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3 clusters · 14 sources · 11 days · First seen · Last updated

Unregulated aesthetic clinic crisis in Colombia

Overview

Health authorities in Nariño initially issued warnings against the use of illegal or clandestine aesthetic clinics. Officials noted that these unauthorized establishments, which often operate out of private homes or garages, pose severe risks including infections, anesthesia overdoses, bleeding, and thromboembolism. Authorities urged citizens to use only officially registered institutions with accredited professionals.

Following these warnings, fatalities linked to unregulated beauty procedures were reported in Bogotá and Pasto. In Bogotá, a woman died after a bichectomy at a facility only authorized for outpatient services in general medicine, dermatology, and psychology. Data from Bogotá indicates a significant rise in complications, with infections increasing by 143% and ICU admissions by 123% in 2025 compared to the previous year. In Pasto, a young woman died following a procedure at Romanos Spa, with preliminary investigations suggesting a possible intestinal perforation.

In September 2026, Bogotá authorities arrested Esteban Felipe Henao and Ruth Verónica Lengua for allegedly posing as surgeons to perform invasive procedures at a facility in the Usaquén locality. The group reportedly used social media and low pricing to target victims, performing surgeries such as liposuction and rhinoplasty without professional credentials, medical records, or proper anesthesia. Investigations indicate more than 200 people were affected, with 59 identified victims having paid over 568 million pesos. Some victims reported experiencing severe pain and were allegedly prevented from screaming during surgery. Police seized fraudulent diplomas and various medical supplies during the operation.

Entities

Pasto · Bogotá · Johana Meneses · Gaula Militar · Fiscalía General de la Nación

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [CRIME] 14 sources
    Colombia security forces dismantle ELN cell, highway gangs, and illegal medical ring

    Colombian authorities have dismantled several criminal networks, including ELN members in Cesar, highway robbery gangs in Cundinamarca, and an illegal medical surgery ring in Bogotá.

  2. 12 days ago

    [CRIME] 3 sources
    Colombia aesthetic procedure deaths reported in Bogotá and Pasto

    Fatalities linked to unregulated aesthetic procedures have been reported in Bogotá and Pasto, Colombia, amid rising rates of medical complications and illegal clinic closures.

  3. 16 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Nariño health authorities warn against illegal aesthetic clinics

    Health authorities in Nariño, Colombia, are warning against illegal aesthetic clinics in Pasto, citing risks of infection, overdose, and death from unauthorized surgical procedures.

Sources

boyacadigital.com · cablenoticias.tv · colmundoradio.com.co · diariodelnorte.net · diariodelsur.com.co · elpaisvallenato.com · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · extra.com.co · guajiranews.com · hsbnoticias.com · laopinion.com.co · minuto30.com · noticiasya.co · subaalternativa.co

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history