Cosmetic Surgeon Charged With Homicide In Liposuction Death
- Posted on: Apr 3 2013
Startling story from the New York Daily News:
A cosmetic surgeon was charged Thursday with causing a former model’s death by liposuction.
Oleg Davie, 51, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges for operating on Isel Pineda in May of last year — even though she’d previously had a heart transplant and was on anti-rejection medication.
Pineda, 51, who was described by ex-husband Jeffrey Mayer as a “beautiful, stunning” person, suffered from heart disease and underwent heart transplant surgery in 2004. The procedure was performed by TV’S famed Dr. Mehmet Oz.
But before heading off on a planned vacation last year, Pineda felt unhappy with her appearance and decided she wanted to have liposuction done on her thighs. Davie agreed to perform the procedure, even though her cardiologist noted she had “no discernible body fat” when he examined her earlier that year, said Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes.
Pineda collapsed in Davies’ office after the outpatient procedure, and was rushed to Coney Island Hospital, where she was pronounced dead from a heart attack just hours after the procedure.
“Doctors are well aware of the fact that they are discouraged from performing liposuction and similar procedures on patients with heart disease,” said Hynes, noting that Davie didn’t even bother to reach out to Pineda’s cardiologist. “It is shameful that a medical professional would disregard his patient’s safety, putting her in serious danger.”
Davie, who faces up to 34 years in prison if convicted, was released on a $175,000 bail. He declined comment after his arraignment. He surrendered his medical license after the incident last year.
Until the government enacts laws prohibiting doctors from performing procedures outside of their formal residency and fellowship training, these types of stories will continue to occur and people will continue to suffer at the hands of docs who’re masquerading as real plastic surgeons. This doctor hasn’t been convicted yet, so the charges are still alleged, but horror stories are happening everywhere. If you are thinking about plastic surgery, do your homework!
For my article on How To Choose A Plastic Surgeon, click here.
Tagged with: botched plastic surgery, liposuction death, Phony plastic surgeon
Posted in: Plastic Surgery News