In a shocking case of medical malpractice, a fraudulent doctor from Queens has left a 31-year-old woman brain-dead after attempting to remove her butt implants in a botched procedure at his unlicensed home clinic. The incident, which took place on Friday afternoon in Ditmars Steinway, underscores the dangers posed by rogue “doctors” operating outside the bounds of legitimate healthcare.
Felipe Hoyos-Foronda, who falsely claimed to be a licensed physician from Colombia, ran an illegal liposuction clinic out of a residential home on 35th Street near 20th Road. The woman, whose name has not been released, came to Hoyos-Foronda seeking to have her butt implants removed. What should have been a routine procedure turned into a nightmare when the so-called doctor administered a dangerous dose of lidocaine through a syringe, causing the woman to go into cardiac arrest.
As the woman fought for her life, Hoyos-Foronda fled the scene, leaving her in critical condition. The victim was quickly rushed to Mount Sinai Queens hospital, where she was intubated but showed no brain activity, with doctors citing possible “lidocaine toxicity.” She remains unconscious and fighting for her life, while the fraudulent doctor made a swift escape, likely anticipating that he could evade justice.
According to law enforcement sources, the woman’s friend went to the illegal clinic to retrieve her belongings and was informed by the landlord of the tragic incident. Alarmed by the news, the friend immediately contacted the police. With the landlord’s help, authorities were able to identify Hoyos-Foronda from his photo and track down his vehicle, leading them to a dramatic arrest at JFK Airport. It turns out the fake doctor had planned to skip town and flee to another country, but law enforcement was one step ahead.
Hoyos-Foronda was arrested and charged with second-degree assault, a felony, and unauthorized practice of a profession. He was denied bail during his Sunday arraignment and will return to court Thursday morning. Authorities are now seeking any other potential victims of Hoyos-Foronda’s fraudulent practice. His mugshot, showing a broad, unrepentant smile, has been released in hopes of furthering the investigation.
This tragic episode serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unregulated cosmetic procedures, which have surged in popularity in recent years. These procedures, often performed in unsanctioned, underground clinics, can lead to devastating consequences when performed by individuals with no legitimate medical training or oversight. The rise of social media influencers and the obsession with body image has made it easier than ever for unscrupulous individuals to prey on vulnerable people seeking shortcuts to beauty.
Conservative voices have long warned about the consequences of an unchecked “cosmetic culture” that values appearance over personal well-being. This incident highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement of licensing requirements in the cosmetic surgery industry. Without a serious commitment to ensuring that medical professionals are properly trained and licensed, tragic outcomes like this one will continue to occur.
As authorities continue to investigate, anyone with information about Hoyos-Foronda’s illegal activities is urged to come forward. The public can report tips through the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or visit their website at [Crime Stoppers](https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/). The price of vanity should never be a life, but for some, it has already proven to be too high.
