The tragic death of 27-year-old TikTok influencer Denisse Reyes has spotlighted the dangers of unregulated cosmetic surgery following her passing just three days after undergoing liposuction at a clinic in Mexico.
Reyes, known for her online persona as the 'Queen of the Nenis of Tamaulipas,' underwent the procedure on January 26 at San Pablo Medical Clinic located in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. According to her family, the surgeon, Orlando Gamboa, was not authorized to perform the procedure, which they allege contributed to the fatal outcome.
Denisse's family shared the heartbreaking news of her rapid deterioration after the surgery, stating she suffered cardiac arrest shortly after the operation due to adverse reactions to the intravenous medications provided during her recovery. Her uncle, Ammao Rodríguez, spoke to the press, detailing the alarming chain of events, saying, "She starts to feel sick and goes Into cardiac arrest and at That moment they take her out of the room where she was in the clinic."
Despite being transferred to Manzur Hospital for intensive care, Denisse's condition did not improve, and she succumbed to her complications on January 29.
Massiel Reyes, Denisse’s sister, left a touching tribute, emphasizing the personal nature of their loss: "The day I said goodbye to you, I hugged you, I told you ‘See you in Tampico’ and I didn’t want to let you go." She urged respect for her family's grief and expressed gratitude for public support.
The family's attorney, who has vowed to pursue legal action against Dr. Gamboa and any other parties deemed responsible, stated, "After this happens, we will proceed against the doctor and whoever is responsible... but right now the main one will be Dr. Gamboa." They plan to keep the Chiapas Ministry of Health informed of their case against the medical professionals who contributed to Denisse's death.
Rodríguez lamented the sudden shift from hope to tragedy, asserting, "It’s not fair she was already fine after her surgery and suddenly her health worsened to the point of death."
Denisse had built her following by promoting products on social media, quickly achieving internet fame as part of the niche of women who market goods online, known as 'nenis.' Just prior to her surgery, she reportedly had no significant health issues.
The rising concern over cosmetic procedures performed at unregulated clinics has prompted Reyes' family and friends to advocate for heightened awareness about these risks. The lack of response from medical authorities raises questions about the accountability of practitioners like Gamboa, who was previously implicated but denied responsibility for the death of another patient following liposuction.
No formal comments have been issued by Gamboa or medical representatives concerning the allegations against him or the standards of the practice at the clinics involved. The tragic loss of Denisse Reyes not only highlights personal loss but also reflects broader issues within the cosmetic surgery industry, calling for urgent action and reform to prevent future tragedies.