A 39-year-old woman from Uzbekistan has been accused of posing as a licensed doctor on social media and performing a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) that nearly killed a patient, authorities announced Friday.
Nargiza Shukurova allegedly conducted the risky cosmetic procedure on a 46-year-old woman in May 2023 at a beauty salon in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. According to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office, the surgery was performed outside of an authorized medical facility, and no proper medical evaluation or history was taken before the procedure.
Court records show Shukurova is facing multiple charges, including assault, unauthorized practice of a profession, criminal possession of a weapon, and reckless endangerment.
“In all plastic surgery, the Brazilian butt lift must be performed with the greatest care, as it carries the highest mortality rate among cosmetic procedures,” said District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “The defendant advertised herself on social media as ‘Dr. Nargiza’ and ‘Dr. Nargis,’ offering services including buttock enlargement, shape correction, and lip enhancements, using before-and-after photos. She was neither licensed in New York State nor authorized to perform this surgery.”
The victim began experiencing severe, life-threatening complications in the days following the procedure. Despite her deteriorating condition, Shukurova allegedly discouraged her from seeking professional medical care and attempted to manage her symptoms herself. Nearly three weeks later, the patient lost consciousness at home and was rushed to a hospital, where she required twelve surgeries over two months to treat a serious infection.
During the hospitalization, Shukurova allegedly sent messages to the victim urging her to mislead hospital staff and conceal her identity, officials said.
Shukurova was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on January 9, 2026, following a Kings County warrant. She was arraigned with bail set and is scheduled to return to court on March 25, 2026.
