Patient: Procedure By Allegedly Fake Doctor Was Botched From The Start
DENVER (CBS4) - A year after a botched surgery, the patient of a man charged with pretending to be a doctor says she wants to send out a warning to those considering similar procedures.
Carlos Hernandez Fernandez is accused of claiming to be a surgeon when he wasn't and performing major plastic surgery operations on a number of patients without a license. The procedures included facelifts and liposuction and were performed at the Hernandez Fernandez Care Clinic at 424 South Federal Boulevard.
Maria, who asked that her last name not be released, told CBS4 she found Hernandez Fernandez online, where he was listed along with a five-star rating. She scheduled an appointment for a procedure called a mini tummy tuck and paid thousands of dollars up front.
"At all times he held himself out as a legitimate doctor, as a licensed doctor in the state of Colorado," said lawyer Anthony Lucero, who is representing Maria.
Maria said the surgery was performed incorrectly from the start. She says she wasn't properly sedated.
"She felt the actual cutting of her skin. They do a form of liposuction. She felt every minute of it while it was going on and complained to the doctor," Lucero said.
Maria says she was given a form of medication that was supposed to dull the pain, but it wasn't effective.
"He did not use an anesthetic," Lucero said.
Maria reported the situation to police, who have identified at least four victims in the case including Maria.
Maria says she doesn't want what happened to her to happen to others.
"You should not go forward with a procedure like this until you have fully investigated the plastic surgeon and you know who he is and what he's doing," Maria said in Spanish, with Lucero translating.
Hernandez Fernandez faces 14 felony charges. He is out on bond and will be in court next month for a preliminary hearing.
The Denver District Attorney's office believes it is possible there may be more victims and they urge anyone who thinks they may have been a victim to call the DA's office at 720-913-9000.
