Nigerian socialite Elena Jessica has died after suffering medical complications linked to a second Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure in Lagos. Her family confirmed the development on Monday, alleging lapses in care and poor coordination between medical facilities involved in her treatment.
Jessica’s sister, Nelli, disclosed that the cosmetic procedure was performed at Cynosure Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Hospital in Lagos. She accused the facility of failing to provide adequate post-operative care and criticised its response to public concerns following her sister’s death.
In a statement shared on TikTok, Nelli said her sister trusted the hospital with her life but the family has been left with unanswered questions. She also questioned the hospital’s decision to disable public comments on its social media pages instead of addressing concerns directly.
A separate WhatsApp message that circulated online, reportedly from another family member, stated that Jessica underwent liposuction and fat transfer surgery on 6 February. Two days later, she allegedly began experiencing severe pain around the operated areas.
Medical tests later indicated a significantly elevated white blood cell count and low blood levels, prompting doctors to administer five pints of blood. The message further claimed that swelling and inflammation worsened despite antibiotic treatment, with doctors suspecting excessive fat transfer may have affected blood circulation.
On 13 February, Jessica reportedly underwent a second procedure to remove much of the transferred fat and relieve pressure. Her condition did not improve after the surgery.
Six days later, the family said she was referred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). However, they alleged that no intensive care unit bed was available on arrival and that prior arrangements had not been secured. She was said to have remained in an ambulance for several hours while alternative options were sought.
Jessica was later moved to Emel Hospital in Festac, where the family reportedly paid ₦1.5 million for one day of intensive care. Relatives claimed that no plastic surgeon attended to her case at the facility, prompting another transfer the following day.
At a third hospital, doctors allegedly diagnosed her with sepsis and recommended emergency surgery alongside a week-long ICU admission estimated at ₦6 million. The family said they sold personal belongings to raise funds for treatment.
Further tests reportedly showed critically low blood levels, requiring seven additional pints of blood. On 22 February, surgeons carried out another major procedure to remove infected fat tissue.
Family members said Jessica remained in intensive care with open surgical wounds requiring daily treatment and further operations. They also alleged mounting medical expenses and financial strain, stating that her father is retired and she had been a primary financial supporter of the household.
The family further claimed that the original hospital did not maintain contact throughout the period of critical care. They also expressed concern over additional ICU fees they said they could not afford.
In response, Cynosure Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Hospital released a public statement denying allegations linked to a viral video showing a patient in distress during surgery. The management said the footage did not originate from its facility and extended condolences to Jessica’s family.
The hospital urged the public to avoid sharing unverified content, stating that misleading material could worsen the family’s grief.
Jessica’s death has generated widespread reactions on social media, with renewed public debate around the safety and regulation of cosmetic surgery procedures in Nigeria.
