Karina Jones embarked on a wellness journey that led to a remarkable transformation. In 2014, she made a career change, leaving her medical billing and collections agency to pursue her passion in cosmetology. With a newfound focus on fitness and healthy eating, she dedicated herself to a healthier lifestyle. As a licensed hairstylist and makeup artist, Karina thrived on helping people enhance their appearance and boost their confidence. After successfully undergoing a gastric sleeve procedure, she lost 70 pounds. While this weight loss was a tremendous achievement, it also resulted in excess sagging skin. Recognizing that another important step in her journey was needed, Karina decided to pursue a procedure to remove the excess skin. Due to her medical-related background, she understood the need to thoroughly research her surgeon’s background. She proactively asked each surgeon she consulted with if they had any prior surgical issues or medical board complaints. She also checked the Medical Board of California’s website for the physician’s profile. Her surgeon confidently reassured her that everything was great with his practice. Trusting him and inspired by a friend’s successful surgery with him, Karina chose a Bonita California physician as her surgeon. What she didn’t know was the tragic fact that just one month prior to her consultation, another patient had suffered severe harm and tragically lost their life under his care.
Karina’s surgeon performed a breast augmentation and a lift. He removed the excess skin and performed a tummy tuck. The surgery included a hip-to-hip incision and targeted liposuction across her body. Although her surgeon had estimated the procedure would take four hours, it unexpectedly extended to six hours. After this extensive surgery, Karina was sent home, with the surgeon telling her husband that she just needed to be monitored and to get some rest. Her close friend was there with her at home to offer support during her recovery. Following the surgery, she struggled to keep food down and felt unwell. Eventually, she drifted off to sleep but awoke at 1:30 AM, realizing she couldn’t lift her left leg. Her friend had to help her to the restroom, as she found herself unable to walk. Unbeknownst to Karina, she was experiencing a stroke.
Karina attempted to call her surgeon but couldn’t reach anyone. The following morning, she called again, and instead of recommending a trip to the emergency room, he asked her to come to his office. After waiting for an extended period, Karina grew anxious as her surgeon was trying to update her medical record instead of addressing her emergency. Her husband asked the doctor if he should take her to the hospital, and the surgeon directed them to Sharp Memorial, despite the presence of another hospital much closer to his office.
Before her surgery in August 2019, her surgeon chose not to order any new lab tests, relying instead on lab results from eight months prior. The Donda West Law (Assembly Bill 1116), which has been in effect since January 2010, clearly mandates a physical exam and written clearance from a qualified physician within 30 days of elective cosmetic surgery. Unfortunately, Karina’s surgeon failed to adhere to this legal requirement. She did not receive a physical examination, nor did her surgeon seek necessary medical clearance from another doctor before proceeding with the surgery. The ER doctor confirmed that her surgeon should have ordered blood work just prior to her procedure. This oversight raises serious questions about the safety of her care.
When Karina arrived at the emergency room, she was suffering from another stroke. The medical team promptly conducted blood tests and ordered a CT scan with contrast. The ER doctor unequivocally stated that she had indeed suffered a stroke. She received diagnoses of multiple acute strokes, acute coronary artery occlusion, and left leg weakness.
Currently, Karina remains at risk for another stroke. She was unable to work for 7 years but recently returned to work with special accommodations that allow her to care for clients while seated, as she cannot stand for extended periods. The mention of her surgeon’s name or stories of other women’s deaths and long-term complications deeply affects her. She cannot fathom why her surgeon failed to instruct her to call an ambulance or go straight to the emergency room. This oversight has left her feeling frustrated and betrayed.
Unbeknownst to her, serious allegations were lodged against her surgeon by the Medical Board of California. Just two years after her procedure, a criminal complaint emerged, charging him with involuntary manslaughter related to the death of a patient who tragically died the same month Karina consulted him. The Medical Board filed an accusation against the surgeon at the same time the criminal charges were filed. In July 2024, her surgeon received a three-year prison sentence for the wrongful death of another patient, with the judge enforcing a lifetime suspension of his medical license in California.
Karina has recently discovered that her surgeon was released from prison after serving less than half of his sentence. To make matters worse, he still holds an active medical license in Arizona. This has left her frustrated and concerned for the welfare of potential patients in Arizona.
Karina has joined Consumer Watchdog’s volunteer advocacy team to champion essential reforms for medical boards. Her commitment is driven by the need for enhanced accountability for patients like her and a push for greater transparency in the regulatory board process.
Watch news coverage about Karina’s story at the links below:
