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Last Updated:February 18, 2026, 20:00 IST
Liquid Brazilian Butt Lifts Explained: UK MPs say lack of regulation has created a "wild west" environment where procedures are performed in garden sheds, hotels and public toilets
According to them, BBLs and other high-risk non-surgical procedures by the “wild west” industry are severely endangering patient safety. (AI generated for representation)
The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) of Members of Parliament (MP) of the United Kingdom has demanded an immediate ban on “liquid" Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs).
According to them, BBLs and other high-risk non-surgical procedures by the “wild west" industry are severely endangering patient safety.
THE REASONS
The WEC issued a report on Wednesday highlighting the reasons for the proposed ban:
Fatalities and Severe Injuries: The demand follows high-profile deaths, such as that of Alice Webb in September 2024, and cases where patients developed life-threatening conditions like sepsis.
“Wild West" Industry: MPs warn that a lack of regulation has created a “wild west" environment where procedures are performed in unsanitary and unregulated settings, including garden sheds, hotel rooms, and even public toilets.
Untrained Practitioners: Under current laws, individuals with no formal medical training can perform these high-risk non-surgical injections, posing a “serious threat to patient safety".
Social Media Influence: The committee raised concerns that social media influencers and face-editing technologies are “normalising" these dangerous procedures and contributing to worsening body image issues among young people.
WHAT THE MPs WANT
Immediately stop the use of dermal fillers for buttock augmentation.Ensure that other high-risk cosmetic procedures are only performed by qualified healthcare professionals.Implement a mandatory licensing system for all non-surgical cosmetic procedures within the current Parliament.WHO WAS ALICIA WEBB?
The death of Alice Webb, a 33-year-old mother of five from Gloucestershire, is the first recorded fatality in the UK linked to a non-surgical “liquid" Brazilian butt lift (BBL).
On September 23, 2024, Alice underwent a liquid BBL at a studio in Gloucester. This involves injecting large volumes of hyaluronic acid dermal filler into the buttocks. She became unwell during the treatment and was rushed to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. She was pronounced dead in the early hours of 24 September 2024.
Her case has become a central catalyst for current parliamentary efforts to ban these procedures.
WHAT IS A LIQUID BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT?
A liquid Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses injectable fillers to add volume, shape, and lift to the buttocks. Unlike a traditional surgical BBL, which involves liposuction and fat transfer, a liquid BBL uses synthetic substances and requires no incisions or general anaesthesia.
What is used for it?
Most commonly uses hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers (like HYAcorp) for instant results, or biostimulators (like Sculptra or Radiesse) that trigger the body to produce its own collagen over several months.
it is performed in a clinic setting under local anaesthetic. Large volumes of filler—often 100ml to 200ml or more—are injected into the buttocks using a needle or cannula.
Results are temporary, typically lasting between 12 to 24 months as the body gradually reabsorbs the filler.
It is best suited for subtle contouring, filling in “hip dips," or providing a minor lift for patients who lack enough body fat for a surgical fat transfer.
THE RISKS OF LIQUID BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT
Marketed as a “safer" alternative to surgery, liquid BBLs carry severe risks, especially when performed by unqualified practitioners:
Vascular Occlusion: If filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, it can cause tissue necrosis (skin death) or a fatal pulmonary embolism if it travels to the lungs.
Infection: Injecting large volumes of product increases the risk of sepsis and abscesses.
FDA Status: Currently, no dermal filler is FDA-approved specifically for large-scale buttock augmentation; such use is considered “off-label."
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First Published:
February 18, 2026, 19:57 IST
News world Are Liquid Brazilian Butt Lifts Dangerous? All You Need To Know Amid UK MP’s Demand For Ban
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