María Paz Peñaloza, a 31-year-old mother of two, died after a botched procedure to remove her butt implants by an unlicensed doctor in Queens. The illegal liposuction clinic where the surgery took place was located in a home in Ditmars Steinway. The phony surgeon, Felipe Hoyos-Foronda, administered lidocaine to Peñaloza through a syringe, causing her to go into cardiac arrest. She was taken off life support on April 11, after being left brain dead. Peñaloza’s sister, Linney Peñaloza Cabrera, was shocked by the tragedy and described the horrific experience of trying to revive her sister for two-and-a-half hours at the hospital.
The victim had been recommended to the illegal clinic by a friend who had undergone a procedure there before. Despite the friend going with Peñaloza to the clinic, she was not aware of how serious her condition would become. Prosecutors from the Queen’s District Attorney’s Office suspect that Peñaloza died from lidocaine toxicity due to the way it was administered during the procedure. While generally safe, lidocaine can be toxic if wrongly administered or used in large injections in widespread areas. Peñaloza’s friend went to pick up her belongings from the clinic after she was hospitalized, where she was informed by a landlord of what had occurred and immediately contacted the police.
Hoyos-Foronda attempted to flee and was apprehended by authorities at JFK Airport as he was about to board a plane back to Colombia. He was taken into custody and charged with second-degree assault, a felony, as well as unauthorized practice of a profession. The exact circumstances surrounding Peñaloza’s death and the possible upgrading of charges against the rogue surgeon were not immediately clarified by the Queen’s DA’s office. The tragic incident highlights the dangers associated with unlicensed medical procedures and the importance of seeking treatment from qualified professionals in approved facilities to avoid such catastrophic outcomes.
The news of Peñaloza’s death came as a shock to her family and loved ones, who never expected such a devastating outcome from a seemingly routine procedure. The victim’s sister, Linney Peñaloza Cabrera, expressed her disbelief at the events that unfolded, reflecting on the efforts made by medical staff to revive Peñaloza for hours after the incident. The tragedy serves as a warning to others who may be considering undergoing similar procedures at unregulated clinics, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and due diligence when seeking cosmetic treatments.
The case of María Paz Peñaloza’s death sheds light on the dangers of illegal medical practices and unlicensed practitioners operating outside of the regulatory framework. The underground nature of such clinics can lead to tragic consequences, as seen in this instance, where a routine procedure resulted in the loss of a life. The investigation into the incident and the charges filed against the phony surgeon underscore the need for stricter oversight and enforcement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The impact of Peñaloza’s death on her family and community serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in seeking medical treatment from unqualified sources.
The aftermath of Peñaloza’s surgery and subsequent death has sparked discussions about the risks and consequences of cosmetic procedures performed by unlicensed practitioners. Authorities are working to hold those responsible for her tragic death accountable and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The tragic loss of Peñaloza underscores the importance of proper licensing and oversight in the medical field to protect patients and prevent further harm at the hands of fraudulent providers. The victim’s memory will live on as a reminder of the dangers associated with seeking medical treatment from unauthorized sources, urging individuals to prioritize safety and legitimacy when considering cosmetic procedures.
