Surgeon who filmed herself dancing in theater accused of leaving patient brain-damaged

Icilma Cornelius was left with brain-damage after she went to a doctor for Botox and anti-wrinkle treatment. She had been convinced her to get another procedure that led to the tragedy.

Cornelius went in for her simple treatments because she was preparing for her wedding day which was two months away. According to My AJC, she never got married and nor did she get the body she wanted.

In February 2016, Icilma Cornelius, 54, went to Dr. Windell Boutte’s for her two procedures but ended up being convinced to get cosmetic surgery. Boutte’s staff recommended the surgery for Cornelius to get a flat stomach before her wedding day.

Cornelius agreed to the surgical makeover as the doctor’s website said she was ‘nationally and internationally known’ and a ‘doctor to the stars!’ However, eight into the surgery Cornelius’ heart stopped.

Boutte’s medical office wasn’t equipped to handle the emergency and they had to call 911. When the paramedics arrived they managed to get the patient’s heart going.

They were delayed in getting her to the hospital because Cornelius had open incisions which she could get infections from. So Boutte and an employee sutured her skin.

“Dr. Boutte and her staff are more concerned about increasing profits versus a focus on patient safety, which should be of foremost concern.”

Attorney Susan Witt, My AJC, May 21, 2018

Then paramedics came across another stumbling block because the stretcher wouldn’t fit in the elevator. They had to carry it downstairs.

When Cornelius finally made it to the hospital her injuries had led to permanent brain damage. This was caused by lack of oxygen which now left her unable to do almost anything for herself.

Boutte has uploaded over 20 clips of herself dancing around next to patients while singing along to hip-hop songs. She even sliced some open for the camera as the song Cut it by O.T. Genasis played in the background.

Cornelius’ son, Ojay Liburd, 26, filed a lawsuit against Boutte following the diagnosis. He said: “She just wanted to be perfect for her wedding dress. She had everything going for her.”

The case has now been settled for an undisclosed amount. However, in another case, a pair of sisters, Mitzi McFarland and Kristine Dolly, also filed a suit against Boutte, after they visited her hoping to have laser lipo procedures.

Instead, the two underwent a traditional invasive liposuction procedure and were appalled by the results. McFarland said the procedure left her looking more like Freddy Krueger had cut her stomach.

Boutte, who has settled five malpractice suits in the last four months, with four more pending, is still working as a cosmetic surgeon.