Alice Webb Dies After Liquid BBL Procedure, Raising Concerns Over Aesthetic Safety

Beauty Therapist, Alice Webb, prior to her non-surgical BBL procedure.

Alice Webb, 33-year-old beauty therapist and mother of five, tragically passed away after undergoing a non-surgical "liquid Brazilian Butt Lift" (BBL) procedure in Gloucestershire. Webb is the first person in the UK to die from complications related to this procedure, sparking an investigation by Gloucestershire Police. Two individuals have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, though they have been released on bail as investigations continue.

The liquid BBL, marketed as a safer, non-surgical alternative to traditional fat transfer procedures, involves injecting fillers like hyaluronic acid into the buttocks. However, experts warn that this procedure carries significant risks, including infection, vascular occlusion, and sepsis, especially when performed by unqualified practitioners. In Alice's case, it is believed the procedure was conducted by an untrained individual, which has intensified calls for stricter regulations in the cosmetic industry.

Lesley Blair MBE, CEO and Chair of BABTAC & CIBTAC, shared her thoughts, "This is shocking and awful to see and is another example of where we need the correct oversight, backed by legislation, in place as soon as possible. It demonstrates how imperative it is to have legal oversight in the industry, to avoid tragedies like this from happening."

Alice's death highlights ongoing issues in the aesthetics industry, where unregulated practices have led to dangerous outcomes. Campaigns for the introduction of stricter laws and licensing for non-surgical cosmetic treatments, such as those led by organisations like Save Face, are gaining traction. These campaigns aim to prevent such tragedies by ensuring only qualified professionals are allowed to perform these high-risk procedures.

Tristan Mehta, Founder and CEO of Harley Academy stresses “The UK urgently needs tighter regulatory frameworks to ensure only medically qualified practitioners can administer treatments, especially those as complex and potentially dangerous as BBLs. While BBLs are considered surgical, non-surgical aesthetic treatments such as dermal fillers and injectables are also being carried out by individuals who lack even the most basic medical qualifications. As it stands, almost anyone can legally perform these procedures with minimal or no training - this is simply unacceptable in an industry dealing with people’s health and well-being.”