Lawsuit Filed Against Sono Bello and Houston Surgeon
The family of a patient who suffered brain damage after a liposuction procedure has launched a legal complaint.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Stroke
The family of 28-year-old Junis Maldonado has filed a lawsuit against Sono Bello and Dr. Dare Ajibade following a liposuction procedure in May 2026. Maldonado allegedly suffered lidocaine toxicity and cardiopulmonary arrest, resulting in a persistent vegetative state.
Why it matters
The legal action highlights serious safety concerns regarding elective cosmetic procedures and the history of the physician involved. Maldonado, a mother of three young children, remains in a rehabilitation hospital with permanent brain damage.
The patient, a 28-year-old with three young children, required two months of hospitalization after the incident. Dr. Dare Ajibade previously faced Texas Medical Board discipline for failing to meet the standard of care for two other patients.
The players
Junis Maldonado
She is the 28-year-old patient who remains in a persistent vegetative state following a cosmetic procedure.
Dr. Dare Ajibade
He is a surgeon practicing in Houston and Florida who has previously faced disciplinary action from the Texas Medical Board.
Sono Bello
This is a cosmetic surgery company that employed the physician involved in the lawsuit.
Texas Medical Board
This is the state agency responsible for licensing physicians and enforcing standards of medical care in Texas.
The details
The lawsuit alleges that Maldonado experienced a severe drop in blood pressure and seizures before entering cardiopulmonary arrest during her procedure. She continues to require ongoing care and is reportedly unable to walk or care for herself due to her injuries.
Timeline
May 2026: Junis Maldonado underwent a liposuction procedure.
Post-May 2026: The patient was hospitalized for two months.
September 2026: The family filed a lawsuit against Sono Bello.
The Big Picture
The story follows the enforcement of the Texas Medical Board disciplinary standards by examining a surgeon's past professional conduct. This litigation highlights how regulatory oversight interacts with medical negligence claims in the private cosmetic surgery industry.
This case underscores the importance for patients to research the disciplinary history of surgeons before undergoing elective cosmetic procedures. Prospective patients can review the active license status and public disciplinary records of medical providers through state board portals.
The takeaway
Patients should exercise extreme caution and perform due diligence when selecting practitioners for invasive elective surgeries. Understanding a physician's past regulatory disciplinary record is a vital step in mitigating risks during medical procedures.
Further reading
Learn more about local health risks and recovery resources in the Houston Stroke section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KVII.
