State officials have suspended the license of a Chicago plastic surgeon, Dr. Ayoub Sayeg, preventing him from practicing medicine in Illinois. This action follows an investigation by the Tribune that revealed eight of his patients died after surgeries, yet the state had not disciplined him. The investigation began after a complaint was filed in late 2020 regarding one of the deaths. Three more patients died while the investigation was pending, according to the Tribune’s report in June.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has confessed to shortcomings in their inquiry of Dr. Ayoub Sayeg. On June 18, two state investigators, including the department’s chief of investigations, inspected Sayeg’s clinic following a Medical Board order. According to records, a division director suspended Sayeg’s license on July 7, citing his failure to provide proof of compliance with educational requirements related to anesthesia services.
Sayeg’s clinic is located in a predominantly Latino neighborhood, where eight of his patients, all women of color, died within seven years after surgery. Six deaths were due to surgical complications, while two involved fatal overdoses of pain medication at home. Each surgery involved a tummy tuck and another procedure, usually liposuction.
Despite a complaint filed on Oct. 26, 2020, regarding the death of Idalia Corcoles, a mother-of-four, state licensing actions lagged. Corcoles’ family sued Sayeg, resulting in a $56 million verdict. The Illinois Department filed a complaint against Sayeg on Sept. 5, 2025, concluding that his conduct violated the Medical Practice Act. An amended complaint included allegations related to Crystal Walker Keating’s death in 2018. Sayeg faced a wrongful death lawsuit, resulting in $1.1 million in settlements.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation seeks the maximum penalty to bar Sayeg from practicing in Illinois. Meanwhile, Sayeg, who also operates a practice in Michigan, is contesting the suspension. In Michigan, officials are also investigating him after complaints regarding surgeries in 2024.
Illinois officials, reacting to the Tribune’s findings, are reviewing how they handled Sayeg’s case and aim to propose legal changes for faster disciplinary actions in similar cases. The report spurred reactions from elected officials. Chicago Alderman Silvana Tabares expressed grave concern, noting the tragedies among mothers and women of color seeking affordable cosmetic procedures.
Governor JB Pritzker labeled Sayeg a “wrongdoer” and vowed to pursue severe penalties. State Senator Mike Porfirio also promised to explore legislative measures to prevent future tragedies. The article is a collaborative report by Tribune reporter Olivia Olander.