A court injunction has prohibited Rick Sawyer, an unqualified cosmetic injector, from performing procedures following investigations revealing dangerous practices and severe health complications, including life-threatening sepsis. Experts and officials urge tougher regulation as the surge in risky non-surgical treatments exposes regulatory gaps.
A recent court decision has spotlighted the alarming risks associated with non-surgical cosmetic procedures, particularly the liquid Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). The decision follows a damning investigation by the BBC, which unveiled the reckless actions of Rick Sawyer, a self-styled “beauty consultant” without any formal healthcare qualifications. Sawyer was found to be injecting clients with staggering amounts of dermal filler—up to 1,000ml—into their buttocks, leading to severe complications, including life-threatening infections such as sepsis.
The president of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Mark Elliot, harshly criticises the regulatory framework that has failed to adapt to the increasing prevalence of cosmetic procedures, especially those promoted via social media. He remarked that the most hazardous cosmetic procedures should be classified as surgical, reserved solely for qualified and regulated practitioners. This sentiment highlights broader concerns about the lack of regulation in the cosmetic industry, where unlicensed individuals can exploit vulnerable patients seeking aesthetic enhancements.
Sawyer’s practices came to light in a chilling documentary that depicted him operating out of an unlicensed office space in London. Here, women endured botched procedures that resulted in hospitalisation for complications ranging from sepsis to the complete necrosis of tissue. This stark reality is underscored by testimonies from various women who portrayed their horrifying experiences. One such victim, Ashley, recounted leaving the clinic “covered in blood” and nearly unable to walk, only to later be diagnosed with sepsis, a condition that can escalate rapidly and prove fatal without prompt medical intervention.
One particularly harrowing case involves a 29-year-old woman from Dublin who developed a life-threatening abscess at the injection site 14 months after receiving a cosmetic bum lift. This case underscores the potential for delayed complications associated with such procedures—a phenomenon that raises serious questions about aftercare and the quality of materials used in non-surgical enhancements.
The court’s injunction against Sawyer, which prohibits him from performing any cosmetic procedures until 2028, reflects a growing recognition of the need for stricter regulations within the industry. It also empowers local councils to monitor compliance and take action against practitioners operating beyond the law. As echoing voices highlight, numerous councils across the UK have already moved to ban certain procedures provided by unlicensed entities, responding to the public outcry and increasing scrutiny on the safety of non-surgical cosmetics.
Notably, the rise of social media has played a significant role in popularising risky cosmetic procedures, often with little regard for safety and health ramifications. Celebrities, such as Katie Price, have been associated with these clinics, raising ethical questions about their responsibility in endorsing services that may jeopardise the health of their followers. The narrative surrounding Sawyer serves as a critical warning to the public about selecting experienced, reputable professionals for cosmetic enhancements, as the consequences of choosing shortcuts can be catastrophic.
Ultimately, the disturbing revelations from cases like Sawyer’s could serve as a catalyst for much-needed reform in the cosmetic surgery industry. Experts are now championing the introduction of a licensing scheme for non-surgical procedures in England. Such a scheme would aim to ensure that practitioners possess the necessary qualifications and operate in hygienic conditions, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the industry and the health of clients.
The facts remain clear: the allure of quick aesthetic fixes can lead to devastating outcomes when performed irresponsibly. As testimony after testimony unveils the tragic realities of cosmetic complications, it becomes paramount that regulatory bodies act decisively to prevent further harm and establish rigorous standards in the burgeoning world of cosmetic enhancements.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14764693/Katie-Prices-butt-lift-injector-BANNED-sepsis.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.independent.ie/news/woman-29-hospitalised-for-18-days-with-sepsis-a-year-after-cosmetic-bum-lift-procedure/40574134.html – A 29-year-old woman in Dublin developed sepsis 14 months after receiving a cosmetic bum lift. She was admitted to St James’s Hospital with nausea and an abscess at the injection site. Doctors drained the abscess and administered antibiotics, leading to her recovery. This case highlights potential complications of buttock augmentation procedures, emphasising the importance of choosing reputable cosmetic surgeons. The exact cause of the delayed infection remains unclear, but the presence of unusual bacteria suggests a biofilm on the dermal filler may have contributed to the infection.
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyk521rrxyo – A BBC investigation exposed Ricky Sawyer, a self-styled ‘beauty consultant’ with celebrity clients like Katie Price, for offering dangerous cosmetic procedures. Sawyer performed liquid Brazilian butt-lifts (BBLs) involving large dermal filler injections into clients’ buttocks without proper qualifications. Several women required emergency hospital treatment after these procedures, with complications such as sepsis and tissue death. Undercover footage revealed Sawyer illegally distributing antibiotics and administering increasing doses of local anaesthetic without a prescriber present, posing significant health risks to patients.
- https://www.itv.com/news/2023-12-11/20-minutes-from-death-when-non-surgical-bbl-fillers-go-wrong – ITV News investigated the dangers of non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedures in the UK. The report featured Louise Moller, a 27-year-old who underwent a liquid BBL at Lift Aesthetics in Essex, a clinic endorsed by Katie Price. Post-procedure, Moller experienced severe pain, redness, and swelling, leading to a life-threatening infection diagnosed as sepsis. She required emergency surgery to drain abscesses and remove dead tissue. The investigation underscores the risks associated with non-surgical BBLs and the importance of proper aftercare and hygiene.
- https://gizmodo.com/a-woman-developed-life-threatening-sepsis-14-months-aft-1847160661 – A 29-year-old woman in Dublin developed life-threatening sepsis 14 months after receiving cosmetic buttock fillers. She was admitted to St James’s Hospital with nausea and an abscess at the injection site. Doctors drained the abscess and administered antibiotics, leading to her recovery. This case highlights potential complications of buttock augmentation procedures, emphasising the importance of choosing reputable cosmetic surgeons. The exact cause of the delayed infection remains unclear, but the presence of unusual bacteria suggests a biofilm on the dermal filler may have contributed to the infection.
- https://www.inquirer.com/health/brazilian-butt-lift-philadelphia-complications-infections-illegal-med-spas-20250123.html – A woman in Philadelphia developed a severe infection after receiving a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) at an unlicensed med spa. She was diagnosed with cellulitis, a bacterial skin and tissue infection, and required emergency surgery to drain abscesses and remove infected tissue. The incident underscores the risks associated with unregulated cosmetic procedures and the importance of choosing licensed and reputable providers. The woman had been charged $1,250 for the procedure, significantly lower than typical costs, raising concerns about the quality and safety of the treatment.
- https://news.stv.tv/world/aesthetic-clinic-with-celebrity-clients-investigated-after-botched-procedures – ITV News reported on Lift Aesthetics, an Essex-based beauty clinic with celebrity clients like Katie Price, under investigation for botched non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedures. Several women reported severe complications, including sepsis and tissue death, after undergoing treatments at the clinic. The report highlights the dangers of non-surgical BBLs and the importance of proper aftercare and hygiene. The clinic’s endorsement by celebrities raises questions about the responsibility of public figures in promoting cosmetic procedures and the need for stringent regulations in the industry.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is based on a recent BBC investigation into Ricky Sawyer’s practices, with the earliest known publication date being February 2025. The Daily Mail article appears to be a republished version of this investigation, which is common for press releases. The inclusion of updated data may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The narrative has been republished across various outlets, including low-quality sites and clickbait networks. The BBC investigation serves as the primary source, warranting a high freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
Direct quotes from the BBC investigation are used in the narrative. The earliest known usage of these quotes is from the BBC’s February 2025 report. The wording of the quotes matches the original source, indicating they are not reused from earlier material. No online matches were found for these quotes in other sources, suggesting they are original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a reputable UK newspaper. However, the article appears to be a republished version of the BBC’s investigation, which is a common practice for press releases. The BBC investigation serves as the primary source, and the Daily Mail’s republishing may affect the overall reliability score.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims in the narrative are corroborated by the BBC’s investigation and other reputable sources, including ITV News. The narrative provides specific details, such as the involvement of Katie Price and the legal actions taken against Ricky Sawyer, which are consistent with the original reports. The language and tone are consistent with typical journalistic standards, and the structure focuses on the key issues without excessive or off-topic detail.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative is based on a recent BBC investigation into Ricky Sawyer’s cosmetic procedures, with the earliest known publication date being February 2025. The Daily Mail article appears to be a republished version of this investigation, which is common for press releases. The quotes used in the narrative match the original source, indicating they are not reused from earlier material. The claims in the narrative are corroborated by the BBC’s investigation and other reputable sources, including ITV News. The language and tone are consistent with typical journalistic standards, and the structure focuses on the key issues without excessive or off-topic detail. However, the reliance on a republished source and the presence of the narrative across various outlets, including low-quality sites and clickbait networks, raise concerns about the originality and potential for disinformation.
