Queens Woman Dies After Botched Butt Implant Removal by Unlicensed Surgeon, Authorities Say

QUEENS, NY — A 31-year-old woman from Queens has died following a botched butt implant removal surgery allegedly carried out by a man posing as a plastic surgeon, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.

The victim, María Peñaloza, went into cardiac arrest on March 28 during an unlicensed procedure performed by 38-year-old Felipe Hoyos-Foronda. Court documents reveal that Hoyos-Foronda administered lidocaine via syringe, which prosecutors say caused Peñaloza to suffer cardiac arrest and later be declared brain-dead.

The procedure reportedly took place inside Hoyos-Foronda’s home and not in a licensed medical facility. Peñaloza was transported from the residence to Astoria General Hospital, where doctors found no signs of brain activity. Medical professionals noted symptoms of lidocaine toxicity and stated she was not likely to survive.

Peñaloza was declared dead last month after being on life support.

Hoyos-Foronda was arrested following the incident and initially charged with second-degree assault and unauthorized practice of a profession. He is currently being held at Otis Bantum Correctional Center in East Elmhurst, Queens.

In response to Peñaloza’s death, the Queens District Attorney’s Office has stated, “Whenever circumstances change in a case we re-examine the charges.” Authorities noted the investigation remains active and ongoing, with potential for upgraded charges.

Hoyos-Foronda is due back in court on April 28. Attorney information for him was not immediately available.

This tragic case echoes past incidents of unlicensed cosmetic procedures gone fatally wrong, renewing concern over underground and unregulated medical practices in New York City.