The Dangers of Non-Surgical BBL: Why Regulation in Aesthetics Training Is Crucial.

The recent tragic death of Alice Webb, a 33-year-old mother of five, following a non-surgical Brazilian

Butt Lift (BBL) using dermal fillers, has cast a spotlight on the risks of such procedures. It has also underscored a much broader issue—the lack of regulation in the aesthetics industry, especially around training standards. This case highlights the urgent need for change to protect both patients and practitioners alike.

What is a Non-Surgical BBL?

A non-surgical BBL involves the injection of dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, into the buttocks to increase volume and enhance shape. While it may appear to be a safer, less invasive alternative to traditional surgical BBLs, the reality is that this treatment comes with significant risks.

The Risks of Non-Surgical BBLs

The use of dermal fillers in high volumes, especially in areas like the buttocks, increases the risk of serious complications. The key risks include:

• Vascular Occlusion: If filler is injected into or near blood vessels, it can block circulation, potentially leading to tissue death, stroke, or even blindness.

• Infection: The use of non-sterile tools or environments can introduce bacteria, leading to infections that could spread and cause long-term damage.

• Volume-Related Issues: Large amounts of filler can cause issues like lumps, unevenness, and adverse reactions that are difficult to reverse.

  
  

The Lack of Regulation in Aesthetics Training

One of the most troubling aspects of the aesthetics industry is the poor regulation around training. At present, there are no strict rules around who can train individuals in aesthetics, how long training should last, or how many procedures trainees must perform to be deemed “competent.”

• No Standard for Trainers: Almost anyone can set up an aesthetics training course, with no real oversight on the quality of teaching or expertise of the trainer.

• Limited Practical Experience: Many training academies only offer students minimal hands-on experience. In some cases, four students may inject one model, each doing only a quarter of the lips, and then receive a certificate of competency. They are expected to practice independently after this, but many lack the experience, confidence, and knowledge to manage complications.

• No Requirement for Ongoing Support: Many training programs do not offer mentorship or further opportunities to shadow more experienced practitioners. This leaves new practitioners poorly prepared and unsupported when they encounter complications.

  
  

At Dr. Keiron Lord Academy, we take a different approach. Our students treat multiple models and patients during their training to ensure they build competence and confidence. They also receive ongoing mentorship and are welcome to return for shadowing days to reinforce their skills. This is vital for creating practitioners who can perform treatments safely and effectively.

The 'Wild West' of the UK Aesthetics Industry

The UK has earned a reputation as the "wild west" of the aesthetics industry, largely because anyone—whether a qualified medical professional or not—can legally administer Botox or dermal fillers. The industry is plagued by unregulated training courses that offer little in the way of safety, and as a result, there’s a rising number of complications and complaints. For example, in 2020, Save Face, an industry body, registered over 2,000 complaints, a sharp rise from the 378 complaints in 2017.

With no clear requirements for training and qualifications, nearly anyone can take a basic course, receive a certificate, and begin offering treatments without the necessary knowledge or experience to do so safely. This has created a breeding ground for mistakes, poorly executed procedures, and a lack of accountability.

The Need for Regulation

As things stand, the UK government is still discussing plans for regulating non-surgical procedures like Botox and fillers. While change may be coming, it’s unlikely that a licensing system will be introduced before 2025 at the earliest. In the meantime, the risks for patients persist, and it’s essential for practitioners to seek thorough, high-quality training and continuously improve their skills.

Why Proper Training Matters

With non-surgical procedures like BBLs and dermal fillers booming in popularity, it’s vital that those administering these treatments are well-trained and capable of managing complications. A single mistake can have life-altering consequences, and the lack of mandatory safety protocols in training courses makes this an industry-wide issue.

At Dr. Keiron Lord Academy, we not only teach advanced injection techniques, but also how to identify and manage complications, such as vascular occlusions, bruising, lumps, and infections. We use advanced tools like UltraX Ultrasound, which allows us to visualize the anatomy beneath the skin in real-time, ensuring safe injections and minimizing risks. It’s this level of dedication to safety that every practitioner should strive for—and it’s why it’s critical that practitioners are fully prepared before they begin offering treatments.

Conclusion: We Must Do Better

The tragic death of Alice Webb is a stark reminder of what can happen when proper safety standards are not in place. The UK’s lack of regulation around aesthetics training and procedures is leaving both clients and practitioners vulnerable. We urgently need to push for better industry standards, but in the meantime, it’s essential that practitioners seek out thorough, responsible training programs that offer the hands-on experience and mentorship needed to perform treatments safely.

If you’re a practitioner looking for more in-depth training, or if you’ve had a procedure elsewhere and are concerned about complications, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. At Dr. Keiron Lord Aesthetics, your safety is our top priority.