The 5 subtle signs you have an unreliable aesthetic doctor after BBL’s tragic death
COSMETIC procedures can be fatal, especially if you fall into the hands of a rogue practitioner.
But the ‘tweakments’ industry continues to gain momentum, with as many as 7.7 million Brits – 11% of the population – set to go under the needle by 2023.
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The UK non-surgical cosmetic industry was valued at an estimated £3.6 billion by 2023. UK Government – but it is still largely self-regulating.
Whether you want a sharper jawline, fuller lips or a more dramatic transformation, it’s crucial to choose a qualified professional who is both reputable and, most importantly, safe.
Alice Webb, 33, died on Monday evening after undergoing a liquid Brazilian Bum Lift (BBL) at a studio in Gloucester.
The mother-of-five has become the first woman in Britain to lose her life due to the procedure, according to the beauty campaign group. Save face.
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She was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital when the procedure ‘went wrong’ but tragically died in the early hours of Tuesday.
The most common BBL treatment is surgical, which usually involves liposuction to extract fat from another part of the body before injecting it into the buttocks and thighs.
Meanwhile, a liquid BBL sees dermal fillers injected into the same area to give a rounder, bigger butt.
Liquid BBLs are said to be less invasive and require less healing time, but doctors now warn that they are just as deadly as the surgical kind.
Two people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over Alice’s death – including a Kim Kardashian-obsessed TV star dubbed the ‘Lip King’.
Real name Jordan James Parke, he confirmed his arrest after Alice’s death to MailOnline but said: “I can’t talk to anyone.”
The self-confessed surgery addict – who has appeared on E!’s Botched and Channel 4’s Bodyshockers – has a private Instagram profile with a link to another page called The Lip King Aesthetics.
After Alice’s death, doctors are urging people to do extensive research when choosing an aesthetic doctor.
This includes Amish Patel, an ex-pharmacist who opened his own aesthetic clinic, Cosmetic Clinic Intrigueafter extensive medical training at the Royal College Of General Practitioners.
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, he urged liquid BBL treatments as they can lead to tissue death, blocked arteries and sepsis.
Who was Alice Webb?
Alice Webb was the first person in Britain to die from a Brazilian Bum Lift treatment.
The 33-year-old mother of five is said to have had a liquid BBL at a home studio in Gloucester on Monday evening, September 23.
Police rushed to a house at around 11:30 pm on Monday evening after an alarm was raised, while ambulances were already on the scene.
Alice died in the early hours of Tuesday at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
Gloucester Police confirmed two people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the horror.
“This procedure is something I would never recommend to anyone,” he says.
“In addition to the risk of infection, there is also a risk of improper injection techniques, which can lead to tissue death, sepsis and blockage of arteries.”
Facial treatments like lip filler, anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers are often considered “safer” options than surgery and body modifications — but Amish says finding the right doctor is still imperative.
Here are revealed the five red flags to look out for before proceeding.
1. Too good to be true? It is
Amish says you should never be tempted by a high price for filler, as it is not a cheap procedure for medical professionals to perform.
“Reputable aesthetic practitioners don’t just pluck awards out of thin air,” he explains.
“We charge a certain amount because high-quality injectables – with research and good safety standards behind them – cost money.
“That increases the price of the end products for you as a customer.
“So if the price seems much cheaper, this should be a big red flag as costs are being cut somewhere.”
2. License to fill
For safe and reputable practitioners with a medical background, some form of certification is available on their website or at their clinic.
If not, they should be happy to provide proof of their credentials if requested, Amish says.
How to Choose a Safe Aesthetic Doctor
Choosing an ethical and legitimate aesthetic practitioner is the key to safe ‘adjustments’.
The first thing you should look for is someone with a medical background – such as paramedics, pharmacists, nurses and doctors.
Practitioners of the Save Face registry are also a safe bet.
Save Face is a medical aesthetics registry, where practitioners and clinics must pass a rigorous 116-point assessment process to become members.
The practitioners included in the register are also adequately trained in each of the treatments listed on their profile, and are fully insured.
“You wouldn’t go to the butcher for a haircut, so why put your face in untrained hands and risk your health and appearance?” he warns.
“Medical aesthetics should only be performed by someone with medical training and extensive expertise in the field.
“Do your research.”
3. Bundles, packages and ‘bring a pal’ deals
Brits are a nation of bargain hunters, but this shouldn’t be the case when it comes to aesthetic treatments.
A number of rogue practitioners in London and Manchester are offering “5ml Kim Kardashian/Kylie Jenner bundles”, promising to recreate the look of the famous sisters if you buy a filler bundle at a discounted price.
It’s a trick that Amish are firmly against.
It is also critical that your doctor has the training and knowledge to detect potential problems that require immediate medical intervention
Amish Patel
He explains: “This approach is morally wrong and will disrupt the natural harmony in your face – the whole ethos of dermal fillers is to enhance your natural beauty.
“I have seen firsthand the damage these types of packs do to faces through references to dissolving fillers.
“As for sharing dermal fillers with friends? This presents a huge opportunity for cross-contamination, and no reputable doctor would dream of offering this.”
4. Not suitable for emergencies
Even with the most qualified practitioners, emergency medical attention may be needed if you have an adverse reaction to filler, or if something goes wrong during treatment.
First, if a doctor doesn’t emphasize the potential risks prior to treatment, it’s time to walk away.
Second, you want to choose someone who knows what to do in an emergency, no matter how unlikely.
It is critical that your doctor has the training and knowledge to detect potential problems that require immediate medical intervention
Amish Patel
“If you need urgent intervention, does your doctor have access to emergency medicine?” says Amish.
“This is essential if you need it.
“It is also critical that your doctor has the training and knowledge to detect potential problems that require immediate medical intervention.”
5. Location is crucial
If you walk into an aesthetic clinic but it is located in a bedroom or kitchen, walk outside.
“If it is a dedicated clinical area, the doctor can effectively clean between clients and maintain good hygiene standards,” Amish reveals.
“When it comes to injectable treatments in a general multi-use area, such as someone’s kitchen, you run a greater risk of cross-contamination.
“That risk increases by putting yourself in that setting.”
