Teenager's death under investigation after cosmetic surgery
Her father reported that her mother and stepfather, a surgeon by profession, authorized the procedure without consent
The city of Gómez Palacio, in Durango (Mexico), was shocked after the death of Paloma Nicole Arellano Escobedo, a 14-year-old girl who underwent cosmetic surgery authorized by her mother and performed by her stepfather, surgeon Víctor Manuel Rosales Galindo.
According to the complaint filed by her biological father, Carlos Arellano, the procedure—a mammoplasty—was performed on September 12 in a private clinic and was an "early gift" for the minor's 15th birthday. However, he maintains that he was never informed nor did he give his consent.
On September 11, the young woman's mother informed him that they would be traveling to the Durango mountains because Paloma had tested positive for COVID-19. Days later, on September 15, the father was notified that his daughter was hospitalized. When he arrived, he found her intubated and in an induced coma.
The teenager suffered serious medical complications, including cardiorespiratory arrest, cerebral edema, and hypoxic encephalopathy, which led to brain death. She ultimately died on September 20.
The case raised suspicions from the beginning. The father reported that the death certificate listed the cause of death as "illness," which he considered an attempt at a cover-up. During the funeral, upon opening the coffin, the paternal family discovered that the young woman was wearing a surgical bra, breast implants, and recent scars, confirming that she had undergone cosmetic surgery.
The complaint is directed against surgeon Rosales Galindo and the minor's mother, Paloma "N," who allegedly acted without parental authorization. It was even suggested that the mother may have collaborated in the procedure despite not having a medical certificate.
Both are currently fugitives, and the Durango State Attorney General's Office has opened an investigation for negligent homicide, malpractice, and neglect of care.
The case has also generated political and social pressure. The young woman's father requested guarantees of impartiality, as the accused surgeon is the son of a local magistrate. In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the Ministry of the Interior will monitor the case to prevent irregularities and ensure justice.
In parallel, the Mexican Association of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgery (AMCPER) requested the provisional statutory suspension of the accused doctor. However, this measure only applies internally and does not imply an official disqualification from practicing.