Brazilian butt-lift injector banned from carrying out cosmetic procedures

BBC News

4 days ago

A self-styled "beauty consultant" who specialises in liquid Brazilian butt-lifts (BBLs) has been banned from carrying out any form of cosmetic surgery across England and Wales following a BBC investigation.Ricky Sawyer was found to be performing risky BBL treatments - which involve injecting up to 1,000ml of dermal filler into clients' buttocks to make them look bigger. He was exposed while working in a rented office block in London, performing dangerous procedures and handing over medication illegally.The BBC's findings were submitted to Manchester Civil Justice Centre as part of a civil action brought forward by Trafford Council.
On Wednesday a judge granted an injunction against Mr Sawyer, banning him from carrying out or arranging cosmetic surgeries in England and Wales until 27 May 2028.
'Shocking suffering'
The court heard evidence that included video footage from the BBC's original documentary, and graphic pictures of one of Mr Sawyer's client's injuries.James Parry, the lawyer who brought the case on behalf of Trafford Council, told the judge that the injuries were akin to that of "serious knife crime".Mr Parry later told the BBC: "I think that the level of injury that people have suffered and have produced evidence of their suffering of is quite shocking."Judge McAdam, in granting the injunction, agreed that the images were "shocking" and concluded that the breadth of the order was necessary to prevent further public harm.
The injunction prohibits Mr Sawyer from undertaking or facilitating any invasive cosmetic procedures, including but not limited to the BBL, anywhere in England and Wales. It also bars him from possessing related surgical equipment or any antibiotics typically used in such treatments, unless prescribed for his own use.The court attached a power of arrest to key clauses in the order, meaning police may arrest Mr Sawyer without a warrant if he is found to be in breach of its terms.Mr Sawyer has been given 21 days to challenge the injunction.
The BBC has heard testimony from nearly 40 women who reported serious complications, including sepsis and necrosis, after undergoing procedures by Mr Sawyer.Ashley, 27, attended one of Mr Sawyer's pop-up clinics last spring, and said she was drawn to Mr Sawyer by his low prices and celebrity endorsements.She travelled from her home in Liverpool to London and was directed to an office block. Despite misgivings about the location, she decided to go through with it.She said that after the injections started the pain was instant. "I nearly fainted" she said.At one point Ashley turned around and saw Mr Sawyer covered in blood. "He butchered me, there is no other word for it."Ashley said she left the clinic barely able to walk and covered in blood. Three days later, she was rushed to hospital with an infection and told she could have died without treatment.While Ashely has made a full recovery her voice still shakes when she recounts the experience at Mr Sawyer's hands.Reacting to Wednesday's court proceedings, Ashley said: "I am relieved, it makes me feel that we're being taken seriously."
Several councils have banned Mr Sawyer from practising in their areas.And since the BBC documentary aired three further councils - Trafford, Salford and Manchester - have also banned him.Trafford Council said it would continue to monitor compliance with the injunction and encouraged anyone with information about unlawful cosmetic procedures to come forward.