Influencer dies after surgery with doctor she was partying with hours earlier

A 31-year-old influencer died from cardiac arrest following a series of cosmetic procedures—performed just hours after she partied with the surgeon who operated on her.^[]

Ana Bárbara Buhr Buldrini had traveled from Mozambique to Istanbul for breast augmentation, liposuction, and rhinoplasty. The surgeries were reportedly performed the day after a night out with the attending physician—raising serious concerns about medical ethics, patient safety, and the growing influence of social media on healthcare decisions.

Buldrini’s case has ignited intense discussion within the medical community, highlighting how the rise of social media-driven cosmetic tourism can distort informed consent and blur professional boundaries. As this trend continues to gain momentum, physicians face mounting pressure to address not only the medical but also the ethical fallout of these influencer-fueled procedures.

The role of social media in medical decision-making

Buldrini’s death underscores a growing trend in cosmetic surgery driven by social media influence. As influencers and public figures regularly share their experiences with cosmetic procedures, they often promote them as life-enhancing transformations.

This trend of “cosmetic tourism” has surged in recent years as patients seek surgeries in countries where the procedures are cheaper and perceived as less regulated.

While these surgeries may be more affordable, the lack of oversight and the quality of care can often fall short of expected standards.

For healthcare professionals, it’s essential to recognize the growing influence of social media and its potential to distort the realities of medical procedures, leading patients to make decisions that may not align with their best health interests.

Ethical considerations in medical practice

The circumstances surrounding Buldrini’s surgery raise serious ethical concerns. According to reports, the influencer’s procedures were scheduled hastily, and the attending surgeon, who had reportedly partied with her just hours before the surgery, proceeded without fully addressing the risks or properly preparing the patient.

“We went to the clinic on Sunday just to see the place, but the doctor wanted to perform the procedure without Ana being prepared," said Buldrini's husband, Elgar Miles. ^[]

Despite Buldrini expressing concerns about the timing, the doctor reassured her and her companion, ultimately carrying out the surgeries that led to her untimely death.

This incident brings into question the fundamental principles of medical ethics, particularly in relation to patient autonomy, informed consent, and the doctor-patient relationship. A medical professional's duty is to ensure that patients fully understand the risks associated with any procedure.

If a patient is under undue stress or not in an optimal condition—whether physically or emotionally—due to socializing or partying before surgery, the decision to proceed without further evaluation is not only unethical but potentially dangerous.

The need for stronger oversight in medical tourism

Buldrini’s death also highlights the risks associated with medical tourism, especially in countries that attract patients seeking cheaper procedures.

Many patients rely heavily on online reviews or social media endorsements, which can be misleading or fail to reflect the true quality of care provided. Additionally, international patient safety goals vary by accreditation program. ^[]