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 led to 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 remembered reassuring his wife that she was perfect as she was, but supported her choice to move forward with the procedure. He never imagined it would leave her fighting for her life.
Doctors initially urged Jorge to prepare for the worst. Against all odds, Daidys survived, but now relies on a feeding tube and requires constant care from her husband. “She never more will talk or walk or eat by herself,” he said.
Jorge has since filed a lawsuit against A&E Med Spa and the surgeon who performed the procedure, Dr. Fermin Esteban Morales. The suit claims the couple were misled about Morales’ qualifications.
Although 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 given the impression that he is. “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 emphasized that many patients would likely reconsider such 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 come under scrutiny. Earlier this year, the State Surgeon General recommended sanctions against him after another patient died during a butt lift procedure. State records do not indicate how that case was resolved.
In response to the lawsuit, A&E Med Spa has denied all allegations and stated that Morales no longer works there. Their attorney declined further comment. Morales himself has not responded to requests for comment.
For Jorge, the priority is no longer the legal fight but preventing others from suffering the same fate. “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 the hospital.
The fundraiser is seeking $25,000 to support her ongoing care, rehabilitation, and daily needs. As of now, the campaign has not yet reached its goal.
