In the latest edition of Magaly TV La Firme, on October 1, it was reported about the arrest of Steve Díaz Palomino, who posed as an aesthetic doctor without having the necessary credentials.
This individual, who was known for his appearances on television programs like ‘América Hoy‘, was captured in a joint operation between the police and the Medical College of Peru in Pimentel, Lambayeque.
As a reminder, Díaz had been the subject of investigations for practicing medicine illegally. He had presented himself as an aesthetic doctor injecting products like hyaluronic acid, despite not being registered with the Medical College, which is one of the essential requirements to practice medicine in the country.
In a report by Magaly Medina, it was discovered that the alleged doctor only held diplomas for six months, which raised questions about his ability to perform medical procedures. Since then, he had been missing. Until September 29, during the operation, authorities found him in his office, where he was about to perform an aesthetic procedure on a patient, charging her 700 soles for the service.
Let us remember that among one of the complaints, one victim had suffered complications after receiving anesthesia improperly, leaving her with ‘little holes’ in her skin, which was described as a rudimentary attempt at facial liposuction.
However, after having evaded justice and the accusations against him, Steve Díaz returned to the country in June, reactivating his TikTok account and announcing his return to aesthetic care. He had been promoting himself as an injection expert, despite his credentials being questioned. Now his new focus would be in Lambayeque.
The program presented exclusive information about his arrest, showing how the alleged doctor performed his procedures irresponsibly. He had in his possession aesthetic medicines, such as ampoules and syringes, without following adequate safety measures, and also operated from his home instead of a specialized clinic.
In light of this, Elizabeth Rojas, secretary against the illegal practice of medicine at the Medical College of Peru, warns that citizens must adequately inform themselves before undergoing any aesthetic procedure.
Rojas emphasized that there is a portal called “Know Your Doctor”, where people can check if the professional attending them is qualified and has the proper accreditation. The situation of Steve Díaz highlights the importance of regulation in the medical field and the risk faced by those who choose unauthorized professionals.
The recent arrest of Steve Díaz Palomino, who posed as an aesthetic doctor without being accredited, has raised awareness in society about the risks of undergoing aesthetic procedures at the hands of false professionals. This case adds to the growing concern over the practice of aesthetic surgeries, especially after the tragic death of singer Flor Quispe Sucapuca, known as ‘Muñequita Milly’.
As a reminder, the Public Ministry confirmed that the young singer died due to peritonitis and multiple intestinal lacerations after undergoing liposuction with doctor Víctor Barriga Fong. The singer was admitted to the Santa Catalina clinic on March 27 for the procedure.
However, one day later, she began to suffer severe abdominal pain. According to her family, Dr. Fong, instead of addressing the severity of the situation, prescribed her medication without conducting a proper evaluation. Her health deteriorated rapidly, and after being transferred unconscious to another clinic in Miraflores, she passed away on April 3.
The Rising Concern Over Unlicensed Aesthetic Practitioners
The recent arrest of Steve Díaz Palomino, known as the ‘Doctor of the Stars’, for practicing medicine without a valid license, has ignited a significant conversation regarding the safety of aesthetic procedures within Peru. Díaz, who was found conducting unauthorized cosmetic treatments and charging patients, exemplifies a troubling trend of unqualified individuals operating in the medical aesthetics market.
As the popularity of aesthetic treatments surges among the public, particularly in the realm of non-surgical procedures like fillers and Botox, the potential dangers posed by unlicensed practitioners are troubling. Díaz’s case serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved, which can range from minor complications to severe health issues or even fatalities as witnessed in other unfortunate incidents.
Moving forward, it is likely that stricter regulations and more significant enforcement measures will be implemented to combat the practice of illegal aesthetic medicine. Regulatory bodies may push for enhanced public awareness campaigns to educate patients about verifying the credentials of medical professionals before proceeding with treatments. Additionally, platforms such as “Know Your Doctor” are expected to gain more prominence as vital resources for patients seeking safe and qualified providers.
Moreover, technology plays a crucial role in shaping the future of aesthetic practices. As telemedicine becomes more entrenched, patients may increasingly turn to online consultations. However, this could further complicate the distinction between licensed professionals and frauds, emphasizing the need for robust verification systems to ensure patient safety in virtual environments.
In light of high-profile incidents like the tragic death of singer Flor Quispe Sucapuca, associated with unprofessional medical practices, public demand for accountability and rigorous standards in aesthetic procedures will likely lead to broader discussions about overall healthcare practices in Peru. Heightened scrutiny can foster a shift towards safer practices, ensuring that only those with adequate training and credentials are allowed to perform cosmetic procedures.
This evolving landscape underscores an urgent need not only for regulatory reform but also for a cultural shift where patients feel empowered and informed to make safe choices regarding their health and wellbeing in the aesthetic arena.