How penis filler led to the death of a wealthy social media influencer

How did Igho Ubiribo die?

Ubiribo died of a pulmonary embolism — a blood clot that blocks and stops blood flow to an artery in the lung, according to the Mayo Clinic — caused by getting penis filler injections while on holiday in Thailand, according to TMZ.

After getting the procedure done, Ubiribo and his wife went to get massages, where he started complaining of chest pains and passed out twice.

He was transported to the hospital by ambulance, but after CPR was performed for 100 minutes, Ubiribo was pronounced dead in the early hours of March 6.

A postmortem concluded that he died from complications from the cosmetic procedure after finding cellular material in his lungs matching the hyaluronic acid used in the injection.

What is penis filler?

As Out reported, Penis filler is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure where dermal fillers, most commonly Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, are injected into the shaft of the penis to increase girth and length.

Girth is enhanced because the filler is injected into both sides of the shaft to make it appear thicker, and since it is no longer able to fully retract, it also looks longer in its flaccid state.

The procedure typically costs between $8,500 and $12,000 in the U.S. The results will slowly fade over the course of three years, with touch-ups recommended every 12 to 18 months.

Is penis filler generally safe?

If you are an ideal candidate, meaning someone who is between the ages of 25 and 60, who doesn’t smoke, and who doesn't have uncontrolled diabetes or blood-clotting disorders, you’ll likely only experience side effects like temporary swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site.

“When performed by an experienced provider, serious complications are rare but can include vascular issues, inflammatory reactions, or infection. Proper sterile technique, detailed aftercare instructions, and preventative medication all help minimize these risks," Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Chris Bustamante told Out in an interview in April 2026.

More dangerous complications, like the pulmonary embolism that led to Ubiribo’s death, are rare but not unheard of, which is why it’s important to pick a reputable provider who will look at your overall health. Patients considering the procedure also need to take potential side effects into account and seriously weigh the risks when making the decision to get penis filler.