Med Spa Scandal in Port St. Lucie: The Need for Medical Due Diligence
The recent scandal at Cosmetica Plastic Surgery and Anti-Aging in Port St. Lucie underscores the importance of integrity and adherence to legal standards in the medical field.
This blog offers valuable lessons for patients seeking medical care, emphasizing the importance of verifying doctors' credentials and ensuring they adhere to licensing regulations and ethical standards.
The Unveiling of Unlawful Practices
In a significant enforcement action, local and state authorities arrested four individuals tied to Cosmetica Plastic Surgery and Anti-Aging. The violations included unauthorized surgical procedures performed by a physician assistant rather than a licensed surgeon, spotlighting severe ethical and legal breaches.
While four suspects are detained, the investigation continues as the Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD) seeks a fifth individual who may have fled the country.
The identity of this person remains undisclosed.
Regulatory Timeline and Actions
The investigation into Cosmetica began in 2022 when the state health department suspended the facility's license.
By 2023, its business registration was revoked, effectively ceasing operations. According to Assistant Chief Leo Niemczyk of the PSLPD, Cosmetica initially operated as a legitimate practice with a qualified doctor.
However, over time, the staff took over and performed unauthorized procedures unbeknownst to the doctor.
Unauthorized Procedures and Consequences
Adley DaSilva, 51, a physician assistant, stands accused of conducting various surgeries without a license, including liposuctions, fat injections, Brazilian butt lifts, and breast augmentations. Niemczyk highlighted the severe health complications and infections that patients suffered due to these unauthorized surgeries.
DaSilva’s wife, Kiomy Quintiana, was implicated in treating patients without a medical license. Additionally, Diane Millan, 52, and Fermal Simpson, 74, allegedly participated in botched surgeries, further escalating the situation.
The investigation was prompted by the original doctor associated with the practice, who came forward after learning about the unauthorized procedures. Four patients also reported severe complications, including chronic infections, substantial skin loss, and enduring physical pain, necessitating further medical intervention following surgeries at Cosmetica.
The unauthorized surgeries, which ranged in cost from $6,800 to $22,900, underscore the critical importance of maintaining ethical practices and strict adherence to licensing requirements.
These dire consequences highlight the profound ethical lapses and the urgent need for rigorous regulatory oversight to protect patient safety and trust in the medical profession.
Comprehensive Charges and Legal Proceedings
The charges against the individuals involved are extensive:
Diane Millan and Fermal Simpson: Each faces one count of conduct or participation in an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity.
Kiomy Quintiana: Faces multiple counts, including conduct or participation in an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity, grand theft under a scheme to defraud, organized fraud, and practicing medicine without a license.
Adley DaSilva: Confronts numerous charges, including conduct or participation in an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity, aggravated battery, grand theft pursuant to a scheme to defraud, organized fraud, and practicing medicine without a license.
Expert Advice: Verifying Medical Credentials
Board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kandace Kichler, MD, underscores the critical importance of verifying a cosmetic surgeon’s credentials.
She cautions that delicate procedures, such as Brazilian Butt Lifts, carry significant risks, including the potential for fatal fat embolisms or blood clots.
Furthermore, Dr. Kichler emphasizes the grave dangers associated with illegally combining multiple advanced procedures, underscoring the urgent need for strict regulatory compliance to ensure patient safety.
Protecting the Integrity of Your Practice
For med spa practice owners, the Cosmetica scandal underscores the importance of maintaining professional integrity and adhering to legal standards.
Operating within legal boundaries not only protects patients but also safeguards your reputation and business value.
This case highlights the need for thorough due diligence, proper licensing, and unwavering ethical practices in the medical field.
As patients seek medical treatment, it is crucial to ensure their chosen doctor is fully credentialed and operates with integrity and compliance—qualities that safeguard health and well-being. By learning from such incidents, practitioners, and patients can avoid similar pitfalls and ensure safety.
Stay informed, verify credentials, and always prioritize your well-being.
Yours in health and safety,
Viper Partners
Contact us today to learn what we can do for you and your practice.
About Viper Partners
As America's premier M&A advisory and investment bank, Viper Partners empowers dentistry, dermatology, plastic surgery, and med spa practices to reach their pinnacle of success. We take pride in our unique relationships with family offices and private equity-funded organizations.
Our mission is to deliver exceptional M&A services that foster success for both buyers and sellers in the healthcare industry.