A disturbing case has emerged from Port St. Lucie, Florida, where a woman suffered facial paralysis after receiving cosmetic treatment from an unlicensed practitioner operating a clandestine med spa out of a backyard shed. The incident has raised serious concerns about unregulated cosmetic procedures and the dangers posed by unauthorized clinics. It also highlights the importance of verifying credentials before undergoing any form of medical treatment.
The incident came to light in May, when the victim approached the Port St. Lucie Police Department to report her troubling experience. She identified the alleged practitioner as Rosa Mena, a local woman who was offering beauty and wellness services without a valid medical license.
The woman reported that soon after receiving treatment at the makeshift spa, she experienced alarming symptoms, including facial paralysis—a condition that prompted her to question the legitimacy of the facility and the person behind it. When the woman confronted Rosa Mena about her deteriorating condition, she was refunded the amount she had paid for the treatment, totaling $325.
However, the story didn’t end there. Mena allegedly encouraged the woman to return to the shed spa for additional “vitamin injections” that, she claimed, would reverse the effects of the paralysis. The promise of a quick fix, however, turned out to be another deception in a much larger web of fraudulent activity.
The Shed Spa: Medical Equipment in a Backyard
Following the victim’s report, authorities launched an investigation into Rosa Mena’s operation. What they found shocked even seasoned law enforcement officers. Based on the woman’s testimony and additional inquiries, the Port St. Lucie Police Department obtained a search warrant for Mena’s property. Upon searching the backyard shed, officers uncovered a fully equipped, albeit illegal, med spa filled with professional-grade medical tools and supplies.
Inside the shed were medical beds, fat sculpting machines, vials of unknown substances, syringes, and PRP injection kits. There was also micro-needling equipment, laser hair removal machines, liposuction devices, massage tools, and even Botox injectables. In short, the facility resembled a commercial cosmetic clinic—only it was being run without the oversight, safety protocols, and licenses required by law.
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Investigators also discovered that Rosa Mena had been presenting herself as a qualified medical professional. She told the victim she had been a doctor in the Dominican Republic. When asked to present documentation of her qualifications, Mena allegedly provided censored or altered certificates related to phlebotomy. However, the investigation revealed that those credentials had expired as early as February 2024.
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According to the police, Mena’s license to practice medicine had not only expired but had remained inactive for over a year. Despite this, she continued to treat clients—some of whom might not have realized they were putting their health at risk. The sheer volume and variety of equipment found in the shed painted a clear picture of a sophisticated, though completely unauthorized, operation.
A Trail of Charges and a Warning to the Public
Following the search and the mounting evidence against her, Rosa Mena was arrested and charged with multiple criminal offenses. These include three counts of aggravated battery causing bodily harm, three counts of practicing medicine without an active license, one count of fraud for obtaining property under $20,000, another for fraud involving property worth over $300, and one count of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
These charges reflect the serious nature of her alleged crimes and the potential harm inflicted upon her clients. The police department did not stop at the arrest. They took to social media to issue a stern public warning. The department emphasized the importance of verifying the credentials of anyone offering medical or cosmetic treatments.
“We want to remind the public to research the facility and individual prior to performing procedures,” the department wrote. “Additionally, in order to perform injectable procedures like Botox it needs to be performed by a licensed professional. Your safety is our priority!”
This case has struck a chord not only in Florida but across the country, as more people seek affordable alternatives for cosmetic treatments. The desire to enhance appearance or correct perceived imperfections often leads individuals to seek services outside regulated medical environments. But as this case shows, such decisions can carry serious risks—including irreversible physical harm.
Wider Implications and the Dangers of Unlicensed Cosmetic Procedures
The case of Rosa Mena raises broader questions about the accessibility of cosmetic treatments and the prevalence of underground clinics. In recent years, the popularity of aesthetic procedures such as Botox, microneedling, and fat sculpting has soared. As demand increases, so does the number of individuals attempting to profit from the trend—often without the appropriate training, oversight, or licensure.
These underground clinics frequently advertise their services on social media platforms, relying on word-of-mouth recommendations and low prices to attract clients. The unregulated nature of such operations means there are no guarantees of safety, hygiene, or accountability. In the worst cases, clients suffer serious medical consequences—as happened in this case.
Moreover, many victims may never come forward, either out of shame, fear, or a lack of knowledge about their legal rights. This allows fraudulent practitioners to continue operating under the radar. Law enforcement agencies, overwhelmed with priorities, may not always detect these clinics unless someone files a formal complaint.
Rosa Mena’s case stands out because one victim did speak up—and in doing so, she potentially prevented others from suffering the same fate. Her willingness to report her experience gave authorities the opportunity to investigate and shut down a dangerous operation before it caused more harm.
It’s also worth noting that Mena’s defense—that she was a doctor in another country—does not absolve her of responsibility. The practice of medicine in the United States is tightly regulated to ensure that all practitioners meet consistent standards of education, training, and ongoing licensure. Practicing without a license, regardless of one’s background, is both illegal and dangerous.
The story has prompted local officials and public health advocates to call for stricter oversight and better public education. While regulations already exist, enforcement remains a challenge. In many cases, illegal clinics operate in residential neighborhoods, making them harder to detect unless neighbors or clients come forward. Educating the public about the signs of illegitimate medical practices could be a key step in preventing future incidents.
As for Mena, she now faces a long legal process. If convicted, she could face substantial fines and prison time. Her case serves as a cautionary tale for both would-be practitioners and clients: practicing medicine without a license is a serious crime, and the consequences can be devastating for everyone involved.
Meanwhile, the victim continues to deal with the effects of the treatment. The extent of her recovery from facial paralysis remains unknown, and she may face ongoing health issues as a result of the procedures she received. Her story underscores just how high the stakes are when it comes to unauthorized medical care.
In conclusion, this case is a sobering reminder that shortcuts in health and beauty can have tragic consequences. While the promise of low-cost treatments may be tempting, the potential risks far outweigh the savings. When it comes to your body and your health, trust must be earned—and credentials must be verified.