Calls to ban Brazilian butt lift (BBL) procedures have intensified in the United Kingdom following the release of a parliamentary report highlighting dangerous practices in the cosmetic industry. The Women and Equalities Committee in the House of Commons revealed that BBL surgeries are being carried out by untrained individuals in locations such as Airbnbs, hotels, garden sheds, and even public toilets, putting patients at extreme risk.
The report criticizes the lack of clear regulation governing who can perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including dermal fillers, botulinum toxin injections, laser therapies, and chemical peels. MPs describe the current environment as a “wild west” where people’s safety is frequently compromised. The popularity of BBLs, driven by social media and influencer culture, has resulted in more people seeking these procedures despite the dangers. Many opt for cheaper, unregulated providers, sometimes ending up with life-changing or life-threatening injuries.
Some tragic stories have been shared with the committee, including that of Sasha Dean, a woman who spent five weeks in hospital after a botched BBL resulted in sepsis. Another case, Alice Webb from Gloucestershire, died following complications from a BBL in 2024. MPs say that these incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter controls and licensing of cosmetic procedures to prevent further harm.
The committee’s report urges the government to enforce a ban on high-risk procedures like liquid BBLs and liquid breast augmentations, which have already led to fatalities. It suggests that lower-risk procedures should only be carried out by suitably qualified individuals, with a licensing system established during this parliamentary term. Chairwoman Sarah Owen stressed the need for immediate action, insisting that high-risk surgeries must not be delayed by further consultation.
Officials from the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that new measures are being planned to ensure only authorized health professionals can conduct the riskiest treatments. The department also advises people considering cosmetic procedures to check their providers’ qualifications and avoid suspiciously cheap offers. The government has pledged to review and respond to the committee’s recommendations to strengthen patient safety in the field of cosmetic medicine.
