A woman who performed an aesthetic surgery in a Bogotá apartment has been sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison for homicide, following the death of a patient in May 2023. The case highlights critical risks for medical aesthetics buyers and distributors regarding unlicensed practitioners and unsafe settings, underscoring the importance of regulatory compliance and professional standards in the supply chain.
Incident details
On May 17, 2023, a woman arrived at an apartment in the Kennedy district of southwestern Bogotá for an aesthetic procedure. The surgery resulted in a traumatic pneumothorax caused by a sharp instrument, and the patient died while being transferred to a medical center. The responsible party, Katherine Zuleta Castilla, was identified and prosecuted.
Legal outcome
This Tuesday, it was reported that the Attorney General's Office reached a pre-agreement with Zuleta Castilla, who accepted responsibility for the death. The agreement was approved by a criminal judge, resulting in a sentence of eight years and eight months in prison for simple homicide with eventual intent.
Investigation findings
The investigation revealed that Zuleta Castilla lacked the necessary experience, training, and medical qualifications for aesthetic procedures. The surgery was performed in an apartment without any safety measures, violating technical and health protocols. A prosecutor from the Territorial Security Delegation stated, "The intervention was carried out without following technical and sanitary protocols, and in an improvised manner in an apartment. The defendant did not have the medical training or suitability to practice such procedures, yet she continued with an activity that posed a risk to the patient's life."
Regulatory and channel signals
This case serves as a stark warning for the medical aesthetics supply chain. Buyers and distributors should ensure that all devices, injectables, and consumables are supplied only to licensed professionals operating in regulated clinical environments. Unauthorized settings, such as apartments or non-medical facilities, increase liability and risk. Compliance with local health regulations and professional standards is essential to avoid legal repercussions and protect patient safety.
Sourcing context
For overseas importers and clinic buyers, this incident reinforces the need to verify the credentials of end-users and the legitimacy of their practice locations. Distributors should implement strict channel control to prevent products from reaching unqualified practitioners. The case also highlights the importance of training and certification in aesthetic procedures, which can influence purchasing decisions for devices and consumables.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 09, 2026