In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the entertainment world was shaken by the untimely passing of Argentine actress Silvina Luna, aged 43, on Thursday, November 11, 2023. Luna’s tragic demise was the result of a decade-long battle with health complications that originated from a botched buttocks lift surgery back in 2011. The weight of this sorrowful news was confirmed by her lawyer, Fernando Burlando, who not only expressed his deep grief but also called for urgent action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Luna’s journey through this harrowing ordeal began with a fateful cosmetic procedure in the summer of 2011, where she underwent a buttocks lift surgery performed by cosmetic surgeon Aníbal Lotocki. The procedure involved the injection of polymethylmethacrylate, a substance banned by Argentina’s National Administration of Drugs, Food, and Medical Technology. This transparent and rigid plastic, commonly used in various products like vehicle parts, lenses, panels, and windows, would set the stage for a decade of suffering.
The repercussions of this ill-fated surgery unfolded over the years, culminating in a series of devastating health challenges. In 2015, Luna was afflicted with kidney stones, which ultimately led to a diagnosis of renal insufficiency and hypercalcemia. Luna’s condition deteriorated rapidly, necessitating weekly dialysis treatments as she patiently waited for a kidney transplant.
Desperate to alleviate the complications stemming from the initial surgery, Luna turned to Dr. Cristian Pérez in Miami in 2016. In a commendable effort, the Argentine surgeon successfully removed the harmful substance from her buttocks. Nevertheless, the damage had already taken its toll, and Luna had developed an autoimmune disease as a result of the numerous medications and surgeries. In an interview with C5N television, Dr. Pérez explained that severe kidney failure often led to fatal outcomes, a grim reality Luna was now facing.
Luna’s health battles persisted over the years, leading to her hospitalization on June 13, 2023. Her condition took a turn for the worse when doctors detected a bacterial infection. Despite her valiant struggle, Luna’s brother, Ezequiel Luna, faced the heart-wrenching decision to disconnect her from a ventilator on Thursday, bringing her battle to a heart-wrenching end.
The heartbreaking saga of Luna’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the grave risks associated with cosmetic surgeries performed by unqualified practitioners and the profound impact they can have on individuals’ lives. Luna’s tragic narrative bears a haunting resemblance to that of Mariano Caprarola, a TV host and fashion expert who also lost his life to kidney failure resulting from a buttocks surgery performed by Aníbal Lotocki.
Lotocki’s track record is stained with multiple malpractice lawsuits, including one filed by Luna and three other women. In February 2022, he was sentenced to four years in prison, and a court subsequently banned him from practicing medicine for five years. Despite these penalties, Lotocki remained at liberty while awaiting a review of his punishment by the National Chamber of Criminal Appeals.
In the wake of Luna’s devastating passing, the Buenos Aires Attorney General’s Office launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Her body was transported to a city morgue for autopsy, a crucial step toward uncovering the precise causes and contributing factors to her tragic demise.
Silvina Luna’s untimely departure serves as a sobering reminder of the perilous nature of elective cosmetic surgeries and the imperative need for stringent regulations within the medical field. Her story not only underscores the importance of individuals carefully weighing the potential consequences of such procedures but also highlights the urgency for authorities to address the dangers posed by unscrupulous practitioners. As her dedicated lawyer, Fernando Burlando, eloquently stated, may Luna’s tragic journey serve as a wake-up call for society, prompting us all to take notice and ensure that such devastating incidents are never repeated.
In memory of Silvina Luna, let us all reflect on the profound impact of ill-fated choices and advocate for a safer future within the realm of cosmetic surgery.
