In Florida, a Brazilian butt lift procedure has led to a tragic outcome for a 50-year-old woman, leaving her unable to walk, talk, or eat without assistance.
Daidys Pena Garces had the surgery in May 2023, intending to enhance her buttocks by relocating fat from another part of her body. The procedure took place at A&E Med Spa, overseen by Dr. Fermin Morales, who is currently facing a lawsuit from Daidys’ husband, Jorge Fernandez.
Under Florida law, it is not mandatory for doctors performing cosmetic surgeries to be board-certified plastic surgeons. Dr. Morales, according to allegations, was certified as a general surgeon instead of a plastic surgeon.
Jorge Fernandez, who has become Daidys’ full-time caregiver, expressed his feelings to 7 News Miami more than two years after the incident, describing her as his “first love.”
A month post-surgery, Daidys suffered a pulmonary embolism, which impeded blood flow from her heart to her lungs. Jorge recounted that doctors had warned him about her slim chances of survival.
Miraculously, she survived, but now she cannot walk, talk, or eat unaided and must be fed through a tube.
Jorge’s lawyer, Lavenia Santos, stated: “This pulmonary embolism occurred because of this surgery. Garces would not have undergone the high-risk plastic surgery procedure had she known that the surgeon was not a trained and board-certified plastic surgeon.”
“The woman has no idea that she is not being cared for by a board-certified plastic surgeon. That’s just wrong. If the public knew that, they would probably not be so willing to go, regardless of price. What happened to her shouldn’t happen to anyone.”
In January, the State Surgeon General suggested sanctions against Dr. Morales after a patient died following a BBL, according to WSVN.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the couple, aiming to assist Daidys with daily tasks.
The page states: “Daidys Pena suffers from severe brain injury caused by a massive pulmonary embolism. Daidys had a Brazilian Butt Lift procedure by an unqualified surgeon at A&E Med Spa in May 2023. She had no idea the surgeon was unqualified. Daidys required emergency medical care and was hospitalised for seven months due to the pulmonary embolism.”
“Now Daidys is unable to perform any activities of daily living without assistance. Along with facing an extended recovery process, she is now burdened with growing medical bills and ongoing treatments. Her husband has stepped in as her primary caregiver 24/7.”
“The funds raised will go directly towards medical bills, rehabilitation, recovery and her daily needs as a patient with severe disabilities.”
The fundraising goal is set at $25,000 (£18,500), with $275 (£204) raised from 11 donations at the time of writing.
A&E Med Spa has denied the allegations in the lawsuit, as per a court filing, and mentioned to WSVN that Dr. Morales is no longer employed there.
Efforts have been made to contact A&E Med Spa for further comments.