A tragic incident occurred as a mother passed away while undergoing cosmetic surgery in Colombia after investing her family’s entire savings into the procedure.
Sara Milena Echeverría Alcendra, aged 31, meticulously prepared for liposuction and breast augmentation over a five-month period after shedding 4st 8lbs to meet the surgery’s requirements. Unfortunately, shortly after entering the operating room at a cosmetic clinic in Colombia, she experienced a fatal medical emergency.
Her husband, Carlos Hernández, devastated by the loss, is seeking answers, emphasizing that his wife was in good health and had successfully completed all pre-operative medical assessments.
Officials in Barranquilla have initiated an inquiry into her untimely demise to ascertain whether it resulted from an unforeseen medical complication or medical malpractice.
Carlos expressed that they had saved diligently for years to cover the expenses of the operation, which eventually amounted to over £15,000 (65.3 million Colombian pesos). He lamented, “That was my savings. It’s almost half a lifetime.”
Initially weighing approximately 15st 7lbs, Sara, a shopkeeper, was advised by her surgeon to shed weight before undergoing cosmetic procedures. Following a rigorous five-month regimen involving a nutritionist, diet adjustments, and exercise, she successfully lost 4st 8lbs.
The family disclosed that Sara underwent extensive pre-surgical evaluations and received treatments to elevate her haemoglobin levels before being deemed fit for the surgery at the Diamanti Aesthetic Clinic in Barranquilla.
Upon arrival at the clinic around 7.30 am, the surgeon informed Carlos shortly before 11 am that Sara was being prepped for surgery, expected to last about seven hours. However, tragedy struck just over two hours into the operation, leaving Carlos with no clear explanation.
Expressing his grief, Carlos demanded clarity on the circumstances surrounding his wife’s demise, emphasizing her good health status. Despite an attempt by the anaesthetist to explain, Carlos found it challenging to comprehend the situation amidst his sorrow.
Sara’s father, Roicer Echeverría, echoed doubts about the sequence of events leading to his daughter’s death, questioning discrepancies in the information provided.
The family, despite opting for a licensed clinic over unauthorized providers, now urges investigators to unravel any potential errors during the surgery process.
Following Sara’s passing, the clinic shared permits from Colombia’s health authorities on social media, indicating authorization for cosmetic surgeries without releasing a public statement clarifying the incident.
Sara is survived by her husband and their two children, aged 12 and eight. Forensic specialists are conducting a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of her death, while prosecutors investigate any potential legal or professional responsibilities.