Natalia Cavanellas Thomazella, 40, was a Brazilian influencer and entrepreneur with more than 130,000 followers on Instagram, noted for her content on motherhood, entrepreneurship and lifestyle.
Founder of a public relations agency and network of more than 800 women entrepreneurs, she was also recognized in March by the São Paulo City Hall as one of the 100 most influential entrepreneurs in the city.
The intervention that ended in tragedy
On Monday, July 7, 2025, Natalia entered the San Gennaro Hospital in São Paulo for a three-procedure cosmetic operation: liposuction, buttock augmentation by fat injection and breast implant replacement, two years after having her first operation.
Everything went smoothly until the final stage, during the injection in the buttocks, when he suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest.
Despite resuscitation maneuvers, he died in the operating room.
The first hypotheses point to a fat or pulmonary embolism as the probable cause.
Ongoing research
The São Paulo Security Secretariat classified the case as a “suspicious death” and registered it at the 42nd police station.
The Forensic Medical Institute (IML) has already initiated an investigation, full of questions as to whether the procedure followed proper medical protocols or whether there was negligence.
For his part, surgeon Edgar Lopez, with more than 20 years of experience, stated that Natalia passed all previous examinations and that the surgery was performed under safe conditions.
He attributed the death to a recognized but rare medical complication, pulmonary embolism.
Reactions and legacy of Natalia Cavanellas
Natalia’s husband, Rafael Thomazella, wrote on Instagram:
“A beautiful, independent, super professional, happy woman… sadly she left us, but she will always live in our memories and our hearts. I will tell Manoella what an amazing mom she was,” he assured.
Followers and colleagues expressed shock on social media, and her story reignited the debate about the risks of undergoing multiple procedures in a single session.
Cada vez son más los casos de influencers y famosas que pierden la vida dentro del quirófano en cirugías estéticas, por lo que se recomienda pensarlo muy bien y asegurarse de estar en manos correctas del equipo médico adecuado antes de hacerlo
What you should take into account prior to surgery
Buzzy
For the Latino community in the U.S., this case offers important lessons:
Real risks of multiple aesthetic procedures: even in reputable centers, there can always be serious complications.
Importance of rigorous medical evaluation: examine in detail certifications, clinics and safety protocols.
Health and maternity awareness: Natalia was the mother of a young child; her death underscores the unexpectedness of certain operations and the need for caution.
The death of Natalia Cavanellas during a cosmetic surgery in São Paulo shocks for her popularity, previous health and life plans.
The investigation progresses as her family and supporters pay tribute to a woman who inspired entrepreneurship and motherhood.
Her story reinforces the importance of understanding the risks, demanding proper medical protocols and making informed decisions in any surgery.
For U.S. Hispanics, it is a reminder to prioritize life and wellness over popular trends.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
