Tabby Brown, a 45-year-old former Playboy model and ex-girlfriend of footballer Mario Balotelli, tragically passed away in October 2023 due to complications from a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure.
Brown, who also appeared in Cosmopolitan and Elle, had traveled to the Dominican Republic for liposuction treatment. She returned to her family home in South London shortly before her sudden death.
An inquest at South London Coroners Court revealed that Brown had not disclosed her surgery to her mother, who believed she had contracted a viral infection while traveling. Tabby, known for her fitness enthusiasm and love of baking, collapsed at home in the early hours of October 13.
Paramedics found her unresponsive with “two puncture wounds in her pelvis area,” indicating recent cosmetic surgery. A postmortem confirmed her death was caused by a fat embolism—a rare but fatal complication where fat globules enter the bloodstream. Toxicology tests found no traces of drugs or alcohol.
Brown’s family paid an emotional tribute, describing her as a vibrant personality with a “big laugh and smile” who charmed everyone she met. They shared that she had lived out her dreams through a successful career in modeling, appearing in music videos for prominent artists and campaigns for major brands.
“We are deeply saddened by her premature departure,” her family stated. “We love and miss Tabby very much and will always keep her memory close to our hearts.”
Tabby’s passing highlights the growing risks associated with cosmetic surgery. While deaths from such procedures remain rare, incidents have risen due to the increasing popularity of treatments like liposuction.
