A massage therapist has been charged with homicide and practising medicine without a license after he injected industrial silicone into the buttocks of a young woman who died a few hours later.

Nutritionist Patricia Rodrigues dos Santos, 34, died after the operation performed by Leonardo Lima de Souza, 39, at an unlicensed clinic in Brazilian municipality of Sao Goncalo in October last year.

She complained of dizziness upon leaving the clinic and reportedly vomited at home before being rushed to A&E where she passed away.

An autopsy of the victim’s body showed she died of a pulmonary microembolism, which was given as the suspected cause of death at the time, allegedly caused by the procedure.

According to police officer Allan Duarte, the operation was carried out in a room at the back of an unlicensed beauty salon in the neighbourhood of Alcantara.

Despite calling himself a beautician and massage therapist, Souza was not qualified to carry out the procedure, which must be performed by a specially authorised doctor.

When questioned, Souza told the police that he accepted BRL 2,151.80 (GBP 288.83) in credit card instalments to perform the op and that the patient provided the four millilitres (0.14 fl oz) of industrial silicone herself.

The investigation revealed that in addition to carrying out the illegal procedure, Souza also failed to provide the victim with assistance when she complained of feeling unwell.

Patricia had already undergone silicone breast implant surgery, and she worked selling healthy meals.

Her friend and colleague, Michelly Boechat, described her as “caring, hardworking and an unrivalled professional”.

If found guilty, Souza could face six to 20 years in prison for the charge of homicide with possible intent, and six months to two years for practising medicine without a license. He is awaiting trial in freedom.

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