A self-proclaimed “beauty consultant” who specialized in liquid Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) has been banned from performing cosmetic procedures across England and Wales after a BBC investigation uncovered unsafe practices.
Ricky Sawyer was found to be administering risky BBL treatments, which involved injecting up to 1,000ml of dermal filler into clients’ buttocks to enhance their size. The procedures, carried out in a rented office in London, were dangerous and included the illegal distribution of medication.
The findings from the BBC’s investigation were presented to Manchester Civil Justice Centre in a civil case filed by Trafford Council. On Wednesday, a judge issued an injunction against Sawyer, prohibiting him from performing or arranging any cosmetic procedures in England and Wales until May 27, 2028.
‘Shocking Suffering’ for Clients
During the court hearing, evidence was presented, including video footage from the BBC’s documentary and disturbing images of a client’s injuries. James Parry, the lawyer representing Trafford Council, described the injuries as being comparable to those caused by “serious knife crime.”
Parry later told the BBC: “The level of injury and the suffering that people have endured is truly shocking.” Judge McAdam agreed, describing the images as “shocking” and concluding that the injunction was necessary to prevent further harm to the public.
The injunction prohibits Sawyer from conducting or facilitating invasive cosmetic procedures, including BBLs, anywhere in England and Wales. Additionally, he is barred from possessing surgical equipment or antibiotics commonly used in such treatments, unless prescribed for his personal use. The court has granted a power of arrest for key clauses of the order, meaning police can arrest Sawyer without a warrant if he is found violating the terms.
Sawyer now has 21 days to challenge the injunction.
Testimonials of Pain and Suffering
Nearly 40 women have come forward to testify about severe complications they suffered after undergoing treatments with Sawyer. These include life-threatening conditions such as sepsis and necrosis.
Ashley, 27, attended one of Sawyer’s pop-up clinics last spring. She was attracted to the low prices and celebrity endorsements. Traveling from Liverpool to London, she arrived at an office block, where her concerns about the location grew but she decided to proceed anyway.
“The pain was instant,” Ashley recalled. “I nearly fainted.” At one point, she turned around to find Sawyer covered in blood. “He butchered me, there is no other word for it.”
Ashley left the clinic barely able to walk, covered in blood. Three days later, she was rushed to the hospital with a serious infection and was told she could have died without prompt treatment. Though she has since fully recovered, her voice still shakes when recounting the ordeal.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Ashley expressed relief: “I’m relieved, it makes me feel that we’re being taken seriously.”
Bans and Ongoing Monitoring
In addition to the court order, multiple councils, including Trafford, Salford, and Manchester, have banned Sawyer from practicing in their areas. Trafford Council stated that it would continue to monitor compliance with the injunction and encouraged anyone with information about illegal cosmetic procedures to come forward.
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