A 14-year-old girl from Durango, Mexico, has died after undergoing a breast enlargement surgery that her father says was secretly arranged and approved by her mother without his knowledge.
The case has sparked outrage nationwide, raising urgent questions about unregulated cosmetic clinics and accountability in the medical system.
A Surgery Hidden from Her Father
The girl, Paloma Nicole Arellano Escobedo, reportedly underwent the operation on Sept. 12 at a private clinic. Soon after, she suffered severe complications, including cardiorespiratory arrest and cerebral edema (brain swelling).
She was placed in an induced coma, intubated, and fought for her life for several days. On Sept. 20, she was declared brain dead and later passed away.
Her father, Carlos Arellano, said he had no idea his daughter was scheduled for cosmetic surgery. He claims his ex-wife told him she was taking Paloma on a mountain vacation. Days later, Carlos received a message saying Paloma was gravely ill with COVID-19 and had been hospitalized.
When he rushed to the clinic, staff refused to let him see his daughter, citing infection risks. He was told only Paloma’s mother and her new partner, plastic surgeon Dr. Victor Galindo, were allowed at her bedside.
Alleged Cover-Up and Shocking Discovery
On Sept. 20, Carlos was informed that his daughter had died of respiratory failure caused by COVID-19. A death certificate was quickly issued citing a “respiratory illness,” with no autopsy performed. At the funeral, Carlos and his family were initially prevented from viewing her body.
But during the wake, Carlos says he received an anonymous text message claiming that Paloma had not died from COVID-19 at all, but from complications following a breast implant surgery.
Suspicious, Carlos examined his daughter’s body in the casket. He says he discovered she was wearing a post-surgical compression garment and found fresh breast implants.
“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing—breast implants on my 14-year-old daughter,” he said.
He immediately filed a formal complaint against his ex-wife and Dr. Galindo, accusing them of conducting the surgery in secret and covering it up.
Calls for Justice and Fears of Influence
The case has ignited outrage in Mexico, where many are demanding justice and accountability. Carlos alleges that Dr. Galindo is shielded from consequences because of his influential family ties—his father is reportedly a former Durango Supreme Court Judge, Victor Leyva.
So far, no arrests have been made. Authorities say they are investigating the clinic, the surgeon, and others involved, but the lack of swift action has fueled anger and suspicions of corruption.
“How can a mother consent to her 14-year-old child getting breast implants?” Carlos asked. “And what happens when no one listens to a father’s claims?”
The case highlights broader concerns about unregulated cosmetic surgery practices in Mexico, where teens are sometimes able to undergo invasive procedures with parental consent despite age restrictions meant to protect minors.
