Tragic Death of Salford Woman After ‘Barbaric’ Butt Lift Surgery
Family handout/PA
In a heartbreaking case that raises serious concerns about cosmetic surgery, a mother of three died following a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) procedure that a coroner described as a “frankly barbaric medical practice” with no informed consent.
Demi Agoglia, just 26 years old and hailing from Salford, made the journey to Turkey for the surgery after being captivated by social media ads from a clinic in Istanbul.
Her life came to a tragic end on January 8, just three days after the operation, as revealed during an inquest that detailed a series of inadequate medical care.
Bolton coroner John Pollard determined that Demi succumbed to a microscopic fat embolism—an alarming condition where injected fat clogs blood vessels—and ruled her death as “misadventure contributed to by neglect.”
Before her trip to Turkey on January 4, Demi’s mother, Christine, expressed her concern, reminding her daughter that she was already a “good looking girl” and didn’t need surgery.
Yet Demi was determined, driven by insecurities and the allure of societal beauty standards. “There was no changing her mind,” Christine said, reflecting on her daughter’s unwavering decision.
Bradley Jones, Demi’s partner, echoed her mother’s sentiments, stating he too was against the operation, but Demi had been inspired by some celebrity endorsements.
The BBL procedure, a trendy but risky surgery, involves harvesting fat from other areas of the body and injecting it into the hips and buttocks.
Coroner Pollard emphasized, “I find there was no proper informed consent… the lack of care significantly contributed to Demi’s tragic outcome.”
Family handout
The day following her surgery, Demi excitedly texted her mom: “I’ve got the bum I always wanted.”
Tragically, just a day later, Christine received a gut-wrenching message from Bradley: “She’s gone.”
Bradley revealed Demi was “shaking” and felt “very, very cold” after the procedure.
Staff from the clinic, who the coroner later confirmed were not properly qualified nurses, were summoned when Demi complained of tightness in her chest.
Despite checking her blood pressure, they failed to monitor her heart rate or assess the surgical area.
Demi ultimately collapsed in the villa and was rushed back to the hospital, where she tragically passed away.
‘Felt she wasn’t good enough’
In an emotional statement delivered outside the court by family friend Ellie Foulkes, Demi’s sister, Chloe, shared the family’s suffering: “We are going through the worst possible heartbreak.”
“Demi was a beautiful, outgoing, confident girl who didn’t need the surgery,” Chloe lamented.
“She felt deep down that she wasn’t good enough,” she continued. “Our Demi hasn’t just left her family behind; she has left behind the most beautiful little boys.”
“Forever and always in our hearts, Demi. Sleep tight.”
Chloe urged others considering surgery abroad to “do more research.”
In defense, a representative for the clinic claimed Demi was fully informed of the risks and denied allegations regarding unqualified staff, insisting all personnel were licensed nurses trained for post-op care.
The coroner pledged to contact the Health Secretary, stating, “Something must be done to prevent this barbaric practice from continuing in such poorly regulated environments.”
A government spokesperson expressed sympathy for Demi’s family, emphasizing the need for stringent oversight in the cosmetic industry.
“Patient safety is our top priority, and we urge anyone contemplating cosmetic procedures to consider the serious health implications and to seek reputable, insured practitioners.”
