In light of a concerning new report from the Women and Equalities Committee, there is a growing call for Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) to be prohibited in the UK.
The popularity of BBLs has surged in recent years. According to the Centre for Surgery, approximately 400,000 individuals underwent the procedure in 2021, marking a 17 percent increase compared to four years prior.
This cosmetic surgery involves extracting fat from other areas of the body, such as the stomach, and injecting it into the buttocks to enhance their size.
High-profile figures like Iggy Azalea, SZA, and Saweetie are reported to have opted for a BBL. In contrast, some celebrities, such as Cardi B, have chosen butt implants. Cardi B has recently mentioned her intention to have some of these implants removed.
The cost of these procedures is significant, with the average BBL in the US ranging from $6,000 to over $15,000. In the UK, the NHS reports costs between £3,000 and £8,000.
Due to the high costs, some individuals resort to unlicensed operations performed by unqualified practitioners in places like Airbnbs, hotels, garden sheds, and even public restrooms.
The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) report highlights: “Currently, there is no regulation as to who can perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures. These are defined as procedures that do not require incisions and are commonly used to refer to injectables, such a Botox or dermal fillers, laser therapy or chemical peels.
“This has led to a ‘wild west’ in which procedures have reportedly taken place in Airbnbs, hotel rooms, garden sheds and public toilets, leading to many individuals experiencing serious harm.”
The WEC is urging the UK government to establish a licensing system for lower-risk procedures, ensuring that only trained professionals can perform them.
The report further emphasizes: “High-harm procedures such as the liquid Brazilian butt lift (BBL), which has resulted in fatalities, should be banned immediately without further consultation.”
One tragic case is that of 33-year-old Alice Webb, who died in 2024 at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital following complications from a BBL.
Sarah Owen, chairwoman of the WEC, has expressed similar views on banning BBLs: “Procedures that are deemed high risk such as liquid BBLs and liquid breast augmentations, which have already been shown to pose a serious threat to patient safety, should be banned immediately. There is no need for further consultation and delay.
“A licensing system for non-surgical cosmetic procedures should be introduced within this Parliament.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell at (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].