A Nigerian socialite, Elena Jessica, has died following complications linked to a cosmetic procedure popularly known as a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL).
Her death was made public by her sister, Nelli, who shared the development in a TikTok post while narrating the circumstances surrounding the surgery and subsequent medical challenges.
According to Nelli, the procedure was allegedly carried out at Cynosure Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Hospital. She claimed the surgery, which involved liposuction and fat transfer to Jessica’s hips, buttocks and calves, took place on February 6, 2026.
Nelli explained that complications began two days after the operation when Jessica reportedly developed intense pain and swelling in the treated areas. She said medical tests later revealed that Jessica had an extremely high white blood cell count, indicating infection, while her blood level had dropped significantly, prompting multiple transfusions.
Despite the administration of antibiotics, the situation reportedly worsened. According to the family, doctors later suspected that an excessive amount of fat may have been injected during the procedure, potentially obstructing blood circulation.
She said surgeons subsequently carried out another operation on February 13 to remove a large quantity of the injected fat through a decompression procedure. However, Jessica was said to have remained in severe pain and showed little sign of recovery.
The family further stated that Jessica was transferred on February 19 to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital for advanced treatment but could not be admitted due to the unavailability of an intensive care unit bed. Nelli alleged that Jessica spent several hours inside an ambulance while they searched for medical assistance.
She said the patient was later moved to another hospital where she was admitted into the intensive care unit at significant cost, but the facility reportedly lacked a plastic surgeon to manage the case. According to her, Jessica was subsequently transferred again to another medical facility where doctors diagnosed her with sepsis.
Nelli stated that the new hospital performed another major operation on February 22 to remove infected fat from her sister’s hips, buttocks and calves after further blood transfusions were required.
While blaming the clinic for the incident, Nelli alleged that the managing director of Cynosure used unsterilised medical equipment during the initial surgery.
However, in a statement released on TikTok, Cynosure Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Hospital disputed parts of the family’s account. The clinic said Jessica had initially undergone a procedure at another facility and later approached them for a corrective surgery.
The hospital said it carried out the corrective procedure and monitored her recovery before deciding, about two weeks later, to refer her to a teaching hospital for further specialised treatment in line with standard medical protocols.
According to the clinic, the patient was later taken to another medical facility by persons outside its management.
The hospital expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and prayed for the repose of Jessica’s soul.
Cynosure had previously faced allegations of medical negligence in 2022 following the death of another patient, Crystabel, who reportedly died after suffering excessive bleeding during a butt surgery.
