Two Patients, 19 and 35, Die Weeks Apart After Undergoing Plastic Surgery at Same Miami Clinic

Two families have initiated legal proceedings against Svelta Plastic Surgery in Miami following the tragic deaths of two patients, 19-year-old Endrys Elian Martinez and 35-year-old Kenly Millan Aponte, after surgeries performed at the clinic weeks apart. The families claim negligence on the part of the clinic, and they are seeking justice for their loved ones.

Endrys Elian Martinez, who was scheduled for rhinoplasty, experienced severe complications, reportedly linked to anaesthesia. He was declared brain dead on May 25 and passed away the following day. His father, Endrys Martinez, expressed his heartbreak, stating, “I just want justice for my son” during an interview with NBC Miami. The Martinez family travelled from Tennessee after discovering Svelta via social media, hoping for a successful surgery that would improve their son’s appearance.

Attorney Jorge Silva, representing both families through his Coral Gables-based firm, has alleged failures in the clinic’s handling of complications encountered during surgery. He highlighted that the clinic had previously been known as Seduction Cosmetic Surgery and had rebranded earlier this year. According to Silva, the issues surrounding anaesthesia management and subsequent complications suggest gross negligence at the facility.

Kenly Millan Aponte, a mother of two from Kentucky, travelled to the clinic for a procedure often referred to as a “mommy makeover.” This typically encompasses a combination of surgeries including a tummy tuck, breast work, and liposuction. Aponte’s husband, Jefferson Carrasco, described the surgery as a “birthday present” for his wife. However, after undergoing the procedure, she experienced severe complications that led to her death. Carrasco shared the shocking moment he received a call informing him that his wife’s oxygen levels had dropped, and she was being taken to the hospital.

A report from the Coral Gables Fire Department indicated that emergency responders found Aponte unresponsive and in cardiac arrest upon their arrival at Svelta. Shockingly, no cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was in progress, and staff had not placed any automated external defibrillator (AED) pads prior to their arrival. Carrasco described the details of the report as “devastating,” deepening the family’s grief over the loss.

Attorney Silva indicated that the early findings from the investigation reveal concerning aspects related to medical protocols at the practice. He reiterated the families’ desire for answers and accountability to ensure that such tragedies do not happen to other patients in the future. He emphasised the need for “adequate compensation for their losses,” which he believes is critical in prompting necessary changes within the clinic.

The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the deaths of both Martinez and Aponte, noting that further investigations will determine the specific causes of their deaths. As of now, the results concerning Aponte’s case remain pending.

In response to the claims, Svelta Plastic Surgery issued a statement expressing its condolences to the families involved. They acknowledged the reports circulating about their facility and affirmed their commitment to transparency during this painful time. In their statement, the clinic asserted that the facts regarding the incidents are not fully represented in the media, and they are actively gathering data to better understand what transpired.

The clinic’s management highlighted that all patients are treated with the utmost importance and that their priority is patient safety. They also reaffirmed their cooperation with relevant authorities during the investigation process and requested that the public refrain from forming judgments until all facts have been reviewed.

Svelta concluded its statement by reaffirming their long-standing commitment to providing safe plastic surgery and maintaining open communication with current and prospective patients regarding the care they receive. They stressed their dedication to rectifying any issues and enhancing safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.

As the legal case unfolds, both families continue to seek justice while grappling with their profound loss, illuminating broader concerns about safety and standards within the plastic surgery industry. The outcomes of these legal proceedings may set important precedents for patient care in aesthetic medicine.