The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation suspended the medical license of Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Ayoub Sayeg, barring him from practicing in the state following a Chicago Tribune investigation that revealed eight patient deaths without prior disciplinary action. According to state records provided to the Tribune, division director action on July 7 imposed an immediate, indefinite suspension after investigators found Sayeg failed to provide subpoenaed compliance materials regarding office-based anesthesia services and staff certifications.
State Investigation and Emergency Suspension
State regulators acted after a Tribune investigation detailed multiple patient deaths linked to procedures at Sayeg’s 63 Laser & Skin Clinic, located at 3918 W. 63rd St. in Chicago. According to departmental records, state investigators including the chief of investigations inspected the facility on June 18 following a medical board order issued days after the newspaper published its findings.
The division director determined that the public interest and safety imperatively required emergency action, noting in records that the doctor’s continued practice constituted an immediate danger. When a Tribune reporter called the clinic, a woman answering the phone stated that Dr. Sayeg was no longer there, declining further questions. Sayeg resides in Michigan, where licensing officials also issued an administrative complaint on June 9 following allegations from a woman and her mother regarding 2024 surgeries.
Patient Cases and Legal History
Medical examiner and coroner records show six patients died from plastic surgery complications, while two overdosed on pain medication at home. Each surgical case involved a tummy tuck combined with procedures such as liposuction.
State officials acknowledged delays in investigating a complaint received on Oct. 26, 2020, regarding the 2019 death of Idalia Corcoles, a 39-year-old mother of four. Corcoles’ family filed a 2021 lawsuit that resulted in a $56 million jury verdict in late 2024, while the state licensing inquiry remained pending. On Sept. 5, 2025, the department filed a complaint alleging violations of the Illinois Medical Practice Act, later amending it on April 9 to include the November 2018 death of 47-year-old Crystal Walker Keating, who died the same day she underwent a tummy tuck, liposuction, flankplasty, and fat grafting. A wrongful death lawsuit regarding Walker Keating ended in a 2024 hung jury, followed by nearly $1.1 million in settlements, with Sayeg and his business entities responsible for $470,000, according to court records.
Legal Defense and Official Responses
Sayeg’s attorney in the state proceedings, Michael Goldberg, defended the practitioner in an emailed statement to the Tribune, describing him as an “excellent practitioner” and asserting he is being “unfairly targeted by the department for minor issues having nothing to do with his actual abilities as a doctor.” Department records show Sayeg has denied wrongdoing in patient care, and his attorneys raised a statute-of-limitations argument regarding the Corcoles investigation, which the state countered by stating its complaint was filed within the allowed time frame. A status hearing is scheduled for Aug. 17.
Did you know? Following the publication of investigative findings, Illinois regulatory officials announced an internal review of how they handled allegations against Dr. Sayeg and pledged to pursue legislative changes to accelerate the state’s disciplinary process for outpatient surgical facilities.
Elected officials expressed sharp criticism over the oversight delays. Chicago Ald. Silvana Tabares wrote a letter to state and city officials highlighting that the clinic’s mortality rate exceeded national averages. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker referred to Sayeg as a “wrongdoer” at a news conference, stating his administration seeks the most stringent penalties available for licensed professionals who breach their obligations. State Sen. Mike Porfirio also pledged to explore legislative remedies to prevent similar tragedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation suspended his license indefinitely on July 7, citing his failure to provide subpoenaed proof of continuing medical education in anesthesia services and a nurse anesthetist’s advanced cardiac life support certification.
How many patient deaths are linked to the Chicago clinic?
A Tribune investigation found that eight women of color died within a seven-year span shortly after undergoing surgeries at the Southwest Side clinic.
What legal actions have victims’ families taken?
Families filed wrongful death lawsuits resulting in significant financial consequences, including a $56 million jury verdict in 2024 related to the death of Idalia Corcoles and $470,000 in settlement responsibilities connected to the death of Crystal Walker Keating.
Is Dr. Sayeg facing disciplinary action in other states?
Yes. Michigan licensing officials confirmed an active investigation and issued an administrative complaint on June 9 based on allegations regarding 2024 surgeries performed by Sayeg.
Stay Informed on Local Investigative Reporting
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest updates on public health investigations, regulatory changes, and accountability journalism across Illinois.