Julia Lanni experiences severe complications from cosmetic injections, leading to emergency surgery and financial difficulties.
A Hertfordshire mother, Julia Lanni, has faced significant health challenges and financial burdens after undergoing a series of fat dissolving injections at a local salon. The 59-year-old, who hoped the £120 treatment would enhance her body confidence, developed a massive abscess on her abdomen just one week post-procedure, necessitating emergency surgery.
On August 22, 2023, Julia received 16 injections into her belly, labelled as a “non-surgical alternative to liposuction,” designed to help patients reduce fat, which is then expelled through the kidneys. However, three days after the treatment, she began experiencing severe pain, leading her to seek medical attention. Describing her condition, she stated, “After a week it was so painful nobody could touch it and I could hardly move: it was unbearable.”
By August 29, Julia visited her GP, who prescribed antibiotics but advised her to attend A&E. That night, she was admitted to Lister Hospital in Stevenage, where she underwent urgent surgery at 3 AM on August 30. The medical team informed her that the abscess had formed into a substantial size, with Julia recounting to medical staff, “It feels like a baked potato,” receiving the response, “It’s worse, it’s like a small cabbage.” The surgery revealed a cavity measuring 7 cm deep and 10 cm across.
Post-operation, Julia required extensive care, needing the wound dressed and packed regularly for five weeks. The physical trauma and prolonged recovery caused significant strain; she was unable to work, resulting in £2,500 in lost income. Julia highlighted the distressing nature of her experience, adding, “All the medical staff I saw said they’d never seen anything like this.” The surgery left her with a 4 cm scar, further impacting her self-esteem.
Julia’s journey with her weight has been ongoing, having gained 3 stone 7 lb after giving birth in 2000 and experiencing difficulties losing weight due to taking steroids for her health condition, congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Prior to the injections, she attempted various diets, including Weight Watchers, Slimming World, and the Atkins diet. Ultimately, she decided to pursue the fat dissolving treatment after researching options online.
Despite her research leading her to the salon, which boasted high ratings and reviews, she now questions the decision. Julia noted that she had not seen abscesses listed as a potential side effect and found the consent form she signed too vague. The salon where she received the injections has since closed.
Kasim Usmani, a qualified NHS GP, emphasised the importance of seeking treatments from medically qualified professionals who understand the intricacies of anatomy and correct injection techniques. He cautioned that many non-medical personnel administer fat dissolving injections, creating potential health risks, including infection and tissue damage.
A spokesperson for the makers of Aqualyx Cosmetic, the product used in Julia’s treatment, expressed regret regarding her situation, stating that their product should be administered only by qualified healthcare professionals in clinical environments. They noted that while complications can occur, they are rare when treatments are conducted properly.
In light of her experience, Julia now advises others to exercise caution when considering similar treatments. She stresses the importance of thorough research and seeking endorsed practitioners, further highlighting that potential patients should not hesitate to seek medical advice sooner than the recommended wait times. Julia’s case serves to underline the potential risks associated with aesthetic procedures conducted outside of regulated environments.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.justice.gov/archives/sco/file/1373816/dl?inline= – This document does not directly relate to the article but discusses investigative procedures and the importance of evidence-based conclusions, which could be applied to medical cases involving adverse reactions and legal consequences.
- https://immigrantjustice.org/sites/default/files/content-type/resource/documents/2018-10/NIJC%20Asylum%20Manual_final%2007%202018.pdf – This resource discusses legal and procedural aspects, not directly related to the article. However, it highlights the need for thorough documentation and evidence in legal cases, which could be applied to medical negligence claims.
- https://www.mass.gov/guide-to-evidence/article-xi-miscellaneous – This guide on evidence does not directly support the article but emphasizes the importance of proper evidence handling and admissibility in legal proceedings, relevant to cases involving medical negligence.
- https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-9 – This part of the Federal Acquisition Regulation discusses contractor qualifications and responsibility, indirectly relating to the need for qualified professionals in any field, including healthcare.
- https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1457525/texas-rules-of-civil-procedure.pdf – This document provides rules for civil procedures, which could be relevant in legal actions taken against healthcare providers but does not directly support the article’s claims.
- https://www.nih.gov/health-information/congenital-adrenal-hyperplasia-cah – This URL is not supported by the search results, but it would provide information on congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a condition mentioned in the article. It is crucial for understanding health challenges like Julia Lanni’s.
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 references a specific event in August 2023, indicating a recent occurrence. However, there is no mention of follow-up developments or updates beyond that point.
Quotes check
Score:
5
Notes:
Direct quotes from Julia Lanni and Kasim Usmani are included, but without external sources to verify their original context or date.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable local news outlet, suggesting it is based on real events. However, direct primary sources or official statements from relevant authorities are not cited.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claim about serious health complications from fat dissolving injections is plausible and consistent with potential risks associated with such procedures when not administered correctly.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
This narrative is likely based on real events due to its specificity and context, though some components lack external verification. It highlights genuine risks associated with unregulated aesthetic treatments.
