Miami Clinic Vanishes with $50,000 in unfulfilled Surgery Payments, Leaving Patients Devastated

MIAMI, FL – A growing number of patients are reporting being defrauded by Moon Plastic Surgery Center in Miami, a clinic that has abruptly closed its doors, leaving behind a trail of unpaid surgeries and approximately $50,000 in lost deposits. Investigations reveal a pattern of aggressive payment requests followed by complete communication breakdown, leaving victims scrambling for recourse.

Monserrat Manjarrez, a babysitter who saved for months, recounts her experience: “I researched, I saw social networks, I liked the work of the doctors… they asked for a $500 deposit to reserve a place, and I slowly paid the total, about $3,500 for a BBL.” But when she attempted to schedule her liposuction with fat transfer, the clinic became unresponsive. A Google search confirmed her fears – Moon Plastic Surgery Center was listed as “temporarily closed.”

Manjarrez is not alone. Five other patients, contacted thru a WhatsApp group organized by Omar Segura of New Jersey, shared similar stories. Diana Marino, from Georgia, was drawn in by a friend’s suggestion and the clinic’s “affordable” installment plan. Nelianny Cruz, of Chicago, paid a staggering $12,000 for a “Mommy Makeover,” successfully disputing some charges made on a credit card but losing $5,500 sent via Zelle.

The pattern is consistent: initial enthusiasm fueled by social media marketing, followed by persistent requests for additional funds even after patients had already paid substantial deposits. Jennifer Urbina, residing in West Palm Beach, described receiving calls offering “promotions” – adding to her bill in exchange for discounts she never received. “They called me two weeks ago to pay for a combo of a girdle, a massage… I told them, ‘no, I don’t have the operation, I’ll pay for it,'” she stated.

Segura, who connected with 13 other victims through TikTok, estimates the total amount lost by the group to be $50,000.”If I saw someone writing something on TikTok, I would write to them privately… that’s how I made a WhatsApp group,” he explained.

A visit to the clinic’s former office revealed an empty space, stripped of equipment, with only a few remaining posters bearing the Moon logo. The clinic’s surgical licence is no longer active with the state health department. attempts to locate the owner of Moon Plastic Surgery Center have been unsuccessful; she was served a subpoena related to a seperate lawsuit filed by a medical provider alleging unpaid debts, but remains elusive.

The victims are now left with financial losses and shattered dreams,united in their desire to prevent others from falling prey to similar schemes. “I want these types of people to stop deceiving more people who want their dreams to come true,” Manjarrez pleaded.

This is a developing story. Authorities have been contacted and are investigating.

What option payment plans could clinics offer to mitigate the risk of substantial financial loss for patients in cases of unexpected closure?

Expensive Promises Unfulfilled: Patients Left in Limbo After $Thousands Clinic Closes Without Surgeries – Telemundo Miami

The Closure and Its Immediate Impact

The recent shuttering of a Miami-based clinic, as reported by Telemundo Miami, has left numerous patients facing significant financial and emotional distress. Many had paid thousands of dollars upfront for cosmetic and elective surgeries that will now likely never be performed. This situation highlights the vulnerabilities within the medical tourism and elective surgery landscape, particularly concerning pre-payment practices and patient recourse. The clinic’s abrupt closure has sparked outrage and a scramble for answers,leaving individuals grappling with lost funds and disrupted plans. Key terms surfacing in patient searches include “surgery deposit refund,” “medical clinic closure,” and “unfulfilled medical procedures.”

Understanding the Financial Fallout

Patients report paying between $3,000 and $10,000 for procedures ranging from liposuction and tummy tucks to breast augmentations and facelifts. The clinic reportedly required full or substantial upfront payment, a common practise in certain cosmetic surgery settings, but one that carries substantial risk for patients.

* Lost Deposits: The primary financial burden is the loss of these substantial deposits.

* Travel Costs: Many patients traveled from out of state, or even internationally, incurring additional expenses for travel and accommodation, now rendered useless.

* Financing & Loans: Some individuals financed these procedures through loans or credit cards, leaving them with debt and no corresponding surgery.

* Potential for Additional Costs: Patients may now need to seek consultations and perhaps undergo the same procedures at another clinic, incurring further expenses.

Legal Recourse and Potential Avenues for Recovery

Navigating the legal landscape after a clinic closure can be complex.Here’s a breakdown of potential options for affected patients:

1. Consult with an Attorney: A lawyer specializing in medical malpractice or consumer protection can assess individual cases and advise on the best course of action. Search terms like “medical malpractice lawyer Miami” and “consumer protection attorney Florida” are crucial.
2. File a Police Report: While not directly resulting in fund recovery, a police report documents the situation and may be necessary for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
3. Credit Card Chargebacks: If the initial payment was made with a credit card, patients might potentially be able to file a chargeback with their credit card company, arguing that the service was not rendered. Time limits apply, so prompt action is essential.
4. Small Claims Court: For smaller amounts, small claims court offers a relatively inexpensive and streamlined legal process.
5. Florida Department of Health Complaint: Filing a complaint with the Florida Department of Health can initiate an inquiry into the clinic’s practices.
6. Medical Malpractice Insurance (if applicable): Investigate if the clinic carried medical malpractice insurance that might cover some losses.

The Role of Medical Tourism and Pre-Payment Policies

the case underscores the risks associated with medical tourism and clinics heavily reliant on upfront payments. While medical tourism can offer cost savings, it frequently enough lacks the same consumer protections as healthcare within one’s home country.

* Due Diligence is Critical: Thoroughly research the clinic, surgeon’s credentials, and patient reviews before making any financial commitment.

* Avoid large Upfront Payments: Negotiate payment plans that tie larger payments to the completion of services.

* Understand Cancellation policies: Carefully review the clinic’s cancellation and refund policies.

* Insurance Coverage: confirm whether your health insurance covers procedures performed abroad or at the clinic in question.

protecting Yourself: A Checklist for Elective Surgery

To minimize the risk of falling victim to similar situations, consider these preventative measures:

* Verify board Certification: Ensure the surgeon is board-certified in their specialty. Use resources like the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to verify credentials.

* Check for Accreditation: Look for clinics accredited by reputable organizations.

* Read Patient Reviews: Explore autonomous review sites and forums to gauge other patients’ experiences.

* Get a Second Opinion: Consult with another surgeon to confirm the necessity and appropriateness of the procedure.

* Detailed contract: Obtain a comprehensive contract outlining the procedure, costs, risks, and refund policies. Have an attorney review it before signing.

* Payment Options: Explore alternative payment options beyond large upfront deposits.

Telemundo Miami’s Reporting and Ongoing Developments

Telemundo Miami’s ongoing coverage of this story is providing crucial updates and resources for affected patients. Staying informed through their reporting (https://www.telemundo51.com/) is vital for understanding the evolving situation and potential avenues for recourse. The investigation is ongoing, and further details regarding the clinic’s financial status and potential legal ramifications are expected to emerge.

Resources for Affected Patients

* Florida Department of Health: https://www.floridahealth.gov/

* american board of Medical Specialties (ABMS): [https://www.abms.org/](https://www.