Tragedy In Florida: Officer Dies After Birthday BBL Procedure
Heartbreaking story coming out of Florida. A young New Orleans police officer died following complications from cosmetic surgery—and now her family members are speaking out, hoping to prevent this same tragedy from happening to someone else.
The woman has been identified as Wildelis Rosa, a 26-year-old New Orleans police officer and U.S. Army Reservist. Rosa had just returned from a deployment in Kuwait and flew to Miami in March to celebrate her birthday and undergo cosmetic surgery—a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)—at Prestige Plastic Surgery Clinic, a well-known South Florida facility.
According to PEOPLE, citing NBC6, Rosa paid $7,495 for the procedure. After the surgery, she stayed at a short-term rental to recover and only informed her family about the BBL three days later. Sadly, she would never return home.
“I Had A Gut Feeling”: Sister Recounts Final Days Before Wildelis Passed
Her older sister Anamin Vazquez told NBC6 that something didn’t feel right.
“I texted her and I said, ‘I hope you’re doing okay, you’re enjoying your birthday.’ But there was no answer back,” Vazquez recalled.
On March 23, just days after her surgery, Rosa’s friend found her unresponsive in the bathroom, where she had reportedly collapsed. They immediately started CPR, but unfortunately, Rosa was already gone.
Vazquez and the rest of Rosa’s family were left shocked and devastated.
What Went Wrong After The Surgery?
According to the report, Rosa complained of “extreme pain” the day after surgery when she went for her follow-up.
While back at the rental home, her health rapidly declined. Her blood pressure dropped drastically, she had trouble breathing, and she started showing frightening symptoms: Pale skin, Dilated pupils, Purple lips, No sensation in her legs or feet.
Her loved ones believe these were major red flags that were missed or ignored.
“It’s that’s the part that we have to live with because it was unnecessary for her to die … to die like that,” her sister added.
The Risks Behind BBLs—And Why Miami Is The Epicenter
The Brazilian Butt Lift has exploded in popularity over the past decade, especially among younger women seeking curvier figures. Miami has become a global hotspot for these procedures due to low prices and a high concentration of clinics offering deals.
However, BBLs are considered one of the most dangerous cosmetic surgeries. The procedure involves fat transfer—taking fat from one part of the body and injecting it into the buttocks. If done improperly, the fat can enter the bloodstream, causing a pulmonary embolism or heart failure.
In fact, a 2017 study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal revealed that BBLs had the highest mortality rate of any aesthetic procedure.
Since then, the cosmetic surgery industry has tightened regulations, and some board-certified surgeons have adopted ultrasound-guided techniques to make it safer. But many deaths still occur, especially in high-volume clinics focused more on quick turnover than post-op care.
Her story joins a growing list of women, who have lost their lives in pursuit of beauty standards pushed by social media and pop culture.