A Kentucky mother died after receiving cosmetic surgery in Florida just weeks before the death of a teenager linked to the same clinic, according to the families' lawyers.
Mother's Tragic Birthday Gift
Kenly Millan Aponte, 35, traveled to Svelta Plastic Surgery in Miami to get a 'mommy makeover', which costs starting at $6,500, as a birthday gift. Jefferson Carrasco, Aponte's husband, shared a video of his wife arriving at the clinic excitedly before complications arose. 'Why her? A young woman, just 35 years old?' he told NBC Miami.
Aponte was taken to hospital when complications from surgery led to her oxygen levels dropping, according to Carrasco. The mother-of-two was pronounced dead upon arrival. Her official cause of death remains under investigation.
Teen's Death Three Weeks Later
Three weeks later, Endrys Martinez, a 19-year-old from Tennessee, went to the same clinic for a rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum. He also allegedly died under the care of Svelta.
The Department of Health and police have launched investigations into both deaths, according to the families' lawyer, Jorge Silva. However, Svelta and the surgeons involved are still allowed to operate under their licenses. '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.'
Legal Proceedings Pending
Neither family has filed a lawsuit yet, as Florida law requires a 90-day waiting period for medical malpractice suits. Aponte's family can file in a little over two months, while Martinez's family has just started the waiting period. Silva expects multimillion-dollar cases to be filed in Miami. The families are gathering evidence, including medical files.
Silva also anticipates criminal charges against the clinic. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office confirmed an investigation. The Daily Mail has reached out to Svelta and its lawyer for comment.
Clinic's Response
In a statement to NBC Miami, Svelta said it is 'aware of the recent reports' and extended condolences. 'We take these matters with the utmost seriousness... the information currently being reported does not fully or accurately reflect the facts of what occurred,' the statement read. The clinic declined to comment on specific cases due to HIPAA laws, stating they are cooperating with authorities.
Svelta's website advertises mommy makeovers between $6,500 and $20,000, including tummy tuck, breast procedures, and liposuction, with optional Brazilian butt lift.
