Reality TV star and model Gina-Lisa Lohfink, who has long been open about undergoing cosmetic procedures, has revealed that a buttock augmentation performed in Turkey left her facing severe medical complications and chronic pain, ultimately requiring emergency surgery.
The 39-year-old former Germany’s Next Topmodel contestant said what was meant to enhance her appearance turned into a medical nightmare after a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) carried out in the summer of 2023. The procedure, which involves injecting a patient’s own fat into the buttocks to create a fuller shape, resulted in serious postoperative issues.
According to Lohfink, fat from the procedure migrated into her thighs, triggering painful inflammation. She suffered intense pain, fever and recurring anxiety attacks in the months that followed, prompting her to seek further medical evaluation in Germany.
Doctors later discovered that old fillers, inflamed tissue, pus and contaminated material had accumulated in her buttocks and partially spread into her thighs. “There was so much dirt in there, so much old material,” Lohfink told Bild, adding that surgeons ultimately operated for three hours to remove the affected tissue.
Relief came after Lohfink underwent corrective surgery in Switzerland. Although only one side of her body could be treated so far, she said the operation significantly improved her quality of life. “He gave me my old life back. Half of the pain is gone, and the constant anxiety too. I’m still alive — you can’t keep a good woman down,” she said. The procedure reportedly cost €9,000, with a second operation planned in the coming weeks.
Medical experts have repeatedly warned about the risks associated with Brazilian Butt Lift procedures. Specialists consider BBLs among the most dangerous cosmetic surgeries due to the risk of fat embolism, a potentially fatal condition that occurs when injected fat enters the bloodstream and blocks blood vessels in the lungs or heart.
The German Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has stressed that patient safety depends heavily on the procedure being performed by a qualified plastic and aesthetic surgeon in a certified medical facility, supported by careful pre- and post-operative care. Even under optimal conditions, experts caution that a BBL remains a highly invasive operation with significant risks, underscoring the need for thorough consultation and realistic expectations before undergoing the surgery.
Lohfink’s experience has reignited debate over cosmetic surgery tourism and the importance of medical standards, as the reality star continues her recovery and prepares for further treatment.
