Botched BBL surgery leaves Florida woman permanently disabled

What began as a confidence-boosting procedure has left a Florida family facing a devastating reality.

Daidys Peña, 50, underwent a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) at A&E Med Spa in May 2023. According to her husband, Jorge Fernandez, the surgery resulted in a pulmonary embolism that caused severe brain damage, leaving her unable to walk, talk, or eat on her own.

“She was my first, like my first love,” Jorge told 7 News. He recalled assuring his wife she was perfect as she was, but supported her decision to pursue the procedure. He never imagined it would leave her clinging to life.

Doctors initially warned Jorge to prepare for the worst. Against the odds, Daidys survived, but now depends on a feeding tube and requires round-the-clock care from her husband. “She never more will talk or walk or eat by herself,” he said.

Jorge has since filed a lawsuit against both A&E Med Spa and the surgeon who performed the procedure, Dr. Fermin Esteban Morales. The suit alleges that the couple were misled about Morales’ qualifications.

While Morales is licensed as a general surgeon, he is not board-certified in plastic surgery. Attorney Lavenia Santos, who represents the family, argued that patients are often led to believe otherwise. “From representations made by the agents at A&E Med Spa, any reasonable person would be led to believe that Morales was board-certified in plastic surgery when, in fact, he was not,” Santos said.

Under Florida law, any licensed physician can legally perform cosmetic procedures, regardless of specialty. Santos stressed that most patients would likely reconsider undergoing risky procedures if they knew the full truth. “What happened to her shouldn’t happen to anyone,” she added.

This isn’t the first time Morales’ work has been scrutinized. Earlier this year, the State Surgeon General recommended sanctions against him after another patient died during a butt lift procedure. State records do not show how that case was resolved.

In response to the lawsuit, A&E Med Spa has denied all claims and stated that Morales no longer works there. Their attorney declined to comment further. Morales himself has not responded to requests for comment.

For Jorge, the focus is no longer on the legal battle but on ensuring no one else suffers as his wife has. “We will make sure no other family has to go through this nightmare,” he said.

Meanwhile, friends and supporters have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover Daidys’ medical bills and rehabilitation costs. The page describes her as having “severe brain injury caused by a massive pulmonary embolism” and notes she spent seven months in hospital.

The fundraiser is seeking $25,000 to support her ongoing care, rehabilitation, and daily needs. As of now, the campaign has yet to meet its target.