Nigerian-born British influencer, Igho Ubiribo, reportedly known as "Tiny" and "Ego," died following a penis enlargement procedure in Bangkok.
Ubiribo, 43, had 185,000 followers on Instagram, and he was known for sharing his luxury lifestyle.
On 6 March, Ubiribo underwent his fifth penis enlargement procedure, where he received 40 millilitres of hyaluronic acid filler.
Coroner report following penis filler fatality
Last month, a coroner in London ruled that Ubiribo’s death was caused by the hyaluronic acid injection he received hours earlier.
According to the coroner, Ubiribo was said to be having a massage following the procedure when he complained of chest pains and collapsed.
He was then taken by ambulance to hospital and was suspected of having a pulmonary embolism; however, Ubiribo lost consciousness before he could have a CT scan.
According to the health ministry, the doctor recommended splitting the procedure into two sessions, but Ubiribo requested that the entire amount be injected in one session, clinic management told investigators.
Officials in Thailand launch investigation into death
On Monday, Thailand's health ministry ordered an investigation into his death, and officials visited the central Bangkok clinic where Ubiribo was treated on Monday.
The visit was required to assess whether the clinic holds a valid licence and followed health and safety protocols.
Aesthetic procedures in Thailand
This case has sparked discussion around the safety and efficacy of cosmetic tourism, whilst Thailand increasingly attracts overseas patients seeking healthcare.
As of 2024, official figures showed it had 7,000 aesthetic clinics, including 2,000 in Bangkok, and forecast a market worth US$7.51 billion (S$9.5 billion) in 2027 – three times the size in 2020.
Recently, the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) has updated its “Vet It Before You Get It” public safety campaign, encouraging patients to keep a permanent record of any aesthetic treatments they receive.
BCAM is urging aesthetic patients to keep secure records of the treatments they receive, including details of the clinic and practitioner.
