The families of both patients are taking legal action against Svelta Plastic Surgery
Credit: Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- The families of 19-year-old Endrys Elian Martinez and 35-year-old Kenly Millan Aponte are taking legal action against Svelta Plastic Surgery in Miami after they died weeks apart following procedures at the clinic
- “I just want justice for my son. That’s what I want,” Martinez’s father told NBC Miami
- Aponte left behind a husband and two children
Two families are taking legal action against a Miami plastic surgery clinic after their loved ones allegedly died following surgeries at the facility.
Per CBS News Miami, Coral Gables, Fla.-based law firm Silva and Silva is representing both patients, 19-year-old Endrys Elian Martinez and 35-year-old Kenly Millan Aponte.
In an exclusive interview with CBS, the attorneys alleged that the teen experienced complications related to anesthesia before having a rhinoplasty at Svelta Plastic Surgery. He was allegedly declared brain dead on Monday, May 25, before his death on Tuesday, May 26.
Martinez's parents shared with the outlet that they heard about the clinic on social media and traveled from Tennessee to Miami for the procedure.
"I just want justice for my son. That's what I want," said his father, Endrys Martinez, in Spanish.
Attorney Jorge Silva claimed to CBS that "in addition to being anesthesia-related, it's the failure because of the inability to be able to understand how to treat and address those complications."
Silva also stated that the clinic changed its name earlier this year from Seduction Cosmetic Surgery to Svelta Plastic Surgery.
Credit: Getty
Aponte, a mother of two, traveled to Miami from Kentucky to undergo what's often referred to as a "mommy makeover," which typically includes a tummy tuck, liposuction and breast surgery.
Silva alleges that "in the midst of that procedure, she had a horrible, horrible outcome and ultimately succumbed, despite being transported to a local hospital."
Aponte's husband, Jefferson Carrasco, told NBC Miami that his wife's surgery was "supposed to be her birthday present."
“I received a call from the clinic telling me that she had complications, that her oxygen saturation dropped, and that they were taking her to the hospital. When she arrived at the hospital, my wife had already died,” he said.
According to CBS, a new patient care report from the Coral Gables Fire Department states that firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to the clinic after a call that Aponte was experiencing breathing problems. When they arrived, responders allegedly found her on the operating table in cardiac arrest. The report also noted that "No CPR was in progress, no AED pads were placed by staff, and no crash cart was visible."
"To me, that report was devastating," Carrasco told the outlet.
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Silva tells PEOPLE that while the case is in the early stages, "what we've uncovered so far is extremely alarming and disturbing based upon the medical records and the fire rescue records."
"It is just unspeakable what these two families have had to endure from utter and gross medical malpractice," he continues.
The attorney says that the families want answers and to "ensure that this doesn't happen again," as well as seek "adequate compensation for their losses, because that is when you ensure change."
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed both Martinez and Aponte's deaths to PEOPLE and says that the cause and manner of Aponte's death are pending.
In an emailed statement to PEOPLE, Svelta Plastic Surgery shared:
"Svelta Plastic Surgery is aware of the recent reports circulating in the media and on social platforms about our practice. We take these issues very seriously and share your desire to understand and address what is being reported in the news. First of all, we express our deepest condolences to the families affected at this painful time. We want to be transparent with the public: the information that is currently being reported does not completely or accurately reflect the facts of what happened. All patients under the care of Svelta plastic surgeons are important to us. That is why we are collecting data to carry out an analysis of the true causes, which allows us to better understand these results. We do it out of respect for the families involved and to ensure that Svelta provides plastic surgery patients with the safest possible environment."
It continues, "In compliance with patient privacy laws (HIPAA), Svelta cannot talk about the individual results of plastic surgery patients. Likewise, Svelta considers that the research process fulfills an important function. We are fully cooperating with the relevant authorities and we are committed to a complete and transparent process. Svelta aims to play a constructive role in clarifying the truth about these incidents, and we respectfully ask the public to refrain from making judgments until all the facts have been duly reviewed and presented. At Svelta Plastic Surgery, patient safety is —and has always been —our top priority. With almost 20 years of service and more than 50,000 patients treated, our practice has been built on a basis of protocol, dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Svelta has demonstrated this commitment with countless patients with excellent results, and we do not take that responsibility lightly."
The statement concludes, "To inform current patients about the measures that Svelta recognizes and promotes, we will continue to provide each patient with all the specific details related to the care they receive at Svelta. Our commitment to our patients will remain unharmed in the near future and in the long term. We will continue to provide updates as information is available through official channels."
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