Plastic Surgeon Found Dead in Pool Years After Operation Killed Patient: Reports

A Bakersfield resident identified as Sarwa Aldoori, a former plastic surgeon, was discovered deceased in a swimming pool on 30 June 2023. She was aged 71 at the time of her passing. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office confirmed her identity and announced that a forensic postmortem examination would be conducted to ascertain the cause and nature of her death.

Aldoori’s professional history was marred by controversy, particularly following a tragic incident in 2016 when a patient died after undergoing a liposuction and tummy tuck procedure performed by Aldoori and her husband, Dr. Yakdan Alqaisi. The patient, a 43-year-old woman, underwent surgery in April 2016. Unfortunately, the following day, she was found unresponsive and subsequently pronounced dead at a hospital. The coroner’s report indicated that the cause of death was a fat embolism, a complication known to occur when fat globules enter the bloodstream, often as a result of surgical interventions.

In the wake of this incident, the Medical Board of California took significant action against Aldoori, asserting that she lacked the requisite training to carry out the surgical procedures. In 2021, the board formally accused her of inadequacy regarding her qualifications. Subsequent to the investigation, Aldoori was placed on a seven-year probation in 2022 due to her failure to adhere to the terms set forth by the board.

By 2024, in a somewhat surprising turn of events, Aldoori voluntarily surrendered her medical license. This decision followed continued scrutiny surrounding her practice and the circumstances relating to her probation. Meanwhile, Dr. Alqaisi, who served as the anesthesiologist during the ill-fated procedure, is reported to still be on probation, further casting a shadow over their medical joint ventures.

Aldoori was associated with Bella Health and Beauty, a plastic surgery facility located in northeast Bakersfield, where she provided services aimed at health and wellness. Despite these offerings, her legacy will be significantly influenced by the patient’s tragic death and the ensuing legal ramifications. According to the facility’s promotional material, Aldoori was portrayed as a board-certified physician with over three decades of experience.

Following news of her death, local authorities have launched an investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding Aldoori’s demise. As the forensic examination proceeds, it remains to be seen whether any additional details will surface regarding her final moments, or if the inquiry will yield insights about her professional conduct prior to her death.

Community reactions to the news of Aldoori’s passing have been mixed, reflecting a broader concern about medical malpractice and the accountability of healthcare professionals. Many have expressed sympathy for the family of the deceased patient, who have had to grapple with the loss and the implications of Aldoori’s professional decisions.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains not only on Aldoori’s past but also on the systemic issues within the medical community that allowed her to practice despite the serious allegations against her. Such cases have sparked discussions about patient safety and the need for stringent oversight in the cosmetic surgery field.

Those seeking information on Aldoori are encouraged to consult public records and await further announcements from local authorities regarding the findings of the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the medical community continues to reflect on the lessons learned from this tragic case and the imperative for continuous training and compliance with medical standards.