City Council Serves Notice on ‘Brazilian Butt Lifts’

The City of Wolverhampton Council has taken a groundbreaking step by issuing a prohibition notice to a local business, Clinique Modele Aesthetics, for providing non-surgical 'Brazilian Butt Lifts.' This action marks the first instance in England where a local authority has acted against a premises offering this particular procedure.

The decision to serve the notice was made after a thorough evaluation of the skills, knowledge, and experience of the practitioners involved, as well as an assessment of the available equipment on-site. Expert opinion from a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon further supported the council's decision. The surgeon's report highlighted the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure, including life-threatening conditions such as pulmonary embolism, sepsis, deep vein thrombosis, and tissue necrosis.

Upon assessment, Clinique Modele Aesthetics failed to demonstrate that its staff possessed adequate training, skills, and knowledge to perform buttock augmentation while minimizing the risk of complications like pulmonary embolism and sepsis. Additionally, the business was found to be ill-equipped to recognize and handle potential complications during the procedure and lacked the ability to provide proper consent, including psychological assessment where necessary. Insufficient staffing, absence of suitable equipment such as an ultrasound machine, and the inability to administer medication in case of complications were also noted.

As a result, Clinique Modele Aesthetics is now prohibited from conducting these activities at their premises or any other location in Great Britain. No appeal was lodged against the notice. It is worth noting that the popularity of both surgical and non-surgical 'Brazilian Butt Lifts' has significantly increased in recent years. However, there is currently no standardized licensing scheme in England for businesses offering this procedure.

A public consultation is anticipated under the Health and Care Act 2022 to grant the government the authority to introduce a licensing scheme, although the timeline for this has yet to be determined. Due to the serious risks involved, unless performed by a practitioner listed on the General Medical Council Specialist Register, it is likely that the procedure will be excluded from the scheme.

In the absence of such a licensing scheme, the City of Wolverhampton Council has taken proactive measures to protect residents from potential harm by utilizing existing powers provided by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment and climate change at the City of Wolverhampton Council, expressed the rationale behind issuing the prohibition notice, stating that the decision was based on expert medical advice and aimed at preventing harm to residents. He emphasized the potential serious injuries, pain, and even fatalities that can occur when these procedures are carried out without the required level of training and skills, and the council's commitment to proactive measures in identifying and investigating other businesses offering similar services.

Marc Pacifico, President of The BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) and a consultant plastic surgeon, expressed his thoughts on the matter, stating,

"BAAPS is dedicated to promoting patient safety in aesthetic procedures and surgery. We fully endorse the decisions made by the City of Wolverhampton Council. The risks associated with filler injection can be substantial, especially when administered blindly into the buttocks. Moreover, the absence of medical training in both the procedure itself and in identifying and managing risks and complications puts patients at significant risk of harm. We hope that other councils across the UK will follow this example of decisive action in order to safeguard the public."

Residents and businesses with concerns can reach out to the City of Wolverhampton Council via email: environmentalhealth@wolverhampton.gov.uk.