London, UK – The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) has urged the UK government to immediately ban Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs), warning that delays in regulating the cosmetic industry are putting lives at risk.
In a new report, the cross-party group of MPs criticised ministers for “not moving fast enough” to introduce a licensing system for non-surgical cosmetic procedures. The committee described the sector as a “wild west,” claiming that unqualified individuals are carrying out high-risk treatments in unsafe locations such as hotel rooms and private homes. MPs said liquid BBLs, which involve injecting dermal fillers into the buttocks, have been linked to fatalities and should be prohibited without further consultation.
While welcoming government plans to restrict high-risk procedures to qualified health professionals — a move they say would amount to a de facto ban — the committee insisted stronger and swifter action is needed. They also raised concerns about the influence of social media and face-editing technology in driving demand, and called for better NHS data on cosmetic surgeries carried out abroad.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said the government is taking steps to “crack down on cosmetic cowboys” and ensure only properly qualified professionals perform the highest-risk treatments. Ministers said they would respond fully to the committee’s recommendations in due course.
