A growing number of women are reporting severe complications, including open wounds and the inability to close their eyes properly, after undergoing "bleph" or blepharoplasty procedures at clinics offering significantly cheaper rates than those in the UK. These procedures, which involve removing excess skin from the eyelids, are increasingly sought after as part of a broader trend in aesthetic treatments.

Oculoplastic surgeons are expressing concern over the rise in patients presenting with problems, often stemming from procedures carried out in clinics across mainland Europe, Africa, and Asia. The allure of lower costs, with procedures sometimes costing hundreds rather than thousands of pounds, is driving individuals to seek treatment abroad, particularly after seeing them promoted on social media platforms like TikTok.

Nikita Morgan, 31, from Dublin, opted for a blepharoplasty with a Dutch company, Faceland, after being quoted over €4,000 (£3,400) for the procedure in Ireland. She found she could get the same surgery for €750 (£650) abroad. Describing the clinic in Düsseldorf as a "conveyor belt," Nikita experienced extreme pain during the procedure, despite local anaesthetic, and described her face feeling "like it was on fire" with a "horrible smell of burning skin."

Faceland, which states it has performed over 2,950 blepharoplasty procedures on UK patients in its Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland clinics since October 2024, asserts it offers "safe and quality treatments." The company claims less than 1% of procedures have resulted in a complaint, though this figure does not account for all patients requiring further corrective surgery. Many individuals who spoke to the BBC about complications had visited Faceland clinics.

Surgeons highlight that when complications arise from procedures done abroad, the lack of adequate aftercare often places a significant burden on the UK's National Health Service (NHS). Patients who have experienced issues have reported needing extensive follow-up treatment, with some facing prolonged recovery periods and psychological distress.

One woman reported having to tape her eyes shut each night because too much skin had been removed, leaving her eyelids unable to close naturally. Another feared she was losing her sight due to complications from her procedure. UK surgeons have confirmed seeing patients who can no longer close their eyes fully, a condition that can lead to chronic dryness, irritation, and potential vision impairment.

Faceland maintains that all patients undergo consultations and sign consent forms to ensure they are fully informed. The company stated that Nikita's doctor noted she was "very anxious" during her procedure. However, the experiences shared by Nikita and others underscore a significant gap between the perceived ease of these procedures promoted online and the potential for serious, life-altering complications.

The trend raises questions about patient safety, the regulation of cosmetic procedures performed internationally, and the responsibility of clinics and platforms that promote such treatments. As more individuals seek affordable aesthetic surgery, the risks associated with cheaper, overseas procedures are becoming increasingly apparent, with significant consequences for both patients and healthcare systems.