A 14-year-old girl in Durango, Mexico, has tragically died after undergoing breast augmentation and a butt lift, procedures allegedly carried out without her father’s knowledge.
Paloma Nicole Arellano Escobedo passed away on Saturday, September 20, at a hospital after spending a week in a coma. Medical reports cited brain swelling and heart complications following the surgery, which had taken place days earlier, according to El Siglo de Durango.
Authorities are now investigating the girl’s mother and her boyfriend—a 45-year-old plastic surgeon identified as Víctor “N”, who reportedly performed the procedure. He is under investigation for possible negligent homicide, and his medical license has been suspended.
Paloma’s father, Carlos Arellano, initially believed his daughter had died due to COVID-19 complications. However, during the funeral, relatives expressed concerns after noticing changes in her physical appearance.
“Some relatives mentioned that her breasts looked bigger than before. When I asked her mother, she denied any knowledge,” Arellano told prosecutors, as reported by AZ Central.
Suspicious, Arellano asked his ex-wife’s family to leave the room so his own family members could help examine the girl’s body.
“Sure enough, she had breast implants. We took photos of the implants and the scars. That’s when we immediately requested an autopsy,” he added.
Arellano accused both his ex-wife and her partner of deliberately concealing the surgery, directly blaming them for his daughter’s death.
While Mexico does not have strict legal age limits for cosmetic surgery, such procedures typically require both parents’ consent for minors under 18.
Durango Attorney General Yadira de la Garza Fragoso confirmed that the case is under investigation and expressed concern over the mother’s role in allowing the procedure.
“We are looking into a possible failure of parental responsibility, given that the minor was under her care and was exposed to significant risks,” she said.
The results of the full autopsy, which may take more than 10 days, will determine whether further criminal charges will be brought against the surgeon and others involved.
