October 13, 2020
DENVER, Colorado—19-year-old Emmalyn Nguyen underwent breast augmentation surgery back in 2019 with catastrophic results, died earlier this month of medical complications, according to CBSN Denver.
Nguyen’s family attorney, David Woodruff, stated Emmalyn’s death is the direct result of complications from her botched breast augmentation surgery back in 2019. “Emmalyn’s parents and siblings are heartbroken. This turn of events was sadly unexpected.”
Nguyen underwent breast augmentation surgery on August 1, 2019, at the Greenwood Village office of Dr. Geoffrey Kim. She saved up around $6,000 to improve her “self-image” and gave herself a high school graduation present—bigger breast.
After being administered anesthesia by nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker, Nguyen—who was 18-years-old at the time—went into cardiac arrest.
Dr. Kim immediately administered CPR and resuscitated Nguyen, but she never regained consciousness. Dr. Kim later admitted he didn’t call 911 for help for approximately five hours, according to CBSN Denver.
A series of failures by Dr. Kim left Nguyen permanently brain-damaged. She was unable to speak, walk, or feed herself and needed around the clock medical care. On October 2, 2020, Nguyen developed severe pneumonia which caused her to go into cardiac arrest. She was once again resuscitated but ultimately died on October 4.
Dr. Kim did reach an agreement with state regulators admitting to “unprofessional conduct.” He was given three years probation but allowed to practice medicine with certain restrictions. Records indicate this was Kim’s first offense.
Rex Meeker, the nurse who administered anesthesia to Nguyen, voluntarily agreed in January to discontinue administering anesthesia. However, he’s still allowed to continue practicing nursing.
Nguyen’s family filed a lawsuit over the surgery, which now continues as a wrongful death lawsuit against Dr. Kim and Meeker.
“Emmalyn’s parents believe it is imperative to tell Emmalyn’s story, both to bring her justice and also to help prevent this from ever happening to another patient,” stated Woodruff.
Feature Images via CBSN Denver