The trend of “liquid” Brazilian Butt Lifts has taken a dangerous turn, with eight women hospitalized after contracting botulism from an unlicensed practitioner in Paris. This new unregulated beauty trend is proving to be deadly.
At a glance:
• Eight women were hospitalized with botulism after receiving liquid BBL procedures from an unlicensed practitioner
• Liquid BBLs involve injecting fillers into the buttocks instead of using the traditional fat transfer method
• A 33-year-old UK woman is believed to have died from complications related to a liquid BBL procedure
• These procedures are often performed by people with no medical training in non-sterile environments
• Nearly 30% of women seeking cosmetic enhancements consider illegal BBL injections despite severe health risks
Rising Dangers of Unregulated Cosmetic Procedures
Medical experts are sounding the alarm over the increasing popularity of liquid Brazilian Butt Lifts that are being performed by unlicensed practitioners. These non-surgical procedures involve injecting fillers like hyaluronic acid or poly-L-lactic acid into the buttocks to enhance size and shape.
The dangers became evident when eight women in Paris were hospitalized after contracting botulism from contaminated materials used during liquid BBL procedures. Botulism, caused by toxins from Clostridium botulinum bacteria, can lead to paralysis and is potentially fatal when not properly treated.
Deadly Consequences and Lack of Regulation
Alice Webb, a 33-year-old woman from the UK, is believed to have died from complications related to a liquid BBL procedure. Her death highlights the extreme risks associated with these cosmetic enhancements when performed outside proper medical settings.
“These procedures are catastrophes. This is a curse. This is a period of regret for these patients that extends the rest of their lives,” warned Dr. Johnathan Cook, highlighting the permanent damage that can result from botched procedures.
In the UK, cosmetic fillers remain largely unregulated, with no legal requirements for practitioners to have medical training or qualifications. This regulatory gap has allowed anyone to legally perform these procedures, creating a dangerous environment for consumers seeking aesthetic enhancements.
Calls for Stricter Controls and Patient Warnings
Medical professionals are calling for immediate regulatory action to prevent further tragedies. Dr. Catherine Bergeret Galley stated, “Botulism cases should not be happening full stop, let alone from filler injections. Please do not go to unqualified practitioners.”
The appeal of illegal injections often lies in their lower cost compared to surgical alternatives, with many procedures advertised on social media as “risk-free” options. However, these unauthorized treatments frequently involve unapproved substances like silicone and hydrogel, which can cause severe infections, tissue necrosis, and systemic health problems when injected into the body.
Dr. Nora Nugent emphasized the medical nature of these procedures, noting, “It’s absolutely time we banned unqualified people from doing it. This is not treated as a medical procedure by UK regulation, but it is one with very real complications.”
The NHS has reported an increasing number of patients seeking emergency treatment for complications from botched liquid BBLs, including infections and skin loss. Experts advise that anyone considering cosmetic procedures should only consult board-certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited medical facilities.
