Fat embolism caused death of woman who underwent cosmetic procedure

Death of Kizzy London, 40, ruled an accident

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A fat embolism caused the death of a woman who underwent a cosmetic procedure last week at a surgery center in Miami-Dade County, a medical examiner's report released Monday stated.

According to the verification of death certificate, Kizzy London, 40, died at Kendall Regional Medical Center after undergoing a liposuction and fat transfer surgery.

Miami-Dade police said London, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was taken to the hospital Thursday after undergoing the procedure at Jolie Plastic Surgery at 8504 SW Eighth St.

The death was ruled an accident, according to the medical examiner's report. 

In a statement, the clinic – which is licensed with the state as a massage establishment --  identified the doctor who performed the surgery as Dr. Arnaldo Valls. Employees said Valls has performed thousands of surgeries with no deaths.

"We send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of our patient, who tragically underwent a cardiac arrest during a procedure," the statement read in part. "Cosmetic surgeries, like all surgeries, carry some degree of risk. The patient developed cardiac arrest toward the end of the operation."

The statement stated that Valls has been "impacted greatly" by the loss of one of his patients. 

Valls -- who has marketed his expertise in tummy tucks, breast enlargements and Brazilian Butt lifts -- is not board certified in plastic surgery. His medical training is in general surgery and pediatrics.

However, Florida law allows any doctor to do any procedure as long as they have a patient’s permission.

Local 10 News has reported about several cosmetic procedure-related deaths that have occurred in recent years at Miami-Dade County surgery centers, including one in June, when a 30-year-old woman from Illinois died at Kendall Regional Medical Center after undergoing surgery at Seduction Cosmetic Center in Doral.

In March, a 25-year-old woman from Kansas City died after getting a Brazilian butt lift at Eres Plastic Surgery in Hialeah. 

Records show the location of the clinic related to London's death was also formally called Eres Plastic Surgery.

And Jolie's location at 8504 SW Eighth St. also formerly housed a cosmetic surgery center named Vanity. In September of 2016, Vanity said a 32-year-old woman died of cardiac arrest during a procedure there. 

State records show Vanity dissolved weeks later. In its place, Jolie now operates.

It's unclear whether the businesses are related.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Glenna Milberg joined Local 10 News in September 1999 to report on South Florida's top stories and community issues. She also serves as co-host on Local 10's public affairs broadcast, "This Week in South Florida."