MIAMI, FL – A Miami-based plastic surgeon was arrested after a cosmetic surgery procedure left a woman with severe complications, igniting a broader investigation into unlicensed medical practices. The victim, who traveled from Orlando to Miami for breast augmentation, discovered too late that the man she believed was a licensed doctor was anything but.
Police allege Manuel Lazaro, who presented himself in a white medical coat, performed the surgery without a valid medical license. The woman, whose identity remains confidential, suffered a severe infection resulting in the loss of her nipple. Despite her repeated complaints, Lazaro reportedly failed to advise her to seek help from a licensed medical professional.
The incident occurred at New World Medical and Cosmetic Center, located on Southwest First Street in Miami. This establishment has come under scrutiny as Lazaro is not the only individual from the facility facing legal troubles. Wilson Munoz Suarez, another practitioner at the center, was also arrested earlier for similar charges of practicing without a license.
Detectives report that Lazaro admitted to conducting numerous surgeries without proper credentials. Prosecutors expressed grave concern over the potential number of victims affected by these unauthorized procedures. They emphasized the irreversible impact on the woman’s life, who now faces lasting physical and emotional scars.
“This is a serious breach of trust and public safety,” said a prosecutor during the court proceedings. “The defendant’s actions have irrevocably altered this woman’s life, and there may be more victims out there.”
The court has set bail for Lazaro, but he now faces significant legal challenges, including charges of practicing medicine without a license. Authorities urge anyone who may have undergone procedures at the center to come forward as investigations continue.
The case highlights the critical importance of verifying medical professionals’ credentials, especially in the realm of cosmetic surgery, where the allure of discounted services can sometimes overshadow safety considerations.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on high alert, grappling with the implications of unlicensed medical practices and their consequences.