38-year-old Martyn Latchman, a former assistant headteacher from Milton Keynes, England, died suddenly in Istanbul, Turkey, while being prepared for his second hair transplant at the Dr. Cinik clinic.
Medical Tourism and the Procedure
Latchman had previously undergone a successful hair transplant at the same clinic the year before. He returned for a follow‑up procedure costing approximately £1,500 (about US $1,700). The Dr. Cinik clinic is well-known globally, claiming to have performed over 50,000–70,000 transplants, including for celebrity clients like Rio Ferdinand, Ivan Rakitić, and Rivaldo. Although generally considered safe, hair transplant surgery carries risks such as infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. In this case, Latchman became unexpectedly unwell before the surgery began and was transferred to a nearby hospital’s intensive care unit, where he died later that same day.
Response and Legal Investigation
Following the incident, Turkish authorities launched a criminal investigation, treating Latchman’s death as a possible “reckless homicide”. Clinic staff—including the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurses—have been questioned. An autopsy has been conducted to determine the cause of his sudden collapse. The clinic stated that all required medical evaluations—blood tests, chest X‑ray, ECG—were performed under anesthesiologist supervision and that Latchman had been cleared for surgery. They emphasized that he fell ill during preparation, not during the operation itself, and that all documentation has been submitted to judicial authorities in cooperation with the ongoing inquiry. Meanwhile, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed they are supporting Latchman’s family and liaising with Turkish authorities. His body has since been repatriated to the.
Reactions from Family and Colleagues
Martyn’s loved ones remember him as an inspirational figure. His brother posted a heartfelt tribute: “Rest in Peace, my brother… You will forever be my source of inspiration and motivation… Will miss you loads.” Friends and former colleagues likewise expressed shock and sorrow at the news.
Risks in Turkey’s Burgeoning Medical Tourism
Turkey now accounts for nearly 60% of the world’s hair transplant market, with over 1 million patients traveling there annually for cosmetic procedures due to their affordability and variety of clinics. Despite many clinics’ global reputations and promotion of high-quality care, this case—and other reported complications—underscore serious safety concerns and regulatory gaps in Turkey’s booming hair transplant industry. The case follows previous incidents involving British patients who sustained permanent damage or worse from cosmetic surgery abroad.
What We Know So Far
Martyn Latchman, 38, died suddenly in late July 2025, before his second hair transplant procedure had begun. He was treated at Dr. Cinik clinic in Istanbul, a facility known for celebrity clients and cost-effective operations. Turkish officials have opened a criminal investigation, including questioning of clinic staff and conducting an autopsy. The clinic insists that all standard pre-operative tests were conducted and that no procedure had started. The UK Foreign Office is supporting the family during the investigation. Latchman is remembered as a respected former teacher and defense contractor, with friends and family sharing tributes. This incident highlights broader risks associated with international cosmetic medical tourism, particularly in countries where regulation may vary.
Takeaway
While hair transplants are usually safe, this case illustrates the importance of rigorous medical screening and transparency—especially when traveling overseas for elective procedures. The investigation into Martyn Latchman’s death will likely reveal more about what went wrong. Until then, his tragic story serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers behind even seemingly routine cosmetic surgeries abroad.
