The Lagos State Government has commenced an investigation into the reported death of a Lagos socialite popularly known as “Elena,” who allegedly died after undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift cosmetic surgery at a clinic in the state.
The probe is being conducted through the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, the regulatory body responsible for monitoring and accrediting health facilities in Lagos.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary of the agency, Abiola Idowu, said the investigation followed reports circulating on social media that the woman developed complications after undergoing the aesthetic procedure.
According to the statement, the complications were reported to have occurred during or shortly after the surgery.
The government said a thorough, professional and transparent investigation had been initiated to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Preliminary findings, the agency said, indicated that the clinic where the procedure reportedly took place is registered with the regulatory body.
However, it stressed that registration does not exempt any health facility from regulatory scrutiny, particularly when incidents involving patient safety are reported.
The agency explained that as the statutory body responsible for monitoring, licensing and accrediting healthcare facilities in the state, it ensures that all health facilities comply with established operational standards, professional guidelines and patient safety protocols.
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It added that aesthetic and cosmetic surgical procedures in Lagos are governed by clearly defined regulatory standards covering facility infrastructure, practitioner qualifications, infection prevention and control protocols, patient consent procedures, anaesthetic safety and emergency response capacity.
The statement noted that the agency had commenced a comprehensive review of the incident, including verification of the professional credentials of the medical personnel involved and evaluation of the level of care provided to the patient before, during and after the procedure.
HEFAMAA urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine the ongoing investigation.
The agency also advised residents seeking cosmetic procedures to patronise only accredited health facilities and qualified medical practitioners.
It reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of residents through strengthened regulatory oversight, continuous monitoring of healthcare facilities and strict enforcement of healthcare standards.
The development comes amid growing concerns over cosmetic surgery procedures in the state.
In August 2024, a 36-year-old woman identified as Abiola reportedly died while undergoing a buttocks enlargement procedure at a clinic in the Lekki Phase 1 area of Lagos State.