A MUM has told how she ended up on crutches for eight weeks after suffering an excruciating injury during BBL surgery.
Donna Matheson, 33, was self-conscious about her bum and travelled to Marbella in Spain where she spent £10,000 on the controversial cosmetic operation.
The procedure hit headlines last week after Alice Webb died following a ‘liquid’ variation of the procedure.
The mum of five, 33, was the first person to die from the surgery in a UK clinic and two people were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Model and makeup artist Donna, from Inverness, was aware of the risks but admits she couldn’t have predicted the pain she endured after waking up.
She said: “Recovery was one of the worst experiences of my life and I’m not exaggerating when I say that.
“I heard a lot about recovery, however I’d had previous surgeries and thought it was hyped up to be worse than it was.
“Due to me being so slim I had to get a supercharged BBL which is a small implant with fat grafting over it.
“I had to have two surgeries, I was offered three surgeries for a rib mould too which I declined – which is when they can take your bottom ribs and push them in more to give a snatched waist.
“But due to having an implant I had a torn muscle.”
She added: “As the epidural wore off I started feeling lots of shooting pains up and down my leg. This became severe and the mobility on that side of my body started to go.
“I started to panic. I went abroad for surgery by myself and it’s very scary when you realise something isn’t right.
“They were really good and took me straight for some scans and seen I had a torn muscle from where they put the implant.
“They put a catheter in because I couldn’t walk. I spent seven days face down in a dark room, my mental health was really slipping because I felt so frightened and alone
“I got back to my villa after a week and my mobility was extremely limited. The clinic recommended I stayed for two weeks so I’m glad I had that extra week to get more mobile for dreaded plane journey home.
“I ended up on crutches for eight weeks due to the tear on my muscle and I was close to two months before I could get back to work which is something you really have to think about and budget for.
“You even need to think about simple things like needing someone to dress you every day because have to wear garments for three months.”
Despite the painful recovery process, Donna is delighted with the results and has never been happier with her bum.
But she’s not sure that she’d encourage people to follow her lead in going under the knife.
She said: “Once my mobility started coming back and I felt myself again I started to enjoy the results.
“Everybody says how natural it looks, it doesn’t look like I’ve got a BBL and I now have a lovely waist hip ratio.
“It looks natural because I was really hip dipped and had no ass whatsoever.
“All my friends have commented to say it’s the first one they’ve seen they think looks okay so I’m really chuffed with my results.
BBL safety tips
If you are considering getting a BBL, there are some key things you can do to ensure that the procedure is as safe as possible.
The first and most important step is to seek out a qualified and experienced medical practitioner.
Here are the key steps to ensure a safe procedure:
- Verify the practitioner’s credentials: Ensure the surgeon or aesthetic practitioner is properly trained, qualified, and registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) for surgical procedures, or trained in non-surgical aesthetics with a reputable provider, like Harley Academy, for injectable treatments.
- Ask about their experience: It is essential to choose a practitioner who has extensive experience with BBLs. Ask how many procedures they have performed and about their complication rates.
- Ask about materials used: For liquid BBLs, check that only UK or European approved fillers are used and that strict hygiene standards are followed
- Clinic safety standards: The procedure should be carried out in a regulated medical facility that meets high standards of hygiene, has proper equipment, and can handle emergencies. For surgical BBLs, this means a licensed surgical centre with proper accreditation.
- Realistic expectations and clear communication: A responsible practitioner will take the time to fully explain the risks and manage expectations. Patients should always be informed about both the best and worst outcomes, and there should be a comprehensive discussion of the aftercare and recovery process.
- Avoid cut-price deals: Cheaper is not better when it comes to cosmetic procedures. Be wary of low-cost deals or practitioners offering services without proper medical oversight. This can often be a red flag for unsafe or unregulated treatments.
- Be open about your medical history: During your consultation, you should be open about your medical history and medications and ask detailed questions about the procedure.
- Be diligent about aftercare: Following all aftercare instructions and going to follow-up appointments can help prevent problems and ensure a safe recovery.
- Be wary about travelling abroad: Following all aftercare instructions and going to follow-up appointments can help prevent problems and ensure a safe recovery.
“I can wear a bikini now and not feel self conscious.”
Donna added: “I heard about the woman who died and I believe it was from a liquid BBL which is actually broadcast as the ‘safe option’ alternative to a BBL.
“I really think the wording has to change now as it’s not the safe alternative to a BBL.
“Everyone has to have it drummed into them that none of the options are completely safe, you need to go above and beyond to search your surgeon and their qualifications and experience.
“You need to thrash everything out and weigh the pros and cons. I do feel great and healthy but I will always remembered those days being face down in a hospital.
“For somebody thinking about it in future I’d think twice before having anything from anybody who isn’t fully qualified with a large string of patients and reviews.”
