A victim who’s been left permanently scarred following a botched surgery at a Treasure Coast plastic surgery clinic is speaking with WPBF 25 News. Police said that the clinic was performing unlicensed procedures.
While four people now face charges for allegedly performing botched surgeries at Cosmetica Plastic Surgery and Anti-Aging in Port St. Lucie between 2021 and 2022, Jaclyn Sterling hopes she and others get more compensation for their injuries.
“It was more hurtful to me because I felt betrayed,” Sterling said. “It was just a complete lack and disregard for people’s lives.”
Sterling has permanent scars across her abdomen, and she says they’re from when she got cosmetic surgery at Cosmetica Plastic Surgery and Anti-Aging in Port St. Lucie, which closed its doors in 2022.
“I’ve accepted that this is how I look and it’s probably how I’ll look,” an emotional Sterling said. “This is probably how I’m going to look the rest of my life.”
Sterling was one of the victims who reported what happened to the local health department, leading to the Port St. Lucie Police Department’s investigation into the plastic surgery office.
Sterling says what was supposed to be a simple cosmetic surgery has led to permanent scarring, nerve damage and intestinal issues.
“There was nothing that led me to believe that they were doing that they were not capable or qualified to be doing,” Sterling said.
Sterling’s attorney says part of the lawsuit is seeking compensation from the supervising physician, who is not being criminally investigated but owns the business where police say the unlicensed procedures were happening.
Investigators say people were suffering from various injuries from these botched cosmetic surgeries, including gaping wounds that would not heal.
Now Sterling and her attorney say it’s likely there are more victims, and coming forward is the only way to help ensure justice for all the victims.
“I believe that there are a lot more people out there who have been wronged, and I want to ensure that these people do not do this to another person,” Sterling said.
“It can happen to anybody, and we want to make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else again,” said Casey Williams, managing member of Williams Law and Sterling’s attorney.
While police say Adley DaSilva was the ringleader of this criminal enterprise located inside a legitimate business, three others were arrested.
Among the people arrested are DaSilva’s wife, Kiomy Quintiana, who allegedly did not have an American medical license and yet was performing Botox injections for patients.
Officers also arrested Dianne Millan, who was a surgical technician at the clinic. Fermal Simpson, an anesthesiologist, was also taken behind bars.
“We have one suspect outstanding. I believe they may have fled the country,” the assistant chief said.
Port St. Lucie police also believe there are more victims who should come forward.
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Source: wpbf
