In a deeply troubling case emerging from Durango, Mexico, a 14-year-old girl has died under shocking circumstances following multiple cosmetic surgeries allegedly performed by her stepfather, a plastic surgeon. The girl’s father, Carlos Ariano, is now demanding an investigation into the medical practices surrounding these procedures and is questioning the role of his ex-wife in permitting them.
Paloma Nicole Ariano Escobedo passed away on September 20, 2023, just days after her mother, Paloma Jasmine, reportedly took her for surgery. The situation escalated when Carlos noticed surgical scars on his daughter’s body during her funeral, prompting him to inquire about what had transpired. Initial reports indicated that Paloma had been hospitalized for what was said to be a severe case of COVID-19, but the circumstances of her hospital stay remain unclear.
Carlos was informed that Paloma had gone on a trip with her mother before receiving a call claiming she was in the hospital. Upon rushing to see her, he found his daughter in an induced coma, intubated and unresponsive. When she died, her body was quickly taken to a funeral home, where Carlos discovered the extent of her surgeries, which allegedly included breast implants, liposuction, and a Brazilian butt lift—proceedings he claims he never consented to.
Dr. Victor Emanuel Rosales Galindo, the alleged surgeon and Paloma’s stepfather, has since been suspended from practice as investigations into potential malpractice and negligent homicide unfold. Reports indicate he may have allowed his wife to assist in surgical procedures despite her lack of medical training. As the investigation progresses, both Galindo and Paloma’s mother are under scrutiny for their roles in this tragic case.
Local prosecutors stated that the cause of death was initially attributed to a respiratory illness, potentially linked to COVID-19. However, Carlos has raised concerns about the legitimacy of this diagnosis, especially after discovering that a medical certificate indicating a positive COVID-19 test may have been forged.
Experts in the medical field have expressed serious concerns about the implications of such surgeries on a minor. Dr. Nita Rutherford, a coroner, highlighted the potential risks associated with general anesthesia and the physical strain placed on a developing body, particularly in a 14-year-old girl. The complexities surrounding Paloma’s surgeries and her subsequent health decline raise critical questions about the safety and ethics of performing cosmetic procedures on minors.
As public outrage grows, there are calls for legislative action to prohibit unnecessary cosmetic surgeries for individuals under 21. Mexican officials, including Governor Esteban Viegas, have promised transparency and justice in the investigation. Meanwhile, Carlos Ariano has become a vocal advocate for change, emphasizing the need to protect young girls from the undue pressures of cosmetic surgery.
The case remains under investigation, with an autopsy report pending that could provide crucial insights into the actual cause of Paloma’s death. As this heartbreaking situation unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of cosmetic surgery, particularly for those not yet fully developed and capable of making informed decisions.
