08-07-2025
Businesswoman, 40, dies after excruciatingly painful plastic surgery procedure at famed doctor's luxury clinic
A 40-year-old woman died after undergoing liposuction that was performed by a renowned plastic surgeon in Brazil.
Natália Cavanellas, a well-known businesswoman, had the operation at San Gennaro Hospital in Mooca, São Paulo but went into cardiac arrest before she was declared dead, the São Paulo Department of Public Safety said.
Cavanellas' sister told police that she 'received first aid, but did not survive.'
The surgery was carried out by Dr. Edgar Lopez - who according to his website profile - claims to be an expert in high-definition liposuction, which is also known as liposculpture, and mammoplasty.
Lopez also claimed to have been the first doctor in the South American nation to have used Renuvion, a minimal invasive technology that tightens the skin whether a person undergoes liposuction or not.
Brazilian news outlet Metropoles reported that Lopez' private clinic, which is located in the São Paulo southern upscale neighborhood of Moema, was still open as of Tuesday.
Cavanellas leaves behind her husband, whom she married in 2019, and the couple's three-year-old daughter.
She ran her own public relations, marketing and events planning company, offering her support to a 'community with more than 800 businesswomen and executives'.
In March, Cavanellas was honored by the São Paulo City Council as one of the 100 most successful women in business.
Prior to going under the knife, Cavanellas shared a video clip of her birthday bash last week – the party also served as networking event for women.
'In a world full of superficial connections, I chose the opposite path: genuine, real relationships and connections,' she wrote.
'This is how NATworking came about, where networking meets entertainment, creating a lively and ideal environment for generating opportunities, business, partnerships and lasting friendships.
'Welcome to the fourth decade of my life! My purpose of connecting people and stories is growing stronger and stronger!'
Cavanellas' death stunned a tight-knit community of businesswomen who looked up to her.
'Thank you for all the love you always showed us,' podcaster Scheila Santo wrote. 'Congratulations on a beautiful journey, inspiring so many women! I am sure your daughter is very proud of the mom you are.'
'Nat has always been, and always will be, a go-to for me,' Carla Pinheiros said.
'She was unique in networking, positioning, transforming events into remarkable experiences,' the communications adviser added. 'May her legacy live on in all that she built and inspired.'
'Nat I'm still in disbelief,' wrote Dr. Larissa Saib. 'Just a short while ago we were together celebrating your life. I can't understand why God took you now.'
The Mayo Clinic considers liposuctions – a procedure where fat is removed from a specific part of the body and shapes the area – to be dangerous.
The risks include internal puncture, infection, kidney and heart problems.
