In the early hours of October 23, a 33-year-old mother of five from Gloucestershire died following complications related to a non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). Unlike the traditional surgical BBL, the non-surgical procedure involves the injection of hyaluronic acid dermal filler to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks, with the appeal of minimal downtime.
It is alleged that Alice Webb’s procedure was performed by an unqualified individual lacking medical training. An investigation by Gloucestershire Police is ongoing, and two arrests have been made in connection with her death.
Save Face, a national register of accredited practitioners, has received nearly 480 reports of complications related to non-surgical BBL procedures since 2022, with issues ranging from infections and abscesses to cases requiring surgery. Webb’s death is reportedly the first fatality linked to the non-surgical procedure in the UK.
The Clinical Advisory Board for the Aesthetics Journal, which includes leading medical aesthetic practitioners in the UK, said in a combined statement, “We are saddened by the news of Alice Webb’s passing. Despite efforts to raise awareness about the risks of buttock augmentation with filler and fat, unsafe practices continue. This highlights the urgent need for regulation in medical aesthetics to ensure patient safety. Our sympathies go out to Alice’s family.”
Consultant plastic surgeon and aesthetic practitioner Mr Dalvi Humzah emphasises the importance of medical training as well as product knowledge in aesthetic procedures, stating, “It’s crucial to understand the products being used, such as the risk of lidocaine toxicity, and ensure proper injection techniques. The use of ultrasound for BBL procedures is essential, but this remains a high-risk procedure that must be performed by registered medical personnel in a controlled clinical environment.”
Since the passing of the Health and Care Act in April 2022, which gave the Health and Social Care Secretary the authority to implement a licensing system, the medical aesthetic specialty in England has been pushing MPs for regulatory reforms aimed at improving patient safety. The proposed scheme would require practitioners to be licensed for specific procedures, and premises offering these treatments to be regulated.
Dr Tristan Mehta, founder and CEO of medical aesthetic education provider, Harley Academy, expresses deep sorrow over the tragic death linked to a BBL, highlighting the urgent need for better regulation in the aesthetics field. He stated, “The UK must enforce stricter regulations to ensure only medically qualified professionals perform complex treatments like BBLs. Currently, non-surgical procedures can be done by those without even basic medical training, which is unacceptable.”
Harley Academy urges the Government to prioritise regulatory reforms led by the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP), emphasising mandatory medical qualifications, licensing and oversight and public awareness.
To raise awareness about the need for stricter regulations in the medical aesthetics field, the Aesthetics Clinical Advisory Board encourages practitioners to contact their local MPs to advocate for change.
