It took the death of women in UK and worldwide after a botched butt lift for experts across the world to warn patients that a fat injection made too deep could prove deadly.  

 

Social media platforms have played a significant role in popularising Brazilian Butt Lift, Lymphatic drainage, Fat dissolving injections…most cosmetic procedures with patients sharing their before-and-after photos and experiences with others.

 

A report from the Aesthetic Surgery Journal published this year said 25 women have died from complications related to Brazilian Butt Lift (BBLs) in South Florida since 2010. Of those deaths, 92% occurred in low-budget, high-volume clinics.

As Harvard University’s Samuel Lin, MD, stated in a recent interview “The mortality rate of BBL is estimated to be as high in one in 3,000… greater than [for] any other [form of] cosmetic surgery. Any patient considering a BBL should be informed of the risk of death from this procedure.”

 

 

According to Highly Experience surgeons, there are “little veins in the buttock that lead directly to the vena cava, which is the major blood vessel that brings blood back from human body to their heart and their lung.

If one gets fat in those little vessels and it clutter the main vena cava and it goes to their lungs, it is over.”

 

 

Our years for advocating for natural beauty for Mankind’s health and wellbeing are not over yet. When life threatening cosmetic procedures are being popularised, it becomes URGENT for our editorial to step in and raise awareness before they claim more lives than they have done already!

 

 

Behind the world’s most dangerous cosmetic procedure, to which length must one go to achieve the world’s approval of pretty privilege?

 

The rate of humans dying from post complication BBL procedures, plastic surgery, lymphatic drainage, fat dissolving injections, tanning injections, glutathione injections for skin whitening, melanin skin removal raises eyebrows.

 

This has prompted our editorial to speak out and raise awareness over unconventional means to achieve acclaimed Westernised beauty outlooks and beauty standards, (a slim pinned button nose, fox eyes, high arch face) with African and Middle Eastern traits (big lips, big hips, a tiny waist and big bum).

 

 

To what lengths must one go to in order to achieve the world’s approval of pretty privilege?

 

 

 

The Oxford English Dictionary defines “beauty” as a combination of qualities, such as shape, colour, or form, which pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight, or a combination of qualities that pleases the intellect.

 

Nowadays, both sexes, but especially women, are constantly obsessing over their appearance.

Whether big-boned, thin or fat, tall or short, or stuck with a nose, lips, bum or face shape you wish to trade for another size, plastic surgery and the use of other dangerous practices – not to mention chemicals – are not always the best solution. Those wanting to keep young looking skin and a youthful appearance forever should also consider natural and safer alternatives.

 

 

Despite the world’s obsession to constantly upgrade beauty standards, our editorial shows to its readers why embracing trendy beauty accessories whilst keeping one’s authenticity, individuality and originality remains the better and safer alternative.

 

Medical and cosmetic breakthroughs have enabled men and women of all skin types and colours from around the world to style their hair, their beards… as they wish.

 

One may adapt different hair styles, hair colours, nail colours and shapes and length outfits, traditional costumes, and fashion trends that make them enhance their appearance and feel good without insecurities, preconceptions or stigmas.

As long as they remain harmless beauty accessories- we are free to make our choices.

On the other hand, certain aspects of ourselves which demonstrate our origins namely our skin tone and physical features say a lot about each of us because they are written in our DNA.

So, if we alter our skin tone, facial features… to look like others… we are erasing our individuality and the beauty of individual cultures and ethnicities.

That element of ourselves, of our bodies which can be seen as a passport of ourselves should jealously and proudly be preserved to blossom and celebrate our origins!

 

 

 

In the spiritual sphere, if one undergoes a complete nose/facial cosmetic reconstruction plus Glutathione injections skin whitening treatments that makes their skin tone four times lighter…

 

If you believe in your ancestors and bloodline for instance, you do not want them to get confused as their spirit might not recognise you if they are around to assist you or protect you in the world of the living which can have fatal and irreversible consequences for believers.

 

The Bridge Magazine raises awareness of the health risks associated with all the aforementioned cosmetic procedures.

 

Unless plastic surgery is prescribed to a patient by a health professional as a reconstructive option to restore function and appearance to the human body after illness, disability by birth or by accident, our editorial strongly advises you not to fall in that trap.

 

Ask yourself:

• Who created physical beauty outlooks, norms, standards? Where are there rooted (its origin) to create a scale of beauty based on one ethnicity to be viewed as the only one acceptable?

• Who says people should all have a specific facial type or have a specific body type, skin tone, height, in order to be acknowledged in society and or classified as “beautiful”?

• If beauty trends change every six months, would you be ready to put your health at risk, by altering your physique in order to ‘improve” upon your existing DNA features to fit trends?

 

                        

Explaining and bringing to light the danger of the following cosmetic procedures, laser beauty, injections treatments…  

 

Brazilian Butt Lift

 

Brazilian Butt Lift procedure, also known as BBL is a cosmetic procedure that has gained immense popularity in recent years, due in part to the influence of celebrities, social media and sometimes sadly male validation.

 

The Brazilian Butt Lift is a cosmetic procedure involving a plastic surgeon who removes fat deposits from other parts of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips, and injecting them into areas around their buttocks to create a more lifted and fuller appearance.  After they have recovered, their butt is supposed to be bigger, stick out more and have a symmetrical like even shape.

 

Bringing to light the danger of the fat transfer involved in the procedure.

 

In 2018, a major study by the Aesthetic Surgery Journal showed that the BBL procedure had the highest mortality rate of any aesthetic surgery.

 

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) announced a ban on BBL after the procedure was revealed to have the highest mortality rate of all cosmetic surgery procedures.  

The ban was put in place to protect patients from the risks associated with the procedure, including fat embolism, which can be DEADLY. The ban coincided with high media coverage, following the death of Leah Cambridge – a British woman who died after a BBL procedure in Turkey.

 

 

An inquest told that: Brazilian butt-lift operations carried the highest risk of all cosmetic surgery procedures.

 

More recently, on September 12^th 2023, The UK has an agreed moratorium (a suspension of activity) on carrying out such operations due to the dangers involved, expert witness and plastic surgeon Simon Withey said in a report for the inquest.

 

“The risk of death for BBL surgery is at least 10 times higher than many other cosmetic procedures, and it has the highest death rate of all cosmetic procedures. The main concern is that the injected fat can cause a blockage in a blood vessel in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which can be fatal.”

 

 

Lymphatic drainage

 

Main Purpose: instant weight loss to achieve a slender figure.

Regardless of Body Mass Index. (BMI) which is the value derived from the mass and height of a person.

 

 

Lymphatic draining techniques provide regular stimulation of the lymph vessels under the skin.

 

It encourages them to work harder and find new pathways to drain away the lymph using a milking or syphoning effect to move lymph away from the swollen area. 

 

 

Did you know?

 

 

The lymphatic system is the body’s first line of defence. It plays a crucial role for our immune system in carrying proteins, lipids, and hormones around, while fighting off viruses, bacteria, cancer cells, and other harmful toxins.

 

 

When lymphatic drainage goes wrong, it collapses the initial lymphatic system, and creates damage to it. It increases: fatigue, nausea, dizziness, urination, diarrhoea… An increase in fluid in the body tissues can all lead to lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema is a chronic incurable condition which results in swelling due to a disruption of the lymphatic system. It can be caused by a variety of factors including cancer, cancer treatments, trauma or injury.

 

Living with a chronic (long-term) condition that affects your appearance, like lymphoedema, causes distress, periods of depression…

 

 

Fat dissolving injections

 

Fat dissolving injections also known as Mesolipo injections, is an injectable and non-surgical treatment that may help people eliminate unwanted insecure body parts.

 

 

Fat dissolving injections are made from Deoxycholic Acid Solutions. This acid is naturally occurring, produced within the human body by the liver. By using this acid at a higher concentration, it can be injected into specific areas and used to target and destroy fat cells.

 

 

Fat dissolving injections are administrated to specific areas of the face or body to get rid of fat cells. The aim is to attack human fat deposit by breaking the cells and removing the acids through the liver. It enables people to shape their body.

 

Reports of complications with fat-busting injections have included infections, disfigurement, inflammation, and tissue death.

 

 

A lack of credible research on the effects of fat-burning injections has led to the treatment being banned in countries such as Brazil and Singapore.

 

Fat dissolving injections can potentially cause harm to the skin or surrounding tissue including muscle, nerve and blood vessels.

It is therefore essential that treatment is performed by an expert practitioner.

 

When it goes wrong, patients experience swelling, bruising, and redness at the injection site. More serious side effects can include nerve damage, skin ulceration, and scarring.

 

Mesolipo injections: also known as fat dissolving injections, involve injecting fat-dissolving substances to specific areas of the face or body to get rid of fat cells.

 

Risks and complications: Mesolipo injections may cause nausea, skin infections and even arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat).

 

 

What is necrosis after fat dissolving?

 

Tender lumps may be palpable for months after treatment which is indicative of fat necrosis or fat cell death.

 

Fat dissolving injections may also damage nearby nerves, causing numbness, tingling, or weakness in the chin or surrounding areas.

 

Uneven or lumpy results: Fat dissolving injections can sometimes result in uneven or lumpy areas in the treated area.

 

A collection of blood underneath the skin (haematoma) death of fat tissue (fat necrosis) a blockage in a blood vessel caused by a piece of fat (fat embolism).

 

 

Tanning injections

 

 

Melanotan is made in different forms: tanning nasal spray, but it is mostly sold as an injection.

The active ingredient in tanning injections is usually Melanotan (a synthetic hormone designed to stimulate pigment cells to produce melanin – the substance that makes skin look darker).

 

Beware!

 

Research and Medical studies have shown that melanotan has been linked to

conditions such as skin cancer, kidney infarction…

 

According to Health Experts, people should avoid unregulated tanning products, and regulators should do more to raise public awareness about their dangers.

 

 

Glutathione injections for Skin Whitening

 

 

Glutathione for intravenous injection.

 

 

Usually applied as a skin whitener by men and women of Asian, Afro-Caribbean origin.

 

Meanwhile, Caucasians men and women applied the (IV-injected glutathione for a brighter, younger, healthier -looking skin or its powerful detoxifying capacity,) which allegedly combats ageing and boosts health.

 

Glutathione injections have been described as a ‘dangerous obsession ‘ by the American Medical Council on Science and Health and vividly criticised as ‘unethical and dangerous’ by the British Medical Journal.

 

 

It is believed Glutathione drips, may result in the development of kidney stones and Glutathione-based skin-lightening procedures may also cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

 

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a life-threatening toxic epidermal necrolysis, which may start with flu-like symptoms, such as high temperature, sore throat, cough and joint pain.  The rash starts on the upper body, before quickly spreading to the face, arms, the genitals, mouth, throat, eyes, developing blisters, sores resulting in swollen and painful lips, mouth ,throat and the genitals.

 

In the tube that carries pee out of human body, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome scarring in the vagina or penis cause pain when peeing.

 

In human eyes, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome causes long-term inflammation, implying pain when looking at bright lights and problems with a person’s sight.

 

There have also been cases of glutathione triggering renal failure, blood poisoning, nausea, asthma attacks, skin conditions, toxicity in the kidney and liver, headaches…

Some governments advise against its use because it may have ‘toxic effects on the liver, kidneys and the nervous system’.

 

 

Melanin skin removal

 

Did you know?

 

Melanin is the pigment that gives people skin, hair and eye colour.  It is produced by melanocytes. 

 

All people have the same number of melanocytes. However, in each person, this cell makes more or less melanin. The more melanin the skin has, the darker it gets.

 

The function of melanin is to help protect the skin from sun damage. Therefore, when you are exposed to the sun, your skin produces more melanin.

In melanin skin removal treatments, the outer layers of skin require strong intervention. To achieve a lighter skin tone, people use either ointments, injections, tablets, laser.  By applying a cream or ointment to control and slow down the production of melanin in their skin.

 

Both men and women use skin lightening products, to lighten either their skin or to fade freckles, blemishes, age spots or to treat acne.

 

 

Skin is the body’s largest organ: it ostensibly shields us from pollutants in the environment, and assists our bodies in detoxification, protecting our tissues and organs from damage. 

 

 

Our modern society attaches so much importance to the appearance of skin that the range of skin care products has dramatically increased over the decades. 

 

In her October 2011 article entitled Skin Structure, Dr. Victoria Lewis, a consultant dermatologist from NetDoctor.co.uk – the UK’s leading independent health website – wrote: The Journal of Anatomy

 

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, accounting for approximately 16% of the total body weight.

It is the primary interface between the internal and external environments which acts as a barrier to protect the body from a range of environmental stressors and maintain homeostasis by preventing unregulated water and electrolyte loss.

“It is therefore understandable why our skin is such a precious organ that should be handled with care, and even pampered”.

 

Less melanin means the skin is less likely to be protected from the sun’s rays. This increases the risk of developing more wrinkles, uneven texture and pigmentation. It also increased the risk of skin cancer. A high risk of sun damage also increases the likelihood of skin cancer.

 

Did you know?

 

Skin lightening products don’t just pose a risk to the user – children can be exposed through breastmilk.

 

The use of skin lightening products increases the risk of skin cancer: The high risk of sun damage also increases your chances of developing skin cancer. Irritation and sensitivity: The actual process of skin lightening is harsh on the skin. Many treatments can cause side effects such as redness, itchiness, dermatitis…

 

Many users of skin lightening products are unaware that they contain harmful chemicals including mercury, a toxic substance which poses risks to human health and contaminates the environment.

 

The governments of Gabon, Jamaica and Sri Lanka have teamed up to fight back against damaging beauty practices.  They launched a joint US$14-million project to eliminate the use of mercury in skin lightening products.

 

 

Anal lightening

 

Anal bleaching is a cosmetic treatment that lightens the naturally deeper pigmentation of the skin around your anus.

 

Did you know?

 

Due to hormonal changes, friction, perspiration, excess pigmentation, etc the pigmentation around the human anus is naturally darker than the rest of the body, it can never be lighter than the rest of the body.

 

Some products can lead to skin damage, scarring, and permanent discoloration, anal strictures. If anal bleaching products get into the rectum, you may develop anal strictures or scar tissue around the rectum.

 

There is nothing wrong with darker pigmentation around ones’ anus. The anal region may get darker a few years later. Daily life activities such as walking or running, creates friction and sweat, resulting in skin pigmentation.

 

A commonly used compound in most topical skin de-pigmentation products, like anal bleaching, Hydroquinone is banned in many countries, as it can lead to the build-up of melanic acid in the connective tissues of our skin that may cause permanent skin damage.

 

Anal bleaching techniques can also lead to infections, skin damage, or permanent skin discoloration.

 

 

Overnight cosmetic procedures…

 

Nose taping (having a slim no bump bridge with a silhouette of a small button nose to have an aesthetically pleasing doll figurine side profile)

 

Fox eyes (having a pulled slim eye winged eyeliner look)

 

Lips tinting (having seemingly fresh rosy lips constantly as if one has stained lips from eating berries)

 

Height extension (steel rods inserted into men’s knees and joints to be taller)

 

Although many skilled practitioners operate responsibly in home facilities and abroad, however aftercare is often problematic if complications arise.

 

When it comes to cosmetic procedures or unusual beauty practices or treatments, patients should always ensure that they understand the risks associated with the procedure and that they have realistic expectations of the results of the surgery.

 

Patients should be aware that most of the procedures may provide a shorth term seemingly beautiful appearance, even if performed by qualified practitioners. That poor aftercare might result in infections and health deterioration, that they might face a lack of legal recourse if something goes wrong because surgeons are wealthy enough to afford highly qualified lawyers from the most renowned firms to protect their side of the medical contract.  

 

Surgeons must adhere to strict protocols to ensure their patients’ safety including the use of sterile equipment, avoiding deep injection of fat. As well as monitoring patients closely, during and after the procedure to ensure any complications are detected and treated promptly and efficiently.

 

Being willing to achieve and maintain new beauty traits or a trendy physical appearance and being able to afford it financially are not enough.

It is crucial for patients to refer to highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeons with specific training in the technique (used for the aspired surgery) who follows strict protocols.

 

It is of paramount importance (as part of the duty of care contract between health professionals and patients that patients are fully aware of the pros and cons of every single step involved) of all surgical procedures, laser or injections treatments their body are going through.

 

 

Being able to spot overrated beauty trends for marketing promotion, campaign or manipulation is vital. The concept of beauty itself is so subjective and varies from generations to generations and from a society or culture.

 

In general, there is no one more beautiful than another, we are all different and beautiful in our own way.

 

We are all special and unique in our own ways and each of our own particular beauty. 

 

A bit of self-love, self-confidence, a high image of oneself, a healthy diet, beauty sleep, a classic and timeless fashion sense, and exercise remain the safer and healthier options to enhance and maintain one’s beauty / physical appearance and wellbeing.

 

As a follow up and update of The Bridge Magazine’s 11^th Anniversary celebration announcement, Rachel Tcheungna has published 23 educational books in both English and French which are now ready for global distribution.

 

 

Follow the links below to purchase one or various of The Bridge Books. 

 

 

 

1)  Global News That Never Fades: From Britain’s News to World Exclusives.

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/global-news-that-never-fades-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-ennmdm.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

 

 

 2) Beauty, Health and Wellbeing Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives.

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/beauty-health-and-wellbeing-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-znpgek.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

 

 

3) Education Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives.

 

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 4)  Love and Relationship Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives.

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/love-and-relationship-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-zn269w.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

 

 5)    True Crimes and Prevention Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives.

 

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6) Economy and Investment Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives.

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/economy-and-investment-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-4evpye.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

 

 

7) Soft & Hard News Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives.

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/soft-hard-news-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-r2dywj.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

 

 

8) Urban Legend Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives.

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/urban-legend-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-k4ne79.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

 

9) High-Profile People Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives.

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/high-profile-people-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-9v5vnj.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

 

 

10) Arts and Culture Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives.

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/arts-and-culture-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-q764zz.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

 

11) Travel & Tourism Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives.

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/travel-tourism-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-w8kj6v.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

 

 

12) Politics Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives.

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/politics-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-n5954v.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Rachel Tcheungna, 

Author, Writer of The Bridge Books and 

The Bridge Magazine Editor.