Miami-Dade County Woman Indicted For Performing Illegal Silicone Injections

X-ray of injected silicone migrating to the victim’s lungs

The United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Florida recently indicted a Miami-Dade County resident for illegally injecting silicone into her clients. Kerlys Mercedes Chaparro is charged with delivery for pay of an adulterated and misbranded device received in interstate commerce with intent to defraud and mislead. Chaparro did appear in court for the initial proceedings, and her arraignment is scheduled for August 6, 2018.

According to the indictment, it is alleged that on or around July 27, 2016 Chaparro took possession of polydimethylsiloxane, commonly referred to as silicone, with the intent of injecting into the human body for body contouring. Not only is Chaparro not a licensed medical professional, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has never approved the injection of silicone for body contouring purposes. As previously discussed on PSM, possible complications from the injection of silicone into the human body include pulmonary embolism, kidney failure, infection, nerve damage, chest pain and breathing problems due to the silicone moving to other parts of a person’s body, and death.

The FDA is actively encouraging anyone in south Florida who received silicone buttocks injections from Chaparro and are concerned about their health and safety, to email gluteal.injections@fda.hhs.gov. It does not matter how long ago you received your injections. They will be able to give you additional information, help you to address any individual concerns, and ensure you receive information about your status and rights as a potential victim.

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations and the Miami-Dade Police Department’s Medical Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Miesha Darrough is prosecuting this case.