A 14-year-old girl tragically passed away shortly after undergoing cosmetic procedures—a breast augmentation and a butt lift—without her father’s knowledge. Reports indicate that her mother’s boyfriend, a plastic surgeon, is now under investigation for potential negligent homicide.
Paloma Nicole Arellano Escobedo succumbed to her injuries on Saturday at a hospital in Durango, Mexico, having been in a coma due to brain swelling and cardiac complications following the secret surgeries a week prior. Local publication El Siglo de Durango reported on the incident.
Her father, Carlos Arellano, was initially misled regarding the cause of her death, being told it was due to complications from Covid-19. He learned the truth about the surgery only when he went to say his final goodbye.
“At the funeral, some family members noticed changes in her appearance. When I questioned her mother about it, she denied any knowledge,” Carlos recounted to authorities, as noted by AZ Central.
He convinced the relatives to step out so he could check on his daughter’s body with the help of his mother and sister.
“It became evident: she had breast implants. We documented the implants and the scarring. An autopsy was promptly requested,” he stated in his complaint.
According to Arellano, his ex-wife had consented to the surgical procedures, which were performed by her new boyfriend, a 45-year-old plastic surgeon referred to as Víctor “N.”
He accused both his ex-wife and her partner of deceit, asserting that they were directly responsible for his daughter’s demise.
In Mexico, while there are no strict age restrictions for cosmetic surgery, it is typically required that minors under 18 have parental consent.
Yadira de la Garza Fragoso, the Durango Attorney General, stated, “We are investigating whether the mother exhibited a probable lack of care by placing a minor in hazardous situations under her guardianship,” as reported by AZ Central.
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The surgeon’s medical license has been suspended, and he is under investigation for malpractice, with potential charges escalating depending on the autopsy results, which may take more than 10 days, according to the prosecutor.
The Attorney General remarked that there could be grounds for charges of negligent homicide and possibly further medical professional liabilities.
Since the incident, Arellano has initiated a campaign to raise awareness about the risks associated with such surgeries, organizing a march slated for Friday under the banner “girls don’t need implants,” as reported by AZ Central.
“We cannot continue to normalize the sexualization of young girls or permit the ambitions of adults to risk their safety. We demand justice and that this crime not go unpunished,” Arellano stated on his Instagram account.
“Girls deserve to grow up in safety, free from fear, and with respect.”
