A 59-year-old mother from Hertfordshire, Julia Lanni, recently underwent a troubling experience following a session of fat dissolving injections at a local salon, which resulted in severe complications. Lanni, who is a child support worker, sought the treatment as a means to boost her confidence after struggling with her weight for years. On August 22, 2023, she paid £120 for 16 injections in hopes of achieving a more positive body image.
However, just days later, Lanni began to experience intense pain, swelling, and the formation of a significant abscess on her abdomen, which was described as being the size of a fist and later likened to a small cabbage by her surgeon. By August 29, the condition worsened, prompting her to visit her GP, who prescribed antibiotics and referred her to the Accident & Emergency department. She was admitted to Lister Hospital in Stevenage, where she underwent emergency surgery at 3 AM on August 30 to remove the abscess, leaving her with a 7cm deep and 10cm wide hole in her abdomen.
The aftermath of the surgery has left Lanni not only with a 4cm scar but also with financial burdens amounting to £2,500 due to missed work during her recovery, which lasted five weeks. Speaking to Wales Online, Lanni expressed her distress regarding the outcome of the treatment, stating, “This treatment was certainly life changing, but not in the way I wanted. My confidence is even lower than it was before."
She highlighted that she had extensively researched the treatment online for over a month and had not seen abscesses listed as a potential side effect, believing that she had been misled by the consent form she had signed, which she felt was too general. Lanni noted that the salon appeared reputable, boasting positive reviews online, and she had confirmed that the treatment was compatible with her steroid medications needed for her health condition.
Kasim Usmani, a qualified NHS GP who trains healthcare professionals in safe aesthetic practices, commented on the risks associated with fat dissolving injections, emphasising the necessity of seeking treatment from qualified medical professionals who are trained in anatomy and correct product application. Usmani warned that many of the products used in non-medical settings might contain questionable ingredients, which can increase the risk of complications such as abscesses.
The makers of Aqualyx, one of the products used in fat dissolving injections, reiterated the importance of professional administration and expressed regret regarding Lanni's experience. They reinforced that their product should only be administered by trained healthcare professionals in clinical environments to ensure patient safety, which they stated has historically been their top priority. They noted that the UK allows non-medical personnel to perform aesthetic procedures, heightening risk for patients, and urged individuals to ensure they receive treatment from qualified practitioners in safe settings.
Source: Noah Wire Services