Man dies after undergoing Turkey tooth and hair transplant treatment as family tribute

Mentor Rama, 36, went to Turkey for cosmetic procedures – including a hair transplant – but began to feel unwell shortly afterwards and was tragically pronounced dead on November 11.

The family of a Briton who died after dental work and a hair transplant in Turkey have praised him as “the smile that warmed them”.

Mentor Rama, 36, went to Istanbul for the hair and teeth procedure last week, but started feeling unwell when he returned to his hotel room. Emergency services were alerted shortly afterwards and Rama was rushed to a nearby hospital where he died on 11 November.

His body was later transferred to the Forensic Council in Istanbul. Police have since launched an investigation into the death.

A representative of the FCDO representative told The Mirror: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities.”

A post shared on a family member’s public Facebook page said “my heart is heavier than ever”. The message, translated from Albanian to English, read: “Your passing has left a void that nothing in this world can fill, I never thought I would have to write such words for you.

“You were our light the smile that warmed us the strength that lifted us up every time we fell. The pain is so endless when I think that I will never see you again, never hear your voice or your laugh that made us all happy.

“May God keep you in His light and mercy, my friend, I pray your soul rests in peace and finds a place in heaven, where there is neither pain nor sorrow, I will miss you every day of my life.”

Rama’s body has been handed over to his family and has been repatriated to the UK, Turkish media reported. Turkey is a major destination for Brits looking for more affordable cosmetic procedures, although some have never returned.

The Foreign Office has reported that at least 28 British nationals have died in Turkey following election procedures between March 2019 and March 2024. Clinics in Turkey have become known for providing so-called “medical tourism packages”.

People travel to Turkey for cheaper prices with so-called ‘turkey teeth’ which typically cost 40 to 60 per cent less than for the same procedure in the UK. Many dentists have warned against Britons flying to Turkey for dental work amid concerns about complications.