Celebrity Injector Banned Following ITV News Investigation into Hazardous Liquid BBL Procedures
A recent investigation by ITV News has unveiled shocking revelations surrounding a so-called Brazilian butt lift (BBL) specialist who has now been banned from practicing cosmetic procedures across England and Wales. This ban is a significant move toward ensuring safety in the aesthetics industry, as highlighted by ITV News reporter Cree-Summer Haughton.
The Shocking Downfall of Ricky Sawyer
Ricky Sawyer, a celebrity aesthetician who has worked with public figures like Katie Price, gained notoriety for offering "non-surgical BBLs"—a service involving dermal fillers injected into the buttocks. On May 28, 2028, a court injunction was issued against him, restricting him from practicing until then due to a series of botched treatments that left many clients with severe injuries.
A Growing Concern
ITV News’s investigation first began in 2023 and aimed to expose the unregulated and dangerous practices surrounding BBL procedures. The findings revealed that Sawyer was performing high-risk treatments in unsanitary and unverified locations, resulting in life-altering complications for several women.
Direct Accounts from Victims
Among those affected is Louise Moller, who recounted her terrifying experience of being "20 minutes from death" after developing sepsis due to her treatment. Many others reported similar dire consequences, including tissue necrosis and severe infections from filler-based BBL procedures conducted in places as informal as rented office blocks.
Louise’s mother, Janet, expressed her relief over the ban but emphasized the need for further regulatory reforms in the aesthetics industry. “We absolutely welcome this. It’s absolutely amazing, and everything we were hoping for,” she stated. “But more could be done. We need justice for all the harm that has been caused.”
Uncovering the Underbelly of the Aesthetics Industry
The investigation by ITV News also revealed the disturbing prevalence of unregulated BBL practices across the UK. Following their exposé, numerous women came forward with alarming stories of harm, including accounts from Bonnie-Louise Cooper. "I’m so glad [Sawyer] has now been faced with a ban from carrying out this procedure,” she shared. “It gives us some peace, knowing he can’t hurt anyone else.”
Despite previous attempts to shut down his operations, Sawyer persistently resumed under new business names, further complicating efforts to protect potential victims. His social media accounts, filled with celebrity endorsements and deceptive before-and-after images, masked the tragic reality of the complications faced by many of his clients.
Legal Action and Consequences
The successful legal action brought by Trafford Council resulted in the injunction against Sawyer, who is now restricted from providing any aesthetic treatments or even possessing medical equipment meant for such purposes. This significant ruling emphasizes local authorities’ commitment to safeguarding residents from dangerous cosmetic procedures.
A representative from Trafford Council remarked, “We work hard to protect our residents from harm, including potentially injurious cosmetic procedures. Evidence demonstrated that Sawyer’s practices in unhygienic pop-up venues had caused serious infections, leading to emergency surgeries in some cases."
Moving Forward
As Sawyer faces the repercussions of his reckless practices, the crackdown on unregulated aesthetic procedures continues. The growing scandal within the UK’s cosmetic surgery landscape underscores a compelling need for further oversight and regulation in the industry.
For anyone contemplating cosmetic procedures, expert advice from the NHS is strongly recommended. And if you’ve been affected by similar issues, please reach out to the ITV News Investigation team in confidence at [email protected].
This disturbing saga not only highlights the dangers of unregulated treatments but also calls for a collective effort to ensure safety and accountability in the aesthetic industry. Stay informed and prioritize your health—the consequences of neglect can be devastating.
