A 39-year-old mother died in hospital three days after undergoing a three-in-one cosmetic procedure.
Juliana Silva Xavier developed complications hours after the surgery on 11 May and suffered a cardiac arrest.
She was transferred in serious condition to another hospital on 13 May but died the following night (14 May).
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Juliana had gone to Hospital Ruben Berta in São Paulo, Brazil, for breast implants, liposuction and a Brazilian butt lift.
The combined procedure, which reportedly cost more than 20,000 BRL (£2,962), had long been a dream of hers.
Five months earlier, she had given birth to a son by caesarean section.
However, the surgeon reportedly assured her there was no issue with undergoing the operation so soon after childbirth.
Juliana’s husband, Luís Antônio Castro Barros, told local media: “We asked whether it was safe to have surgery so soon after that, and the doctor said there would be no danger.”
Juliana reportedly developed complications a few hours after the procedure.
Luís, 42, said: “She was in pain, hot, thirsty, her lips were pale and bluish.”
Juliana was transferred to Hospital Alvorada Moema on 13 May, as reported by Need To Know.
She was declared brain dead on 14 May, and life support was withdrawn.
Her cause of death was given as pulmonary thromboembolism.
Police are now investigating whether her death was a tragic accident, linked to a pre-existing condition, the result of a surgical complication, or due to medical error.
The surgeon, through his lawyer Raul Canal, said in a statement: “The surgery proceeded as expected and without complications.
“However, in the post-operative period there was a serious and unexpected clinical complication, resulting from organic changes presented by the patient herself, which was promptly identified by the medical team.”
Juliana worked as a sales manager for a retail group and enjoyed going to the gym.
Luís said: “She was very image-conscious. She took care of her body and of me. I owe my life to her. I have a heart condition, I had heart surgery, and many times she helped me through it.”
He added: “She was a friend, a partner, a companion, a devoted wife, and a wonderful mother. She loved that baby, an angel, a divine gift.”
Juliana was laid to rest in Iguape, where her family lives, on 16 May.
Experts warn that pregnancy and childbirth cause significant physiological changes, and such extensive surgery requires extra caution during this period.
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