Police are investigating the death of a chocolate shop owner after she died while undergoing a liposuction at a private clinic.

Businesswoman Ariene Rodrigues Pereira died from a suspected pulmonary embolism just hours after the cosmetic procedure at the Ibirapuera Polyclinic in Sao Luis, in the state of Maranhao, on 20th January.

Police said the procedure initially progressed without reported complications before she suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while still on the operating table.

Ariene Rodrigues Pereira poses in undated photo. She died after liposuction in Sao Luis, Brazil. Note: Photo is a screenshot from video. (Newsflash)

Resuscitation efforts were reportedly carried out for about 90 minutes, but medics could not revive her.

A police report filed by the family notes that Ariene had pre-existing medical conditions, including hypothyroidism, and used continuous medication.

However, they claim that the hospital did not perform any kind of surgical risk assessments before the procedure.

Ariene Rodrigues Pereira poses in undated photo. She died after liposuction in Sao Luis, Brazil. Note: Photo is a screenshot from video. (Newsflash)

The victim's family's lawyer also stated that there were "discrepancies" and "inconsistencies" in the information provided by the medical team, and that these issues need to be investigated.

Ariene owned a Cacau Show franchise store, which is a popular chocolate brand in Brazil, in her hometown of Pinheiro.

She was well-known among locals and customers, who said she was always welcoming and friendly.

The investigation is being handled by the 13th Police District of Cohatrac, which said witnesses, family members and the healthcare professionals involved will be questioned, and forensic examinations have been requested.

(Aloysius Fernandes /Newsflash)