Brazilian Businesswoman Dies After Liposuction Procedure in São Paulo Hospital

Brazilian businesswoman Natália Cavanellas died Monday moments after she underwent liposuction at a hospital in São Paulo

A prominent Brazilian businesswoman, Natália Cavanellas, 40, has died after undergoing a liposuction procedure at San Gennaro Hospital in the Mooca district of São Paulo. The surgery was conducted by renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Edgar Lopez, but Cavanellas suffered cardiac arrest during the operation and was later pronounced dead, according to the São Paulo Department of Public Safety.

Cavanellas’ sister confirmed to authorities that she received emergency medical care following the incident, but efforts to revive her were unsuccessful.

Renown plastic surgeon Edgar Lopez was performing liposuction on São Paulo businesswoman Natália Cavanellas at San Gennaro Hospital before she went into cardiac arrest and died

Dr. Lopez, who describes himself as an expert in high-definition liposuction—also known as liposculpture—and mammoplasty, carried out the procedure. His professional profile also claims he was the first physician in Brazil to use Renuvion, a minimally invasive technology designed to tighten the skin during or independent of liposuction.

Despite the tragedy, Lopez’s private clinic, located in the upscale São Paulo neighborhood of Moema, remained open as of Tuesday.

Cavanellas leaves behind her husband, whom she married in 2019, and the couple's three-year-old daughter

Cavanellas leaves behind her husband, whom she married in 2019, and their three-year-old daughter. She was widely known for her work in public relations, marketing, and event planning, and founded a company that supported a network of over 800 businesswomen and executives.

In March, she was honored by the São Paulo City Council as one of the 100 most successful women in business. Just days before the procedure, Cavanellas shared a video of her birthday celebration, which also served as a networking event for women under the banner of “NATworking.”

The 40-year-old businesswoman ran her own public relations, marketing and events planning agency while serving as a role mother to over 800 female entrepreneurs

“In a world full of superficial connections, I chose the opposite path: genuine, real relationships and connections,” she wrote. “Welcome to the fourth decade of my life! My purpose of connecting people and stories is growing stronger and stronger!”

Her sudden death has deeply affected Brazil’s entrepreneurial and female leadership communities. Friends and colleagues paid tribute to her inspirational spirit and professional impact.

“Thank you for all the love you always showed us,” wrote podcaster Scheila Santo. “Congratulations on a beautiful journey, inspiring so many women!”

“Nat has always been, and always will be, a go-to for me,” said communications adviser Carla Pinheiros. “She was unique in networking, positioning, transforming events into remarkable experiences.”

Dr. Larissa Saib added, “Nat, I'm still in disbelief. Just a short while ago we were together celebrating your life. I can't understand why God took you now.”

Liposuction, a procedure used to remove fat and contour the body, is considered risky. According to the Mayo Clinic, complications may include internal organ punctures, infections, and serious kidney or heart problems.

An investigation is expected to determine the exact cause of Cavanellas' cardiac arrest and assess whether medical negligence or procedural error played a role in her death.