Giveaway surgery. Yes, you heard right.

In Greece, a concerning trend has emerged on social media where health services, particularly cosmetic procedures, are being marketed through giveaways and contests. Practices such as offering eyelid surgery as a prize or gastric botox as part of a competition are becoming increasingly common, blurring the lines between medical treatment and promotional campaigns.

These methods, which include offering surgical treatments at "special prices" and framing them with the language of promotions and lotteries, are in direct violation of the Greek Code of Medical Ethics. The normalization of such practices raises serious concerns about patient safety and the ethical standards of medical professionals.

Kathimerini spoke with patients, doctors, and legal experts to explore the ramifications of these aggressive marketing strategies. The discussions highlight the potential dangers and ethical breaches involved when healthcare services are treated as commodities in online contests, potentially undermining the integrity of the medical profession and patient well-being.