INDUSTRY REACTS TO FIRST UK

Aesthetic Medicine spoke to aesthetic professionals regarding the tragic death of a woman who under went a liquid Brazilian butt lift (BBL)

A mother of five has passed away following complications from a non-surgical liquid Brazilian butt lift (BBL).

Alice Webb fell ill following complications and passed away at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in the early hours of September 24. Her death marks the first fatality caused by this treatment being performed in a UK clinic.

STRICTER REGULATIONS

Industry experts and medical professionals have long called for stricter regulations. Antonia Mariconda, founder of The Safety in Beauty Campaign, said, “We are incredibly saddened for the family of the victim concerned and wish to stress the urgent need for Government intervention.”

BAMAN and BCAM released a statement saying that “this tragic incident highlights the urgent need for the Government to action the October 2023 consultation on regulation and recognise that all so called ‘aesthetic treatments’ are medical procedures which are associated with risk.”

“From remote prescribing to non-medics, this industry is simply underregulated”, echoed registered nurse, Alexandra Mills.

Nurse practitioner, Tracey Dennison, spoke up about how “astonishing it is that in 2024 anybody can pick up a needle and start injecting people without proper care behind the damage they can cause.”

“Liquid BBLs, such as the procedure Alice Webb allegedly underwent, involve injections of liquid hyaluronic acid fillers. It comes with many risks, including blood clots, sepsis, and the potential for the death of body tissues,” clarified cosmetic and plastic consultant surgeon, Gerard Lambe of the Reflect Clinic.

He added that there is a real problem with regulation and practitioners with zero medical training setting up academies and online courses: "Another huge concern is the quality of product, with many practitioners using cheap imported 'dupe' fillers too.”

“The BBL is one of the most dangerous cosmetic surgeries available today in the UK,” stated Michael Saul of Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors. “Despite this, BBLs are still on the rise, fuelled by unrealistic body standards. It’s important that individuals understand these dangers before considering such a life-threatening procedure.”

Founder of Skin Medical, Dr Sabika Karim, commented: “Despite what the media thinks, injectable procedures are all medical, they have an impact on patient health, both physical and psychological, and should be carried out only by appropriately-regulated, medical professionals.”

Expressing concerns that without regulation anyone can perform aesthetic procedures, Dr Tristan Mehta, chief executive of Harley Academy, said: “As it stands, almost anyone can legally perform these procedures with minimal or no training.”

Facial aesthetics doctor, Dr Ahmed El Muntasar stated: “This is such a shocking case but, unfortunately, it was only a matter of time, because of how unregulated the UK aesthetic market is. It takes years to become a doctor and GP, so for someone to do a half day course, then start offering the treatment, is ludicrous.”

Aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Jonathan Roos emphasised that fillers are currently classified as devices, not injectable medicinal products, which allows unqualified individuals to perform treatments. “This tragedy was avoidable,” he said, urging for tighter controls to protect both patients and practitioners.

PATIENT SAFETY IS A PRIORITY

“The medical aesthetic community have been campaigning for regulations for years saying that BBL fillers are extremely dangerous especially in the hands of non-medics,” stated nurse practitioner, Claudia McGloin. “I hope the Government will take heed and expedite regulations in the UK, and that Ireland will follow suit.”

Another leading voice in the industry, Dr Shirin Lakhani, commented to Aesthetic Medicine that “We have been saying for years that someone will die before something is done, and now, sadly, this has happened.”

As the growing number of unqualified individuals performing such high-risk treatments rises, Anna Kremerov, clinical director and owner of Anna Medical Aesthetics, reminded us that patient safety must be our absolute priority: “This tragedy serves as a reminder that we, as an industry, must push for higher standards and stricter regulations.”

Webb’s death serves as a strong reminder of the dangers posed by unregulated aesthetic procedures. Many aesthetic professionals have expressed hope that this incident will prompt the Government to accelerate plans to regulate the industry.