Doctor issues urgent warning to people seeking 'woefully unregulated' BBL procedure after woman dies in UK first
A doctor has issued an urgent warning to people seeking a ‘woefully unregulated’ Brazilian Bum Lift (BBL) procedure after a mum-of-five died.
Alice Delsie Preete Webb became the first to die in the UK following a ‘liquid BBL’ on Monday (23 September). Detectives are now working with Gloucestershire Police to investigate her death, as two people have been arrested.
And Dr Paul Banwell is now warning others of the health risks of procedures like this. A founding member of the Safer Cosmetic Surgery Group, he explains a liquid BBL is considered to be a ‘minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment’.
Rather than using a person’s body fat, it instead uses dermal filler injections to ‘enhance the shape and size of the buttocks’.
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And he tells LADbible: “It is considered a very controversial procedure within the industry.”
Banwell explains that if not performed correctly, it can ‘pose serious health risks’ and in extreme cases, can be ‘life-threatening’.
Following Webb’s death, the doctor said: “At present, Brazilian butt lifts, including liquid BBLs (and all other injectables) are legal in the UK but sadly remain woefully unregulated.
“This heartbreaking news should prompt action at their highest levels. I hope this loss will encourage much-needed urgent conversations about improving safety standards in the UK aesthetics industry and make this a doctor-only procedure.”
The plastic and cosmetic surgeon ‘can’t stress enough’ how important it is for people wanting a treatment like this to ‘research both the procedure and the practitioner’.
“Make sure your chosen practitioner is fully medically qualified, has the appropriate certifications and national body registrations, and specialises in the procedure you're considering,” he advised.
Banwell also said to look for reputable clinics ‘with strong safety protocols’ and ask for before-and-after photos, patient testimonials, and details about the product or technique being used.
The doctor adds: “It’s also important to ensure that the clinic is registered with a recognised medical regulatory body, and to have a detailed consultation beforehand to discuss risks, expectations, and any potential side effects.”
It is reported by the Mirror that Webb’s treatment was allegedly carried out by an unqualified practitioner without medical training.
A Gloucestershire Police spokesman said: "Two people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of a woman in her thirties in Gloucester. Police had been called by the ambulance service at around 11.35pm on Monday (23 September) with a report a woman had become unwell following a suspected cosmetic procedure.
"She was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and died in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Her next of kin and the coroner are aware. The woman's family are being supported by specially trained officers.
"An investigation, led by the Major Crime Investigation Team, is ongoing. The two people who had been arrested have been released on police bail. We can also confirm the woman who died is 33-year-old Alice Webb."
Jess Battison