Authorities have taken into custody a man accused of posing as an unlicensed plastic surgeon in Miami-Dade County. Manuel Lazzaro, who promotes himself online as a “Venezuelan certified Plastic Surgeon in aesthetics, face, breast & body sculpture,” was arrested by deputies from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office on Thursday. Despite being listed on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website as a qualified practitioner with an address at an apartment in Doral, records show Lazzaro, 58, lacks a valid Florida medical license.
Lazzaro faced a court hearing on Friday, requiring a Spanish interpreter, and was charged with practicing healthcare without a license, an act that resulted in injury. Prosecutors claim that Lazzaro frequently performed surgical procedures without proper credentials. In one case, he allegedly conducted surgery on a patient at New World Medical & Mystic Cosmetic Surgery in Miami’s Little Havana, resulting in significant harm to the patient.
This arrest follows closely after another similar case involving Wilson Muñoz Suarez, a 60-year-old man also from Doral and of Venezuelan origin, who faced similar accusations at the same facility. Both men’s arrest reports list their occupations as “surgical assistant.” Prosecutors presented evidence in court, stating that an Orlando woman who underwent surgery on September 27, 2024, suffered severe complications, including the loss of her nipple, due to Lazzaro’s alleged negligence and failure to seek legitimate medical intervention.
The victim was reportedly referred to Lazzaro by an unnamed co-defendant whose Instagram profile claimed certification. Lazzaro was apprehended at his residence in the 11000 block of Northwest 72nd Terrace. During the court proceedings, prosecutors requested a bond of $15,000, but Judge Mindy Glazer set it at $10,000, with the condition that Lazzaro abstain from healthcare work and avoid contact with the victim. At the time of publication, Lazzaro remained incarcerated at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, and attempts to obtain comments from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons were unsuccessful.
Impact on Daily Life
The incident involving Manuel Lazzaro underscores the risks associated with seeking medical treatment from unlicensed practitioners. Patients may be drawn to individuals promising cosmetic enhancements at reduced rates or with quick results, only to face severe health consequences. This situation highlights the importance of verifying the credentials of healthcare providers and underscores the potential for life-altering injuries when procedures are performed by those lacking appropriate qualifications.
The broader community may respond with increased skepticism toward cosmetic surgery offerings, prompting more stringent regulatory oversight and public awareness campaigns. For those considering plastic surgery, ensuring that providers have legitimate credentials becomes crucial, as it directly impacts one’s health and well-being. Meanwhile, healthcare facilities and professional associations might intensify efforts to combat fraudulent practices, safeguarding the integrity of the field and protecting consumers from harm.
