They didn't believe it was the person in the photo: Tourist with cosmetic surgery detained

12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS

It has been reported that tourists who undergo cosmetic surgery in Turkey are facing problems on their return journeys. According to claims, tourists attempting to return to their home countries from airports are occasionally being questioned by security personnel because their passport photos are 'outdated'. 

According to a report by Euronews, these claims first reached the public eye about a year ago when TikTok influencer Joanne Prophet reported that she had been pulled into a room by six security guards in Turkey for about an hour.

Prophet stated that the incident occurred after airport security told her that her 10-year valid passport photo, taken before she had cosmetic surgery and fillers, did not match her current appearance. 

After having her passport photo taken, Prophet underwent breast implants, dental veneers, chin and lip fillers, rhinoplasty, and fat-dissolving injections. She also changed her hair from platinum blonde to a long ash blonde with hair extensions. 

As a result of the transformation, the TikTok influencer was held for a long time while leaving Turkey because airport security suspected she was traveling with a fake identity.

'THEY CONSTANTLY ASK QUESTIONS BECAUSE I HAD A NOSE JOB'

Joanne's account paved the way for other people, mostly women, who reported experiencing similar problems at airports around the world, to share their experiences on their social media accounts.

One woman commented on TikTok, 'Turkish cameras at passport control catch even the slightest change; they constantly ask questions just because I had a nose job.'

Prophet responded to this comment, saying, 'Since Turkey is where many people fly for surgery, they need to fix this.'

EXPERTS WARN THOSE TRAVELING FOR COSMETIC SURGERY

Following this, travel experts evaluated the issue and warned passengers to be careful before traveling.

Experts warned that in today's world, where biometric technology and facial recognition are increasingly used at passport control, significant changes to your face can lead to questions about your identity.

Travel agency Travel Republic stated that facial recognition issues at airports are now quite common and can lead to delays or even cancellations.

Karolina Turowska, a biometric photography and travel expert at Passport-Photo online, warned those who have had cosmetic surgery in a statement to Buzzfeed, saying, 'Airport computers use the distance between pupils, ears, nose, and mouth, the width of the mouth and eyes, and many other things.'

'YOU NEED TO UPDATE YOUR PASSPORT PHOTO'

According to the market research firm Fortune Business Insights, both Botox and fillers are becoming increasingly popular in Europe, and both markets are expected to grow by 4.8 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively, by 2030.

However, people do not always realize how these changes to their faces will reflect on their travel plans.

Gemma Brown, a product manager at Travel Republic, shared her comment on the subject: 'Usually, minor changes like a new hairstyle, growing a beard, or slight weight fluctuations do not require a new passport. However, when you undergo major facial reconstruction or cosmetic procedures that change your basic facial features, it is recommended to update your passport photo to ensure your identity remains current.'

Experts say that if you have recently undergone surgery and need to board a plane, as a last resort, you should ask your doctor to write a note explaining the reasons why you look different from your passport photo.