Julia Lanni, a 59-year-old mother from Hertfordshire, underwent a series of fat-dissolving injections at a local salon on 22 August 2023, paying £120 for the treatment in hopes of improving her body confidence. However, in the days following the procedure, Lanni experienced severe complications, developing a large abscess on her abdomen that prompted an emergency medical intervention.

One week post-treatment, Lanni found herself in excruciating pain and was rushed to A&E at Lister Hospital in Stevenage, where doctors determined she needed urgent surgery. The infected area on her torso was described by the surgical team as being fist-sized, with Lanni recalling that the surgeon commented it resembled “a small cabbage.” The abscess, once surgically drained, left her with a significant wound measuring 10cm across and 7cm deep.

Describing the ordeal, Lanni stated, “This treatment was certainly life changing, but not in the way I wanted. My confidence is even lower than it was before. My weight was the same after the treatment and I’ve been left with a scar.” The complications resulted in an unexpected financial burden as well, leaving her approximately £2,500 in debt due to lost income during the five weeks she was unable to work.

The treatment she received had been marketed online as a “non-surgical alternative to liposuction,” claiming to facilitate fat absorption through the kidneys. Despite the promotional narratives suggesting such procedures were generally safe, reports indicate that while infections or abscesses are considered “rare,” risks do exist, particularly at the injection site.

Prior to seeking the injections, Lanni’s weight had fluctuated significantly, particularly after gaining 3st 7lb following the birth of her son in 2000 and facing further challenges during menopause. Over the years, she had tried multiple diet plans, including Weight Watchers, Slimming World, and Atkins, but struggled to see lasting results. In July 2023, she discovered the fat-dissolving jab online and felt compelled to try it.

Upon receiving the treatment, Lanni was instructed by the practitioner to monitor her condition for three to four days before seeking further medical assistance if needed. Initially, she experienced discomfort and swelling, which she attempted to alleviate with wet paper towels. However, after just three days, the pain became intolerable, leading her to consult her GP on 29 August, who prescribed antibiotics and advised immediate hospital treatment.

Following the emergency surgery in the early hours of 30 August, Lanni had to return to her GP over the next five weeks for wound care, describing the pain at the wound site as akin to “hundreds of bee stings.”

Despite her tumultuous experience, Lanni faces challenges in seeking any form of compensation, as she had signed a consent form that cited abscess formation as a potential side effect—though she noted she had not encountered this information during her prior research. The salon she visited has since closed, adding to her difficulties.

In light of her experience, Lanni advises potential patients to exercise caution when considering such treatments, recommending they consult experienced professionals and not to delay seeking medical advice should complications arise. She also suggested that individuals should be fully informed about all potential side effects before proceeding with any aesthetic procedures.

Kasim Usmani, an NHS GP specialising in safe aesthetic practices, addressed the risks associated with fat-dissolving injections, stating that it is critical patients receive treatment from medically qualified personnel familiar with the anatomical nuances of the area being injected. He pointed out that many products available online may contain questionable ingredients, which can lead to significant complications—highlighting that even approved products carry risks when administered outside of a controlled medical environment.

The makers of the Aqualyx injection, the product used in Lanni’s case, expressed regret regarding her situation, emphasising that the product is intended for administration solely by trained healthcare professionals. They reinforced the importance of safe practices in aesthetic treatments and the necessity for patients to ensure they are seeking care in appropriate clinical settings.

Source: Noah Wire Services