ANTALYA – She wanted to save tens of thousands of euros, but instead of a new smile, she is living a nightmare. Briton Leanne Abeyancová (41) claims that tissue in her nose died after a dental procedure in Turkey, which led to its partial collapse. The case raised serious questions about the risks of cheap procedures abroad.
British mother of two Leanne Abeyancova decided to have a dental procedure in Turkey after the treatment in the United Kingdom was calculated for her at around 50,000 pounds (over 57,000 euros). In Antalya, she paid “only” £3,000 (just over €3,400) for veneers, sinus lifts, bone grafting and dental implants. However, she claims that she immediately regretted the decision.
According to her, she felt pain despite local anesthesia. “During the bone graft, I felt like someone was hitting my face with a hammer. When the sinuses were lifted, I felt my whole face being lifted.” she described for the British media. Her face was heavily swollen, covered in bruises, and she was unable to eat or sleep for several days.
Antibiotics didn’t help either
As The Sun reports on its website, after returning to Britain, doctors diagnosed her with sinusitis, but antibiotics did not help. Only an X-ray at a private dentist revealed a shocking problem. The implants pierced the nasal septum. Despite their subsequent removal, the infection worsened and doctors at Telford Hospital were unable to immediately intervene due to extensive inflammation.
Almost two years later, Leanne says her nose has collapsed. The tissue in the area of the septum died – it was necrosis caused by infection. “They literally scraped the tissue off. The worst of the implants are gone, but the pain is back even worse.” he claims.
A lifelong health problem
He is currently waiting for a reconstructive procedure, which he can undergo only after the infection is completely cured. “If they made a new nose for me now, it might die again,” explains. She shares her story on social media, where her video has been seen by tens of thousands of people and has received many supportive reactions.
The case once again draws attention to the risks of the so-called health tourism. According to the UK’s NHS, treatment abroad may be cheaper, but the standards of safety, follow-up care and responsibility of doctors may not reach the level of healthcare at home. Therefore, experts warn that saving money can ultimately turn into a lifelong health problem.
