Port St. Lucie has become the unlikely scene of a backyard botulism scandal, in which 50-year-old Rosa Mena faces accusations of impersonating a medical professional and administering illegal Botox treatments that led to a woman's facial paralysis. The makeshift clinic, operated out of a shed, was outfitted to fool patients into believing it was a genuine med spa. Following the victim's development of paralysis, Mena attempted further injections, purportedly with "vitamins to 'reverse' the effects," according to a statement obtained by NBC Miami.
A search warrant executed at Mena's residence by the Port St. Lucie police revealed an array of medical paraphernalia, including "medical beds, medications, vials, needles, fat sculpting machines, PRP injections, micro-needling equipment, laser hair removal equipment, laser lipo machines, massage equipment, facial equipment, injectable devices for fillers and Botox just to name a few." Mena has been charged with multiple felonies including aggravated battery causing bodily harm and practicing medicine without an active license. An altered certificate of phlebotomy was also found, which the victim learned had expired in February of 2024 after contacting the issuing agency, as reported by NBC Miami.
As Dr. Brian Hass, a seasoned plastic surgeon from Palm Beach Gardens, remarked in an interview with WPBF, "If someone is charging you a bargain price, something's not right." He emphasized the importance of seeking treatments only from accredited professionals, warning against the use of unverified services for procedures that should be performed by well-trained healthcare providers.
As Mena prepares to face the legal ramifications of her alleged actions, Dr. Hass advises potential patients to conduct diligent research and opt for professionals who carry the necessary credentials and extensive experience. "Make sure that person has been well-trained," he told WPBF. "And ask them about their training. How long have they been doing it? Did they just start last Tuesday? Or have they been doing it for years?"
