Sasha Dean: Mum who almost died after a botched BBL relieved over cosmetic surgery law changes

After falling into a coma and being given just a five per cent chance of survival after a botched Brazilian bum lift (BBL) procedure, a mother has shared her relief following a government decision to crack down on unregulated cosmetic surgeries.

Sasha Dean, 54, who operates a transport business in Bedfordshire, experienced catastrophic health complications, including multi-organ failure, just days after receiving a filler injection in her buttocks to enhance volume in December 2023.

Rushed to the hospital after suffering a heart attack, kidney failure, and a collapsed lung, Ms Dean was placed into an induced coma as medical teams fought to save her life.

The recent announcement from the British Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, pledging stricter regulations on rogue cosmetic practitioners brought immense comfort to Ms Dean.

Describing her reaction, Ms Dean said the new measures “meant the world” to her.

“It’s amazing that there has only been one death so far. That’s tragic enough. It could have been many, many, more. If there had been it would have broken my heart,” she told The Mirror.

Ms Dean was in hospital for five agonising weeks as her family was warned by medical staff to prepare for the worst.

Incredibly, after a long battle with sepsis, she pulled through.

She is now a passionate advocate for tighter controls on the cosmetic surgery industry, determined to prevent further tragedies.

Ms Dean underwent a liquid BBL, which is an approach that uses synthetic fillers, typically hyaluronic acid, administered directly into the buttocks.

She had previously visited a cosmetic clinic on three occasions, however, on her fourth session she was offered a discounted rate if the practitioner could perform the procedure at their home.

“At first glance, it looked sterile enough until I was laying down and my partner noticed the state of my feet, they were black.”

At that moment, the practitioner’s mother entered the room and told her daughter off for not cleaning up the room.

“I remember thinking this is not good enough but it’s too late now,” Ms Dean said.

In an interview with ITV, Ms Dean choked back tears as she recounted the complications she experienced soon after the procedure that led to her being taken to intensive care.

“I was vomiting...I was fitting, I had a heart attack. I think at this stage my lungs were collapsing, I had pneumonia, my kidneys were failing.

“And basically, (paramedics) said that ‘everything we’re doing is not working’.”

Ms Dean revealed she has ended up with a leaking heart valve and experiences chronic fatigue.

“Everyday, there’s something else.”

Despite suffering from PTSD from the shocking ordeal, Ms Dean is relieved by the recent law changes.