By Obinna Uballa
The Lagos State Government has launched an investigation into the reported death of a Lagos socialite popularly known as “Elena,” who allegedly died after undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure at a private clinic in the state.
The probe is being conducted through the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), the body responsible for monitoring and accrediting healthcare facilities in Lagos.
In a statement issued on Thursday, HEFAMAA’s Permanent Secretary, Abiola Idowu, said the investigation followed reports circulating on social media that the woman developed complications during or shortly after the cosmetic surgery.
According to the statement, the government has initiated a full and transparent inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Lagos State Government, through HEFAMAA, has commenced a full investigation into the reported death of a Lagos socialite popularly known as ‘Elena,’ who allegedly died after undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) cosmetic procedure at a clinic in the state,” the statement said.
It noted that although details of the incident are still being verified, authorities are committed to conducting a professional review to establish what happened.
A Brazilian Butt Lift is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing fat from other parts of the body and injecting it into the buttocks to enhance their shape and volume.
HEFAMAA disclosed that preliminary findings indicate the clinic where the procedure reportedly took place is registered with the agency. However, it stressed that registration does not exempt any facility from investigation where patient safety concerns arise.
“Preliminary information indicates that the clinic where the procedure reportedly took place is registered with HEFAMAA. However, registration does not preclude any facility from regulatory scrutiny, particularly when incidents involving patient safety are reported,” the agency said.
The agency explained that aesthetic and cosmetic surgical procedures in Lagos are regulated by strict standards covering facility infrastructure, practitioner qualifications, patient consent, infection control, anaesthetic safety and emergency response capacity.
It added that investigators have begun a comprehensive review to determine whether the clinic and medical personnel involved complied with the relevant regulations.
The review will include verification of the professional credentials of the practitioners, as well as an evaluation of the level of care provided to the patient before, during and after the procedure.
The latest case comes less than two years after a 36-year-old woman identified as Abiola died while undergoing a buttock enlargement procedure at a clinic in the Lekki Phase 1 area of Lagos.
Earlier in June 2022, another woman, identified as Crystabel, reportedly died after undergoing plastic surgery at a facility known as Cynosure Aesthetic Plastic Surg in Lagos.
HEFAMAA urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine the ongoing investigation.
The agency also advised residents seeking cosmetic procedures to ensure they patronise only accredited healthcare facilities and qualified medical practitioners.
It reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of residents through stricter monitoring of healthcare facilities and enforcement of medical standards.
According to the agency, further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
