A man posing as a doctor was operating an illegal plastic surgery clinic in the Queens district, where his attempt to remove implants from a woman’s buttocks resulted in a failed procedure, causing the woman to suffer a sudden cardiac arrest and ultimately brain death. The fake doctor has been arrested and charged with serious crimes.
According to the indictment from the Queens District Criminal Court, the 31-year-old female victim visited a residential clinic located on 35th Street near 20th Road in Astoria, Queens, at around 1 p.m. on March 28. She underwent a procedure to remove buttock implants by a self-proclaimed doctor named Felipe Hoyos-Foronda.
During the surgery, while administering Lidocaine anesthesia to the woman, she experienced a sudden cardiac arrest. She was then rushed by emergency personnel to Mount Sinai Queens Hospital. Meanwhile, Hoyos-Foronda fled the scene in a car.
The hospital stated that upon arrival, the woman showed no brain activity, required life support with intubation, and exhibited signs of Lidocaine toxicity. Improper use or excessive dosage of this drug can lead to irregular heart rhythms and even death.
Simultaneously, a friend of the victim went to the private clinic to retrieve her belongings and was informed by the landlord of the surgical mishap, prompting an immediate call to the authorities. The police, with Hoyos-Foronda’s photo in hand, traced him using the license plate information and eventually arrested him at Kennedy International Airport as he was attempting to flee.
Hoyos-Foronda faces charges of second-degree assault and practicing medicine without a license. During the court hearing on March 30, the judge ordered him to remain in custody.
As of now, the victim remains unconscious in the hospital with no signs of recovery.
Police have released Hoyos-Foronda’s photo and are urging other potential victims to come forward and provide testimony. Individuals with information can call the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-8477 to provide tips.