“Not Approved for Human Use”: Two Gauteng Women Hospitalised After Unsafe Injectable BBL Procedures

• Two women were hospitalised after unsafe, unregulated BBL procedures, highlighting serious health risks
• Authorities are warning people about underground cosmetic treatments done without proper medical supervision
• Experts say BBLs can be risky, so it’s important to only go to qualified, registered surgeons for safe results

Two women in Gauteng were hospitalised after allegedly receiving unregulated injectable substances marketed for Brazilian B*** Lift (BBL) and sexual performance enhancement procedures. Health officials say the products were obtained through informal channels and administered outside regulated medical settings, raising immediate safety concerns.

According to health spokesperson, on a post by TimesLive on 14 May 2026, Steve Mabona, both patients suffered serious complications, including organ failure, after the injections. The substances are not approved for humans, and their composition remains unknown, making the risks difficult to predict.

"The department reiterates that such products are not approved for human use and their composition remains unknown, posing significant risks to public health and safety"

Read also

Viral gun video sparks concern as SAPS warns against dangerous social media trends

A growing underground trend

Health authorities say the cases reflect a broader rise in underground cosmetic and sexual enhancement procedures, often promoted on social media and carried out without medical oversight. Investigations are ongoing, with regulators working to trace the source of the substances and prevent further harm.

Officials are urging people to avoid any injectable treatments that are not prescribed and administered by qualified healthcare professionals, and to report illegal distribution of such products to authorities.

Risks of unsafe BBL procedures

According to plasticsurgery.org, BBLs remain popular for body contouring but carry serious risks when performed incorrectly, including potentially fatal fat embolism caused by improper fat injection techniques. While safety has improved in recent years through updated surgical guidelines and the use of ultrasound to guide fat placement, experts warn that complications are still common in unregulated or poorly performed procedures.

Difference between implants and BBL

According to plasticsurgeryofboston.com, B*** implants use silicone to add permanent volume but can carry risks like shifting or rupture. A BBL uses a person’s own fat for a more natural look but may be less dramatic and depends on available body fat. The right choice depends on individual goals and should be discussed with a qualified plastic surgeon.

Read also

Correctional Services Billed Over R700 per Litre for Cooking Oil, South Africans Left in Disbelief

Types of BBL procedures that can be done

BBL is not a single procedure, but a group of different techniques used to enhance shape and size

• Fat transfer BBL: uses liposuction to remove fat from other body areas, then injects it into the gluteal region for a more natural result
• Implants: are used for patients who do not have enough body fat for transfer and want added volume
• Non-surgical: injectable options exist, offering smaller, temporary enhancements with less downtime

Some procedures combine methods to achieve specific shaping goals, depending on the desired outcome such as subtle contouring or more dramatic curves.

Read the full article here:

More Briefly News on surgeries

• Reality TV star Jojo Robinson has urged the public to prioritise regular skin checks and early detection after revealing her recovery following invasive skin cancer surgery.
• A KZN community is raising funds for a retired Grade 1 teacher who requires urgent surgery, with support efforts underway to help cover significant medical costs while highlighting her impact as a beloved educator.
• An influencer documented her trip to Turkey for a BBL surgery, sharing her preparations, travel experience, and pre-surgery moments with followers, which sparked mixed online reactions about cosmetic surgery tourism.

Source: Briefly News