Mum-of-two, model and influencer dies at age 33 after BBL surgery causes cardiac arrest and infection

Aline Maria Ferreira, of Brazil, who was also an influencer and model, decided that she wanted BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) surgery to increase the size of her bottom and had the procedure last month.

It’s reported that she had the surgery at the Ame-se clinic in the city of Goiânia, which was unlicensed, on Sunday June 23. Her family allege that she underwent the procedure of applying a substance called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a gel-like filler, to her bottom. Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency suggests that PMMA should only be used to treat serious diseases, like polio, however, in case they cause body deformities. Local publication Correio Brazilense obtained access to a preliminary report which stated that Ferreira was put in a coma after suffering complications following the surgery but went into cardiac arrest last Friday (June 28) and Sunday (June 30).

Ferreira, a mother of two, was known for creating content about fashion, travel and day-to-day living on her social media platforms. She had more than 45,000 followers on social media and had partnerships and contracts with several clothing, bikini and beauty brands.

Her husband, who has not been named, told Brazilian news outlet G1 that Ferreira returned to their home in Brasilia the day of the operation and was okay. The next day, however, she developed a fever and then her health began to deteriorate further. Ferreira's husband also told the publication he reached out to the clinic for advice and was told that “it was normal and that she should take medicine for the fever.”

Ferreira’s condition worsended, however, and she began experiencing abdominal pain on Friday June 26 and fainted the following day. She was admitted to Asa Norte Regional Hospital, Brasilia, and remained there until Saturday (June 29), when she was then transferred to a private hospital in the nearby town of Asa Sul. On Tuesday (July 2), however, she died. Her cause of death was given as a generalised infection, according to Correio Brazilense.

On the Ferreira's official profile, a post with a message of condolence was left on behalf of the family. "The family and friends deeply regret this painful and irreparable loss. Aline was a dreamy girl who always smiled, and that is how we should remember her. We ask God to comfort everyone's hearts."

The Municipal Health Department (SMS) of the neighboring state told Correio Brazilense that da Silva's clinic was closed by the Health Surveillance Agency due to lack of a health permit and lack of a professional responsible with technical qualifications. Grazielly da Silva, the biomedical scientist who owns the clinic and who performed the procedure on Ferreira, was arrested on Wednesday (July 3) as part of the investigation into crimes against consumer relations.

Ferreira’s funeral will be held today (Thursday July 4). She leaves behind her husband and her two sons.