Melissa Kerr

I am Jacqueline LAKE, HM Senior Coroner for the coroner area of NORFOLK

On 09 December 2019 I commenced an investigation into the death of Melissa Hannah KERR aged 31. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 12 September 2023. The medical cause of death was: la)          Pulmonary Thromboembolism and Fat Embolism lb)    Elective Cosmetic Surgery (Gluteal Augmentation) le) 2) The conclusion of the inquest was: Melissa Kerr died following cosmetic surgery to the thigh and buttock area on 19 November 2019. Ms Kerr was not seen by a surgeon or clinician prior to the date of the procedures. Ms Kerr underwent a limited assessment prior to the procedures. Ms Kerr was provided with limited information regarding the risks and mortality rate associated with the procedures. There is limited documentary evidence as to the procedures performed. Certain techniques used during the Brazilian Buttock Lift procedure increased the risk of fat embolus occurring, namely the choice of access incision for the augmentation cannula and the  decision to inject fat into the superficial muscle.

Melissa Kerr was admitted to Private Medicana Kadikoy Hospital, Istanbul on 19 November 2019 and underwent surgery to harvest fat from the abdomen,  thighs and the  jowl area of her face. Ms Kerr was not seen by a surgeon or clinician prior to the 19 November 2019. Evidence revealed that Ms Kerr underwent a limited assessment prior to the procedures. The evidence is that Ms Kerr was provided with limited information regarding the risks and mortality  rate associated  with the procedures.  The fat  was collected and processed  before it was injected into her buttocks; a liposuction procedure and a Brazilian Buttock Lift procedure. During surgery Ms Kerr became unwell. Her condition deteriorated and she was declared dead. There is limited documentary evidence as to the procedures performed. Expert evidence was heard that certain techniques used during the Brazilian Buttock Lift procedure increased the risk of fat embolus occurring, namely the choice of access incision for the augmentation cannula and the decision to inject fat into the superficial muscle.

During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows:

1. Expert evidence was heard that the findings in this case are consistent with findings in other cases where patients have died following autologous fat transfer to the gluteal area during an operation colloquially known as Brazilian Buttock Lift. I understand from the evidence heard that due to the high mortality associated with this procedure a voluntary moratorium on the practice of this procedure has been introduced in the UK. Recommendations for safer practices have emerged that recommend significant changes to practice.
2. I am concerned that patients travelling to Turkey for this procedure are not being made aware of the risks and the high mortality rate associated with this surgery
3. I am also concerned that patients are travelling abroad where there are no or limited controls with regard to such surgery taking place. Evidence was heard there Ms Kerr was  not seen by a surgeon before the date of the procedure. There was limited psychological and physical assessment prior to the procedure proceeding.
4. I appreciate the UK Government has no control over what happens abroad. However I am concerned that citizens are travelling abroad for such procedures unaware of the risks involved and that practices are used which are regarded as unsafe in the UK.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe YOU (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action.