Doral Man Arrested for Performing Unlicensed Surgery that Left Woman Disfigured: MDSO

A 58-year-old man from Doral, Florida, was arrested after authorities discovered he had been impersonating a licensed plastic surgeon and performing dangerous procedures on unsuspecting patients. Manuel Jose Lazzaro was charged with unlicensed health care causing serious bodily injury after a woman reported suffering significant complications following a surgery he performed on her.

The Woman’s Disturbing Experience

The victim, a woman from Orlando, found Lazzaro on social media and decided to travel to Miami in September for cosmetic surgery. She visited the New World Medical Mystic & Cosmetic Center located on Southwest 1st Street, which is now closed and boarded up. After the procedure, the woman began experiencing serious complications, including breast infections. Despite her suffering, Lazzaro reportedly ignored her complaints and did not refer her to a licensed physician for proper treatment. The woman continued to seek care from Lazzaro, returning to Miami multiple times. Unfortunately, the repeated treatments did not resolve her issues, and she was left permanently disfigured. According to prosecutors, Lazzaro’s actions led to lasting physical harm, making the case a serious example of medical malpractice.

Lack of Medical Credentials

During Lazzaro’s bond court appearance, it was revealed that he had no medical license in the state of Florida. Investigators confirmed through the Florida Department of Health that Lazzaro was not licensed as a medical professional, although he described himself as a “surgical assistant.” The prosecutor also stated that Lazzaro admitted to performing multiple surgeries without the necessary qualifications. This incident at New World Medical is part of a broader issue. Just one month prior, another man, Wilson Munoz Suarez, was arrested for allegedly conducting similar unlicensed procedures at the same clinic. Both men are accused of putting their patients’ lives at risk by performing surgeries without proper certification.

A Warning for Potential Patients

Lazzaro’s arrest has prompted the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office to issue a warning to the public. Authorities are urging anyone considering cosmetic procedures to thoroughly research their surgeons and ensure that they are licensed medical professionals. Sheriff’s office spokesman Joseph Peguero stressed the importance of checking credentials, saying, “If you are thinking of or have done a procedure, please do your homework. A lot of the doctors doing these plastic surgeries have no licenses, and the majority don’t even take insurance. That should be an automatic red flag.” Lazzaro’s defense attorney argued that his client had strong community ties and no prior criminal record. The judge set his bond at $10,000, ordering that he not perform any surgeries in the future. As this case unfolds, the authorities continue to investigate Lazzaro’s activities, and the public is reminded of the dangers posed by unlicensed individuals offering medical procedures. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office is actively warning potential patients to protect their health and avoid placing their trust in unqualified practitioners.