Miami Plastic Surgeon Accused of Fatal Brazilian Butt Lift Malpractice: What Patients Need to Know

The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has surged in popularity over the past decade, promising patients enhanced curves through fat grafting. However, this highly invasive procedure carries significant risks, especially when performed by inexperienced or negligent surgeons. A recent case in Miami, Florida, highlights the dangers of botched BBL surgeries, leading to tragic outcomes, including wrongful death.

A Florida plastic surgeon, Dr. Fermin Morales, is now under investigation after being accused of causing a patient’s death following a BBL gone wrong. According to the complaint, Morales allegedly injected fat into the patient’s glute muscles—a fatal error that violates Florida medical regulations and resulted in her death.

This case sheds light on serious safety concerns in Florida’s cosmetic surgery industry, particularly among high-volume clinics operating out of strip malls. If you or a loved one has suffered due to botched plastic surgery, you may have legal options to seek justice and hold negligent surgeons accountable.

About The Case

In June 2023, a 40-year-old woman, identified as S.L., underwent a BBL performed by Dr. Fermin Morales at a Doral-based clinic operating out of a strip mall. According to an administrative complaint filed by the Florida Department of Health, Morales used an ultrasound to guide his fat injections but wrongly placed the fat into the patient’s gluteal muscles—a fatal mistake.

The patient died the following day, and an autopsy revealed extensive fat embolism, with fat deposits found in her lungs, bloodstream, and deep gluteal muscles.

Despite holding a medical license since 2011 and being board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, Morales allegedly failed to follow basic safety protocols for BBL procedures.

Tragically, Dr. Morales is not the only Miami plastic surgeon facing serious allegations related to botched BBLs. Other cases include:

• Dr. Naveed Nosrati – Faced a malpractice lawsuit in 2022 after a botched abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) resulted in a fatal pulmonary embolism. His insurance company settled for $250,000.
• Dr. Julio Clavijo-Alvarez – Fined by the state for improper drain placement during a BBL and pre-signing blank prescription forms—a serious violation of patient safety protocols.

These cases raise concerns about the oversight and accountability of high-volume plastic surgery clinics in Florida. Many of these facilities prioritize profit over patient safety, rushing procedures and failing to properly screen, train, or supervise their surgeons.

Understanding the Risks of Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery

The BBL procedure involves liposuctioning fat from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, purifying it, and injecting it into the buttocks to create a fuller appearance. While many patients undergo successful BBLs, the procedure is also one of the most dangerous cosmetic surgeries, with risks that include:

• Fat Embolism: The most serious risk occurs when fat is mistakenly injected into the gluteal muscle, where it can enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, causing a fatal embolism.
• Severe Infections: Improper surgical techniques or unsterile conditions can result in life-threatening infections.
• Tissue Necrosis: Poor fat placement may lead to tissue death, causing skin breakdown, chronic wounds, and even sepsis.
• Excessive Bleeding: The procedure involves multiple incisions and high-volume fat transfer, increasing the risk of hemorrhaging.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Blood clots can form post-surgery, leading to potentially fatal complications.

Given these risks, Florida has strict regulations on BBL procedures, including a ban on intramuscular fat injections, as outlined in Florida Administrative Code 64B8-9.009. Violating this regulation, as alleged in Dr. Morales’ case, can have devastating consequences for patients.

Legal Options for Victims of Plastic Surgery Malpractice in Florida

If you or a loved one has suffered due to negligent plastic surgery, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit for:

• Medical Malpractice – If a surgeon deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or death.
• Wrongful Death – If a loved one dies due to surgical negligence, the surviving family can file a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes § 768.16-768.26).
• Product Liability – If defective medical equipment or unapproved surgical techniques contributed to complications.

How Our Florida Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Help After a Fatal Plastic Surgery Malpractice Case

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we focus exclusively on wrongful death and personal injury cases, providing compassionate and aggressive legal representation to families who have lost loved ones due to plastic surgery malpractice. If your loved one passed away due to a botched cosmetic procedure, we are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice your family deserves.

Why Choose Us for Your Wrongful Death Claim?

• Proven Success in Wrongful Death Cases – We have secured multi-million dollar settlements for grieving families across Florida.
• Extensive Experience with Medical Malpractice Laws – We understand the complex medical and legal aspects of wrongful death claims arising from surgical errors.
• Small Caseload for Individualized Attention – Unlike large firms, we limit our caseload so we can focus on your case with the care and dedication it requires.
• Aggressive Advocacy in Court – We never settle for less than what our clients deserve and are fully prepared to litigate in court when necessary.
• No Fees Unless We Win – Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we secure compensation for you.

Losing a loved one due to negligent cosmetic surgery is a devastating experience, leaving families to cope with emotional and financial hardships. If a plastic surgeon or medical provider’s carelessness or errors led to a tragic outcome, you may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial relief.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we understand the overwhelming challenges families face after an unexpected loss. Our dedicated legal team is here to hold negligent medical providers accountable while you focus on grieving and healing.

Call (305) 638-4143 or complete our online form for a free, confidential consultation today. We serve families in Hollywood, Miami, and throughout Florida, with virtual consultations available for your convenience.