A 30-year-old mother of three from Belfast, Melissa Crawford, has experienced severe complications following a “Liquid Brazilian Butt Lift” (BBL) procedure she purchased through Facebook.
Crawford, who had always felt self-conscious about her flat backside, sought the treatment to boost her confidence after childbirth.
In May this year, Crawford opted for a non-surgical BBL, which involves injecting dermal filler into the buttocks to enhance their appearance.
The procedure, priced at £1700, was performed using a large needle typically used for liposuction.
Despite her concerns, Crawford proceeded after reassurances from the salon, which was unfamiliar to her and lacked standard procedural documentation.
The aftermath of the procedure was dire. Within 24 hours, Crawford developed painful abscesses on her buttocks, which she described as more agonizing than childbirth.
The salon had used a liter of filler, but Crawford was not shown the product details or expiration dates.
The “Liquid BBL” differs from traditional BBLs, which involve fat transfer from other body areas.
While traditional BBLs are known for their high risk of severe complications, including death, the liquid version also poses significant dangers such as infection, allergic reactions, and nerve damage.
Crawford’s experience underscores the importance of thorough research and careful consideration when choosing cosmetic procedures, especially those found through social media.
