Julia Lanni, a 59-year-old resident of Hertfordshire, recently faced a distressing health ordeal after undergoing a series of fat-dissolving injections known as Aqualyx, which she hoped would help her combat weight gain. Julia, who has struggled with her weight since gaining 3 stone 7 pounds after her son’s birth in 2000 and has battled the effects of steroid medication for a health condition, sought the treatment at a local salon. She paid £120 for 16 injections on her abdomen in a bid to regain her body confidence.

The treatment, which is marketed as a non-surgical alternative to liposuction, quickly spiralled into an urgent medical emergency. Just a week after the procedure on 22 August, Julia developed an abscess on her tummy, described as being the size of a fist. On 29 August, she was rushed to Lister Hospital in Stevenage, where emergency surgery revealed she had a gaping hole in her abdomen that measured 7cm deep and 10cm wide.

Recalling the experience, Julia 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 whole experience has been extremely distressing.” She went on to say, “The abscess was huge. I said to the surgeon, ‘it feels like a baked potato’, and he said ‘It’s worse, it’s like a small cabbage.’”

Julia’s ordeal did not stop post-surgery; for five weeks, she was required to return to her GP for dressing changes to the wound, which continued to cause her significant discomfort. By the time she had to take time off work due to her condition, she had incurred about £2,500 in lost wages, which she sourced from her savings.

Prior to the procedure, Julia spent over a month researching Aqualyx online but stated that she did not come across abscesses listed as a potential side effect. “I think the form I signed was much too general,” she noted, reflecting on the consent process. Despite her detailed research, Julia felt assured by the practitioner’s reassurance that the worst outcome would be that the treatment might not work at all.

Furthermore, she indicated that the salon where she received the injections seemed reputable, boasting excellent reviews and cleanliness, which led her to feel confident about her decision. However, she has since advised others to carefully consider such treatments and suggested that potential patients consult with practitioners who are personally recommended.

Kasim Usmani, a qualified NHS GP who trains healthcare professionals in safe aesthetic practice, emphasised the risks associated with fat-dissolving injections, stressing the importance of obtaining these treatments from medically qualified professionals. He explained that many injections are obtained from questionable sources, leading to serious complications, and added, “It is important to go to a medically qualified professional who understands the anatomy of the area being injected.”

A spokesperson for Aqualyx’s parent company, Marllor, expressed deep concern regarding Julia’s experience. They stated, “While we cannot speak to the specific circumstances of this case, we would like to make it unequivocally clear that Aqualyx Cosmetic is a product that must be administered exclusively by trained, qualified healthcare professionals in appropriate clinical environments.” They reiterated their commitment to patient safety and encouraged thorough research before undergoing treatment.

Julia’s story serves as a cautionary tale for potential patients considering similar aesthetic procedures, highlighting the necessity for informed decisions and qualified medical support in cosmetic treatments.

Source: Noah Wire Services