It has been revealed that a lady who died as a result of a botched Brazilian butt lift in Turkey was not told of the risks involved with the treatment.
Melissa Kerr, 31, died on the operating table after paying £3,200 to get the procedure in November 2022 at Medicana Kadikoy hospital in Istanbul.
Ms Kerr texted a hospital staff in the days leading up to the operation, asking for images of other patients and expressing her nervousness.
During the procedure, fat extracted from Ms Kerr’s body entered a vein and obstructed her pulmonary artery after being injected into her buttocks.
The reason of her unfortunate death was pulmonary thromboembolism, according to Norfolk’s Coroner’s Court.
According to consultant plastic surgeon Simon Withey, who was asked to write a report for Ms Kerr’s inquest, the fatality rate connected with Brazilian butt lifts is “likely to be in excess of one in 4,000.”
He added it was “quite possible” that had Ms Kerr been warned of the danger associated with the procedure “before she was financially committed to proceed, she would not have done [it].”
Skye Birch, Ms Kerr’s grieving lover, had already posted an emotive tribute to her on Facebook following her death.
He said alongside a series of photos of the couple, “I will continue to love you with all my heart until my last breath.” According to Norfolk’s senior coroner Jacqueline Lake, the mental health therapist died after cosmetic surgery.
“Ms Kerr was provided with limited information regarding the risks and mortality rate associated with this procedure.”
She then addressed Ms Kerr’s family, who listened to the proceedings online, and said she planned to write to the Health Secretary Steve Barclay concerning their deceased loved one’s case.
“There has been the release of an international alert to surgeons regarding the high mortality rate associated with this procedure,” she explained.
“There has also been the introduction of a voluntary moratorium on this type of procedure in the UK.
“These are clearly not being followed in Turkey. I’m concerned patients are not being made aware of the risks or the mortality rate associated with such surgery.
“I don’t have any authority over hospitals in Turkey and I also appreciate the UK Government has no control (over) what happens in other countries.
“However, the danger our citizens will continue to travel abroad for such procedures continues, though citizens are unaware of the risks involved.
“I do have concerns there will be future deaths and I’m of the view future deaths can be prevented by way of better information.
“I do propose making a report to the Secretary for Health, who I believe could take action to prevent future deaths.”
