A Florida plastic surgeon, Dr. Ben Brown, is under investigation after his wife, Hilary Brown, died following complications during surgery at his clinic, Restore Plastic Surgery. The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about Dr. Brown’s medical practices and the safety standards at his clinic.
Hilary, a 33-year-old mother of three, underwent multiple procedures at her husband’s clinic on November 21st. Shortly after surgery, she suffered a cardiac arrest and was placed in a coma. Despite efforts to revive her, Hilary suffered irreparable brain damage and was subsequently taken off life support.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over Dr. Brown’s professional reputation. His clinic, Restore Plastic Surgery, is currently facing two malpractice lawsuits, with one alleging the use of “foreign materials” during a 2018 post-mastectomy operation, leading to a patient’s infection.
Hilary’s father, Marty Ellington, has expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the situation. He described the couple’s relationship as “intense” and believes Hilary may have remained married to Dr. Brown due to the benefits associated with being a plastic surgeon’s wife. He also raised concerns about the lack of emergency equipment, such as a crash cart with oxygen and defibrillators, in the operating room during the fateful procedure.
Adding to the controversy is Dr. Brown’s Facebook post following the incident, where he claimed to have performed CPR and called 911. However, his family released a statement contradicting this, stating that the procedures Hilary underwent were “minor” and “routine.” This inconsistency has only fueled public skepticism and raised further questions about the transparency surrounding the incident.
The Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the case, and Dr. Brown’s medical license is under review. The Florida Board of Medicine has also initiated a formal investigation into the matter.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of patient safety and ethical medical practices. It emphasizes the need for thorough investigations and transparent communication in cases of medical errors. As the investigations continue, the medical community and the public will be closely scrutinizing Dr. Brown’s conduct and awaiting answers to the many questions surrounding Hilary’s tragic death.