•Lagos socialite popularly known as “Elena”
The Lagos State government has commenced an investigation into the reported death of a Lagos socialite popularly known as “Elena”, who allegedly died after undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift cosmetic procedure, popularly known as BBL, at an unnamed clinic in the state.
A buttock enlargement procedure is a cosmetic surgery that involves removing fat from other parts of the body and injecting it into the buttocks to achieve a rounder and fuller shape, reports The PUNCH.
The probe is being conducted through the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, the regulatory body responsible for monitoring and accrediting health facilities in Lagos.
In a statement issued today by the Permanent Secretary, Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, Abiola Idowu, the government said the investigation followed reports circulating on social media alleging that the woman developed complications after the aesthetic procedure.
The statement noted that the complications were reported to have occurred during or shortly after the surgery.
“The Lagos State Government, through the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (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 development follows reports circulating on social media alleging that the young woman developed complications after the aesthetic procedure, which reportedly occurred either during or shortly after the surgery.
“While details of the incident are still being verified, the State Government has assured the public that a thorough, professional, and transparent investigation has been initiated to determine the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate event”, the statement partly read.
The agency disclosed that preliminary findings indicated the clinic where the procedure reportedly took place is registered with the regulatory agency, but stressed that registration does not shield any facility from investigation when patient safety concerns arise.
The statement continued, “Preliminary information indicates that the clinic where the procedure reportedly took place is registered with HEFAMAA.
“However, the agency notes that registration does not preclude any facility from regulatory scrutiny, particularly when incidents involving patient safety are reported.
“As the statutory regulatory body responsible for monitoring, licensing, and accrediting healthcare facilities in Lagos State, HEFAMAA ensures that all health facilities comply with established operational standards, professional guidelines, and patient safety protocols.”
According to the statement, aesthetic and cosmetic surgical procedures in Lagos are governed by clearly defined regulatory standards covering facility requirements, practitioner qualifications and patient safety measures.
“The agency reiterates that aesthetic and cosmetic surgical procedures are governed by clearly defined regulatory standards in Lagos State.
“These standards include requirements relating to facility infrastructure, practitioner qualifications, infection prevention and control protocols, patient consent procedures, anaesthetic safety, and emergency response capacity”, the agency added.
It added that the agency had begun a comprehensive review of the incident to determine whether the clinic and medical personnel complied with existing regulations.
“Consequently, HEFAMAA has commenced a comprehensive review of the incident, including an assessment of compliance with regulatory standards, verification of the professional credentials of the medical personnel involved, and evaluation of the level of care provided to the patient before, during, and after the procedure”, the statement further stated.
The agency urged the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that could undermine the investigation.
It also advised residents seeking cosmetic procedures to ensure they patronise only accredited health facilities and qualified medical practitioners.
“Members of the public are therefore urged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified or speculative information that may compromise the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
“The Lagos State Government also advises residents seeking cosmetic or aesthetic procedures to exercise due diligence by ensuring that such services are obtained only from accredited health facilities and qualified medical practitioners with the requisite training and competence.”
The agency reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of residents through stricter regulatory oversight and enforcement of healthcare standards.
“The government remains firmly committed to protecting the health and safety of all residents through strengthened regulatory oversight, continuous monitoring of healthcare facilities, and strict enforcement of healthcare standards across the state.
“Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses”, the agency concluded.
In August 2024, a 36-year-old woman identified only as Abiola died while undergoing a buttocks enlargement procedure at a clinic in the Lekki-Phase 1 area of Lagos State.
