Barber Emanuel Hernández accused of fatal liposuction on Rebeca Brizard in Dominican Republic
Rebeca Brizard, a 27‑37‑year‑old mother of three, died hours after undergoing a liposuction procedure in Santo Domingo Este. Authorities identified the person who performed the surgery as Emanuel Hernández, a barber with no medical credentials. The operation took place at the Clínica Obesidad y Anti‑Envejecimiento, owned by gynecologist Dr Griselda Basora, which lacked the required authorization from the Dominican Ministry of Public Health and was subsequently closed.
The Ministry’s director of Habilitation, Juan Gerardo Mesa, confirmed that Hernández had previously assisted in two other aesthetic surgeries at the same clinic. Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office have opened a search for Hernández and have received a formal criminal complaint from the victim’s family, who demand justice and accountability for all staff involved. The case highlights systemic issues with unlicensed cosmetic clinics in the country.
The Ministry of Health has warned the public to verify that any facility and practitioner are properly licensed before undergoing invasive procedures.
Entities: Dominican Ministry of Health · Dr. Griselda Basora · Emanuel Hernández · Griselda Basora · Juan Gerardo Mesa · Ministry of Public Health (Dominican Republic) · Obesity and Anti‑Aging clinic · Rebeca Brizard
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 12 SOURCES] The clinic was closed by authorities following the investigation. (new)
- [● 14 SOURCES] Rebeca died of pulmonary edema and respiratory failure after the procedure. (new)
- [● 12 SOURCES] The clinic is owned by Dr. Griselda Basora, a gynecologist. (new)
- [● 10 SOURCES] The Ministry of Health Director, Juan Gerardo Mesa, announced a new inspection of the clinic as part of the investigation. (new)
- [● 14 SOURCES] Rebeca Brizard died after a cosmetic surgery procedure. (new)
- [● 12 SOURCES] The clinic operated without authorization from the Dominican Ministry of Health. (new)
- [● 10 SOURCES] Two other aesthetic surgeries had been performed at the clinic before the fatal procedure. (new)
- [● 12 SOURCES] The procedure was performed by a barber, Emanuel Hernández, who is not a medical doctor. (new)