Cosmetic procedures such as liposuction and Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) have surged in popularity worldwide, particularly driven by social media.
However, medical experts warn that some procedures carry significant risks, including blood clots, infections, and surgical complications.
Here are five documented cases involving Black or Brown women whose deaths were linked to cosmetic or similar surgical procedures.
1. Bianca Dias (Brazil, 2026)
Brazilian influencer Bianca Dias died recently, in February 2026, shortly after undergoing cosmetic surgery.
- She reportedly experienced sudden breathing problems while recovering at home.
- Friends said her condition deteriorated rapidly due to a pulmonary clot.
- Authorities later opened an investigation into the circumstances.
Medical reports indicated she likely suffered a pulmonary embolism, a known risk after major cosmetic procedures.
2. Esther Thomas (Nigeria, 2025)
Nigerian social media influencer Esther Thomas, known online as “Sunshine,” died following surgery to remove uterine fibroids.
- Doctors initially described the operation as successful.
- Complications later arose, leading to her death.
Her case drew attention to the high rates of fibroid conditions among Black women and risks tied to surgical treatment.
3. Ngone (Senegal/Turkey, 2025)
A Senegalese influencer known as Ngone died after traveling to Turkey for corrective cosmetic surgery linked to a Brazilian butt lift.
- She reportedly sought to fix complications from a prior procedure.
- Her death triggered social media outrage and scrutiny of medical tourism clinics.
BBL surgery has been widely cited as one of the highest-risk cosmetic procedures.
4. Joselyn Cano (United States, 2020)
Mexican-American influencer and model Joselyn Cano died in 2020 after a cosmetic procedure believed to be related to a butt-lift surgery.
- Reports indicated she underwent surgery in Colombia.
- Experts note BBLs carry unusually high mortality risks compared with other cosmetic procedures.
Her death sparked widespread debate about safety standards in international cosmetic surgery.
5. Karissa Rajpaul (United States, 2019)
Karissa Rajpaul, 26, died after an illegal butt-implant procedure in Los Angeles.
- Investigators said she was injected with unsafe substances during the unauthorized surgery.
- Authorities ruled her death a homicide due to cardiopulmonary complications.
The case led to criminal charges against the individuals who performed the procedure.
Growing safety concerns
Medical experts warn that complications from cosmetic procedures often involve:
- Pulmonary embolisms
- Fat embolism syndrome
- Infection or anesthesia complications
Brazilian butt lifts in particular have been associated with unusually high mortality rates compared with other elective cosmetic surgeries.
Broader trend
The cases highlight several recurring risk factors:
- Medical tourism to unregulated clinics
- Procedures performed by unlicensed providers
- Insufficient post-operative monitoring
Health authorities worldwide continue to urge patients to verify credentials, follow recovery guidelines, and understand surgical risks before undergoing cosmetic procedures.
