A Kentucky woman tragically passed away following cosmetic surgery in Florida, just a few weeks before a teenager’s death was similarly connected to the same facility, according to statements from the families’ attorneys.
Thirty-five-year-old Kenly Millan Aponte journeyed to Svelta Plastic Surgery in Miami for a ‘mommy makeover’ as a birthday treat. The procedure, touted as a rejuvenating package, starts at $6,500.
In a poignant video shared by Jefferson Carrasco, Aponte’s husband, he captured his wife’s excitement upon arriving at the clinic, later expressing his deep sorrow over the unfortunate outcome.
“Why her? A young woman, just 35 years old?” Carrasco lamented in an interview with NBC Miami.
Following the surgery, Aponte experienced complications that caused her oxygen levels to plummet, necessitating her immediate transfer to a hospital, as reported by Carrasco.
Unfortunately, the mother of two was declared deceased upon reaching the hospital. The exact cause of the surgical complication remains unknown, and her official cause of death is currently under investigation.
Three weeks later Endrys Martinez, a 19-year-old from Tennessee, would go to the same clinic to get a rhinoplasty for his deviated septum. He, too, would allegedly die under the care of Svelta.
The Department of Health and police have launched investigations into the deaths, the two families’ lawyer, Jorge Silva, told the Daily Mail.
Kenly Millan Aponte, 35, traveled to Svelta Plastic Surgery in Miami to get a mommy makeover for her birthday. She died after allegedly suffering a complication during surgery
Three weeks later, Endrys Martinez, a 19-year-old from Tennessee, would go to the same clinic to get a rhinoplasty. He, too, would allegedly die under the care of Svelta
However, Svelta and the surgeons who performed on Aponte and Martinez are still allowed to fully operate under their licenses, the lawyer said.
‘It is unspeakable that there is such little oversight that the clinic can still operate after these cases,’ Silva told the Daily Mail.
‘The families want [Svelta] to cease to exist.’
Silva says family members think the clinic should have closed down before another tragedy could occur.
‘Three weeks later and a beautiful, young man dies,’ Silva said.
Neither family has brought a lawsuit against Svelta, as they have to wait 90 days to file a medical malpractice suit under Florida law.
Aponte’s family has a little more than two months before they can file, while the Martinez family has just started their 90-day waiting period, Silva said.
‘It is forthcoming,’ the lawyer told the Daily Mail. ‘These are multimillion-dollar cases.’
Aponte’s husband captured some of her final moments when she was getting into the elevator to go to her appointment
Jefferson Carrasco, Aponte’s husband, received a call during her surgery to say they were brining his wife to the hospital. She was pronounced dead upon arrival
Aponte leaves behind two little girls and her husband
The cases will be filed in Miami, Silva said.
They have started gathering evidence, including obtaining Aponte’s medical file. They are in the process of getting that of Martinez.
The families have not yet determined the amount in damages they will ask for civilly, the lawyer said, but it is expected to be in the millions.
Silva says he also expects that the clinic will face criminal charges.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office confirmed it has launched an investigation.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Svelta and its lawyer Tullio Iacono for comment.
In a statement to NBC Miami, Svelta said it is ‘aware of the recent reports circulating the media and on social media platforms regarding our practice’ and was extending its condolences to the families.
‘We take these matters with the utmost seriousness and share the public’s desire to understand and address what is being reported in the news,’ it said.
Martinez (right) was getting a rhinoplasty to fix his deviated septum, the family’s lawyer said
The Aponte and Martinez families have not filed lawsuits yet, as Florida law restricts filing for 90 days for medical malpractice suits. Martinez is pictured here with family
‘We want to be transparent with the public: the information currently being reported does not fully or accurately reflect the facts of what occurred,’ it continued. ‘Every patient under the care of Svelta’s plastic surgeons is important to us.’
The company declined to specifically comment on the cases, citing HIPAA laws.
‘We are fully cooperating with the appropriate authorities and are committed to a thorough and transparent process.’
Svelta offers a so-called mommy makeover for between $6,500 and $20,000, according to its website.
It can include a tummy tuck, breast procedure and liposuction. Patients can also add on a Brazilian butt lift and other procedures.
