In a significant milestone for public safety, a self-proclaimed “beauty consultant” named Ricky Sawyer has been banned from performing cosmetic procedures throughout England and Wales. This ruling follows a thorough investigation by the BBC that exposed the dangerous practices employed by Sawyer, particularly in relation to Brazilian butt-lifts (BBLs). These procedures, involving the injection of substantial amounts of dermal fillers—up to 1,000 milliliters—into the buttocks, have been deemed perilous by health professionals due to the risks associated with unregulated practices.
The investigation uncovered that Sawyer operated from a rented office space in London, where he was not only conducting risky injections but also distributing medication illegally. The inquiry was so alarming that the findings were presented to the Manchester Civil Justice Centre as part of a civil action brought by Trafford Council. The serious nature of the allegations prompted legal intervention to protect potential victims.
On Wednesday, a judge granted an injunction prohibiting Sawyer from conducting or arranging any cosmetic procedures until May 27, 2028. This decision was influenced by compelling evidence submitted during the court proceedings, which included graphic imagery of injuries sustained by patients following Sawyer’s procedures and video footage from the BBC’s earlier documentary on the matter. The implications of these findings were profound, with the presiding judge, McAdam, concluding that further public harm needed to be averted through the broad scope of the injunction.
During the hearing, James Parry, an attorney representing Trafford Council, articulated the severity of the injuries reported by consumers, likening the physical trauma to that resulting from “serious knife crime.” His testimony underscored the urgency of the case, highlighting the grave implications for health and safety in the cosmetic industry.
The injunction against Sawyer carries strict prohibitions, including any invasive cosmetic procedures not just limited to BBLs but extending to all practices of a similar nature across England and Wales. Furthermore, Sawyer is barred from possessing any surgical instruments or antibiotics associated with cosmetic procedures unless they are personally prescribed. The court has also conferred upon law enforcement the authority to arrest Sawyer without a warrant should he violate any terms of the injunction.
Despite being presented with the possibility of contesting the injunction within 21 days, the case against Sawyer remains robust with nearly 40 women testifying about their serious health complications post-procedure. A notable case involves Ashley, a 27-year-old who sought Sawyer out due to his seemingly appealing prices and celebrity endorsements. After traveling from Liverpool to London for a procedure at one of Sawyer’s clinics, Ashley’s experience rapidly turned traumatic. The pain from the injections was immediate, leaving her in a state of distress, and witnessing Sawyer covered in blood further solidified her fears of a botched procedure.
Ashley ultimately required hospitalization due to an infection that could have become life-threatening without immediate care. Although she has since recovered, the emotional scars linger. Speaking about the court ruling, Ashley expressed relief and a sense of vindication, feeling that her experience and the experiences of others are finally being acknowledged and taken seriously.
As the impact of the BBC’s investigation continues to reverberate, multiple councils, including Trafford, Salford, and Manchester, have acted decisively by banning Sawyer from practicing in their jurisdictions. Trafford Council has indicated a commitment to monitoring compliance with the injunction and encourages the public to report any unlawful cosmetic practices.
These developments underscore the increasingly urgent need for regulation within the cosmetic industry, particularly as unregulated practitioners pose a significant threat to public health and safety. The steps taken against Ricky Sawyer serve not only to protect potential victims but also to prompt a broader discussion on the standards and regulations necessary in the field of cosmetic procedures.