Houston Plastic Surgeon Lawsuits Follow Patient Deaths, Severe Injuries

Multiple Houston plastic surgeon lawsuits have raised questions about Dr. Dare Ajibade’s cosmetic surgery practice. Court records reviewed by KTRK’s 13 Investigates connect Ajibade to allegations involving two patient deaths and severe complications.

Ajibade has denied performing negligent surgery in one case. Representatives for Ajibade and the clinics have also said they cannot comment on pending litigation or patient matters.

Family Files Lawsuit After Mother’s Death

Susan Easley underwent liposuction with Ajibade at a Virginia facility in May 2024. Her son, Gavin Easley, said he spoke with her after the Friday procedure.

After several days without contact, Gavin and his wife found Susan dead inside a Washington, D.C.-area hotel bathroom on May 13, 2024.

The medical examiner ruled that Susan experienced sudden cardiac death related to cardiovascular disease following laser-assisted liposuction and a fat transfer.

A lawsuit filed by her family alleges the procedure lasted more than six hours. It also claims Susan received an unsafe amount of lidocaine and left the facility prematurely.

According to the lawsuit, Susan later called the clinic to report nausea and vomiting. The filing alleges staff did not direct her to an emergency room.

Ajibade denied performing negligent surgery in a civil court response. He also generally denied the lawsuit’s allegations.

Houston Plastic Surgeon Lawsuits Detail Other Cases

Adebola Britt, 49, experienced cardiac arrest after a November 2025 procedure at DVA Plastic Surgery in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, according to her family’s attorney.

A 911 caller reported that Britt was not breathing. She died five days later, on Nov. 12, 2025.

The Harris County medical examiner listed her cause of death as sudden death following abdominoplasty and liposuction procedures. Britt’s family retained an attorney but had not filed a lawsuit when KTRK published its investigation.

In another case, the family of 27-year-old Junis Maldonado filed a medical malpractice lawsuit in San Antonio on June 23, 2026.

The lawsuit alleges Maldonado suffered seizures and cardiopulmonary arrest during a May liposuction procedure. Medical workers resuscitated her, but the filing claims she experienced a brain injury caused by insufficient oxygen.

According to the lawsuit, Maldonado now has a tracheostomy and feeding tube. Her doctors reportedly expect permanent cognitive, neurological and physical disabilities.

A spokesperson representing Ajibade and the clinic said patient safety remains their highest priority. The spokesperson declined to discuss the pending case.

Fort Worth Patient Alleges Burns

Rosa Caldera traveled from Fort Worth to Houston for a $15,000 liposuction procedure in 2024. Her lawsuit alleges the surgery lasted approximately 10 hours.

Caldera said she awoke in extreme pain before an ambulance transported her to a hospital. She was initially admitted to intensive care and remained hospitalized for two days.

After returning home, Caldera underwent skin graft surgery for a third-degree abdominal burn, according to her lawsuit. She said her physical recovery took about one year, while the emotional effects continue.

Ajibade did not directly respond to KTRK’s questions about the cases. An unsigned clinic email cited patient privacy.

Texas Medical Board Previously Took Action

The Texas Medical Board lists a public action involving Ajibade. The board found that his treatment during a liposuction procedure did not meet the standard of care.

Ajibade resolved the matter by agreeing to a fine and continuing medical education. KTRK reported finding no disciplinary action in the other states where he holds licenses.

The board said it could not comment on pending or potential litigation. The civil allegations also remain unresolved, and no court finding of liability was reported.

Patients considering cosmetic surgery can review a physician’s license and disciplinary history through the Texas Medical Board. They can also confirm a facility’s credentials and discuss emergency plans before scheduling a procedure.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.