A Spanish woman, Perla Virginia Baez Garay, who traveled from Madrid to Istanbul for cosmetic surgery, has passed away following multiple aesthetic procedures.
The 42-year-old mother of two arrived in Istanbul with the intention of enhancing her appearance through various cosmetic surgeries. On August 5th, she underwent several procedures at a private hospital in Şişli, a prominent district in Istanbul known for its medical facilities. The surgeries were performed by a local aesthetic surgeon with whom she had reached an agreement prior to her travel.
Despite the initial success of the surgeries, Garay’s condition rapidly deteriorated just hours after the procedures were completed. She began experiencing severe respiratory difficulties, leading medical staff to transfer her to the hospital’s intensive care unit.
Despite all medical efforts to stabilize her condition, Perla Virginia Baez Garay could not be saved and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The sudden death has prompted the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Her body has been transferred to the Forensic Medicine Institute for a detailed autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. After the autopsy, her remains were handed over to her family and consulate officials, and arrangements were made to transport her body back to Spain.
This incident underscores the risks associated with traveling abroad for cosmetic surgery, a trend that has grown significantly in recent years as patients seek cost-effective options in countries like Turkey. Istanbul, in particular, has become a popular destination for medical tourism, offering advanced procedures at competitive prices. However, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers involved, even when surgeries are performed by experienced professionals in well-equipped facilities.
The outcome of the ongoing investigation may shed light on whether medical negligence played a role or if unforeseen complications were the cause of this unfortunate incident.
