How many UK unregulated clinics are offering Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Surgery: What Rare Monitor Data Reveals

14 Jan

The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has grown in popularity in recent years, promising curvier silhouettes and boosted confidence. But beneath the allure lies a set of serious risks, both physical and regulatory, that often go unspoken. Rare: Monitor has uncovered startling statistics about the number of unregulated clinics offering BBLs. Here's what the data shows and why it’s a cause for concern.

Alarming Findings on Clinic Regulation

Rare: Monitor identified 506 clinics advertising BBL treatments. Shockingly, 22% of these clinics (111) operate outside any regulatory body or without being led by a healthcare professional (HCP). This lack of oversight puts patients at significant risk.

In stark contrast, 78% (395 clinics) were either part of a recognized regulatory body such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (CIW), Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), or identified by Rare: Monitor as healthcare-led. While this is a reassuring statistic, it highlights the alarming gap in regulation for nearly a quarter of providers.

The Wild West of Online BBL Ordering

Perhaps the most disconcerting finding is the way some clinics treat BBL surgery as a commodity, without a consultation required. Our researchers discovered that certain non regulated providers allow patients to purchase the procedure online with no prior consultation, asking visitors to pay several thousands in advance via an online booking form. These clinics take payments before the patient even speaks to a healthcare provider, stripping away the essential safeguards of informed consent and proper medical evaluation.

Regional Insights on Regulation

The data from Rare: Monitor breaks down the prevalence of regulated and unregulated clinics by region, offering a clearer picture of where risks are most pronounced. Here’s a closer look at how the numbers stack up:

Density of Healthcare providers offering Brazilian Butt Lift Treatment

This regional split is critical for identifying hotspots where patients may unknowingly place themselves in danger by opting for unregulated providers.

Why Regulation Matters

Regulatory oversight ensures that clinics adhere to strict safety standards, employ qualified professionals, and follow ethical practices like mandatory consultations. Without these safeguards, patients are left vulnerable to exploitative practices and life-threatening complications.

Protect Yourself: What to Look For in a Clinic

Ensure the clinic is part of a recognized regulatory body (e.g., CQC, HIS, CIW, RQIA).
Confirm that the procedure will be performed by a certified healthcare professional.
Demand a pre-surgery consultation to discuss your goals, risks, and medical history.

Rare: Group