A postmortem examination has uncovered critical details about the tragic death of Lucy Wambui, a 47-year-old Kenyan woman who underwent a "360-degree liposuction" and Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure on October 16, 2024, at Omnicare Medical.
According to Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor, Wambui began experiencing severe complications within two days, including chest and abdominal pain and difficulty breathing. Despite her worsening symptoms, she was discharged on October 22 with a diagnosis of pneumonia and parapneumonic effusion.
Wambui’s condition continued to deteriorate, and she sought further treatment at Nairobi Hospital, where she was admitted with critically low blood pressure. Examinations there revealed alarming signs: a distended abdomen, systemic infection, and widespread bruising. Tests indicated high inflammation markers, elevated white blood cell count, and renal distress, all pointing to a severe infection.
On October 23, surgeons performed an emergency laparotomy and discovered multiple perforations in her intestines, along with faecal matter in her abdominal cavity. They conducted an ileostomy to control the infection. Despite aggressive treatment with antibiotics, vasopressors, and fluid management, Wambui passed away on October 26 due to severe sepsis and peritonitis.
The autopsy report confirmed extensive internal complications from her liposuction and BBL, including lung oedema, abdominal fat necrosis, and multiple abscesses. Her liver showed signs of fatty degeneration, and her heart was enlarged, both potential indicators of systemic stress.
Dr. Oduor’s findings included descriptions of septic abdominal wounds with fluid discharge, and bruising across her face, chest, abdomen, and legs. These findings highlight the dangers associated with cosmetic procedures like liposuction and BBL, which, though globally popular, carry significant risks when not conducted under stringent medical standards.
Wambui’s case underscores the growing demand — and accompanying dangers — of cosmetic surgeries in Kenya, where regulatory gaps and insufficient oversight in aesthetic clinics have raised serious concerns.