A 28-year-old beautician died after her colleague allegedly gave her unauthorised liposuction in secret.
Carolina Isabel Marenco Laurens had entrusted the procedure to a surgical assistant at the dermatology clinic where she worked.
It was allegedly carried out in a facial massage cubicle when their supervisors were absent and without their bosses’ knowledge.
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Carolina was administered the over-the-counter local anaesthetic lidocaine, as reported by Need To Know.
A short while later, she began convulsing and eventually lost consciousness.
After realising her colleague was unresponsive and was turning pale, the surgical assistant alerted other staff members.
One called the emergency services while others tried to revive Carolina on 24 April.
But when the first paramedics arrived at the scene in Barranquilla, Colombia, she showed no signs of life.
An inspection of her body found facial and front-to-back bruising across the chest and abdominal area.
Forensic pathologists say there were “signs of invasive surgical intervention”.
It is also believed Carolina was given an “excessive” dose of the anaesthetic found at the scene.
The investigation has ruled that her death was caused by “vascular trauma to the left side of the face and temple”.
The suspect has not been arrested or remanded into custody, but she remains under investigation for manslaughter.
Detectives are now looking into why invasive surgical instruments were available at a dermatology clinic.
They are also working to find out if any other unauthorised procedures have been performed there.
Lawyer Bryan Torres, who is representing Carolina’s family, told local media: “We will be pursuing legal action against both individuals and entities involved in this case.
“We will also be working closely with the Attorney General’s Office to ensure a thorough investigation and that the facts are fully clarified.”
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