The Lagos State Government has begun a probe into the reported death of a Lagos socialite popularly known as “Elena” after she allegedly underwent a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure at a clinic in the state.

The government, through the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), said it had launched a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Reports circulating on social media claimed the woman developed complications either during or shortly after the cosmetic procedure.

In a statement on Thursday, the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Abiola Idowu, assured the public that authorities would carry out a thorough and transparent investigation.

According to her, preliminary information indicates that the clinic where the procedure was reportedly carried out is registered with HEFAMAA.

She, however, stressed that registration does not shield any health facility from regulatory scrutiny, especially in cases involving patient safety.

Idowu said the agency had commenced a comprehensive review of the incident, including verifying the professional credentials of the medical personnel involved, assessing the level of care provided before, during and after the procedure, and evaluating the facility’s compliance with regulatory standards governing cosmetic surgeries.

She added that aesthetic and cosmetic procedures in the state are regulated under strict guidelines covering facility infrastructure, practitioner qualifications, infection prevention and control, patient consent, anaesthetic safety and emergency response capacity.

The government urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could compromise the ongoing investigation.

It also warned the public against patronising unaccredited facilities for cosmetic or aesthetic procedures.

The government reiterated its commitment to protecting residents through strict regulatory oversight, continuous monitoring of health facilities and enforcement of healthcare standards across the state.

Further updates, it said, would be provided as the investigation progresses. (The Nation, excluding headline)