'They should be banned': Northampton GP joins calls for tighter regulations on BBLs
MPs urge government to crack down on unsafe cosmetic procedures
Aesthetic doctor Dr Shefali Kotecha from Northampton has voiced strong support for a government ban on Brazilian butt lift (BBL) surgeries, aligning with fresh calls from MPs concerned about the lack of regulation in cosmetic procedures.
A BBL is a non‑surgical enhancement that uses dermal fillers injected into the buttocks to add volume and change their shape.
The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) of MPs has criticised Ministers for not acting swiftly enough to introduce mandatory licensing for non-surgical cosmetic procedures. They describe the industry as a "wild west" due to unregulated practices.
A recent WEC report states: ''High-harm procedures such as the liquid Brazilian butt lift (BBL), which has resulted in fatalities, should be banned immediately without further consultation.''
Dr Kotecha, who is also a GP, highlights the dangers of BBL procedures, which have been reported being conducted in unsafe locations such as hotel rooms and garden sheds due to insufficient industry oversight.
" I feel quite strongly that these liquid BBL procedures should be banned."
Dr Kotecha asserted: "These methods are incredibly unsafe, often involving large volumes of filler injected into areas with many blood vessels, increasing risks of blockage, infection, and inflammation."
There is currently no regulation on who can perform non‑surgical cosmetic treatments, from fillers and Botox to laser therapy and chemical peels.
Dr Kotecha expressed concern over practitioners lacking requisite medical knowledge, which in turn can result in life threatening infections:
"These procedures are often carried out by individuals without proper training in unregulated environments, using products that may not be approved. This raises the risk of serious complications significantly."
"Anyone can pick up a needle and start injecting – it's absolutely crazy.''
Having worked in a hospital and seeing patients with complications from aesthetic treatments, Dr Kotecha shared:
'' I've seen patients come in with quite serious complications from aesthetic treatments.''
"It's sad when patients return to their practitioner only to be blocked or dismissed because that practitioner lacks the means or knowledge to handle issues." She added.
She stressed that many patients are influenced by marketing and social media, unaware of the potential dangers, pointing out the need for better regulation: ''These are medical treatments and should be conducted by qualified professionals."
Urging governmental action to protect people from unsafe cosmetic procedures, Dr Kotecha advocates for safer alternatives:
''There are alternative treatments available, and patients should consult highly skilled surgeons with appropriate qualifications."
"The government should have had a wake-up call by now.''