.

It is the circumstances surrounding the decision to undergo the additional procedure.

A woman who had travelled for one set of cosmetic operations was reportedly offered another procedure minutes before surgery.

She was given only a few minutes to decide.

And her husband says the risks and consent process were not adequately explained.

Those claims are now being examined as part of the inquest.

THE CLINIC FACILITATOR HAS CUT TIES

Dr Sophie Chung, CEO of Qunomedical, told the inquest that the company had acted as a facilitator for the surgery.

She said Qunomedical no longer works with the BHT Clinic and no longer offers BBL procedures through its service.

The coroner has indicated that he is considering making a Prevention of Future Deaths report, which could recommend changes intended to reduce the risk of similar tragedies.She went to Turkey for liposuction and a tummy tuck.

 Ten minutes before surgery, another procedure was offered.

The BBL price was reportedly cut by £1,000.

Five minutes was reportedly all she had to decide.

Hours later, Hayley suffered two cardiac arrests and died.

The case raises a painful question:

When a major medical procedure is offered at the last minute, can a patient really make a fully informed decision in just five minutes?

This post summarizes evidence reported from the ongoing inquest. Allegations concerning consent and the clinic’s practices remain matters for the coroner’s findings.