New York woman arrested for performing breast enlargements out of her home

January 25, 2011

New York woman arrested for performing breast enlargements out of her home
New York woman arrested for performing breast enlargements out of her home

A New York City woman was arrested on Friday, January 14, for allegedly charging people up to $1,000 for illegal breast enhancement procedures. Police say the woman was offering the service out of her Bronx home, according to Reuters.

Whalesca Castillo was allegedly importing liquid silicone from the Dominican Republic, where she was born. She was apparently injecting the substance into people's breasts and buttocks, a cosmetic procedure that is prohibited in the U.S.

On at least one occasion, one of Castillo's patients fainted after the injection. Castillo allegedly urged her not to seek medical attention, because the procedure was against the law. She could face up to three years in prison if convicted.

"Whalesca Castillo put the health of unsuspecting women at risk, all to make a quick buck," said Manhattan U.S. attorney Preet Bharara.

According to the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety, individuals who are considering undergoing a filler cosmetic procedure should check to make sure that they are receiving treatment from a qualified injector.

Patients should steer clear of heavily discounted deals at unaccredited facilities like a private home. Anyone performing injections should be able to produce a license and give a detailed education history.


The mission of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) includes medical education, public education and patient advocacy. Plastic Surgery News Briefs are summaries of current stories found through various news and magazine outlets that relate to or mention plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. The views expressed in these news articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ASAPS, but are merely published as an educational service to our members and the general public. For additional information on these subjects and other plastic surgery related topics, please go to www.surgery.org

Search by location (Zip, City, or Country)

Related Articles

Study: Gold in your skincare products accelerates aging

May 7, 2013 - They say that not all that glitters is gold, and not all gold is good for you.

Washington woman caught injecting Botox without a license

February 27, 2013 - A recent case out of Kennewick, Washington, should stand as a reminder to all people considering Botox injections that patient safety must be the top priority.

The problem when plastic surgery meets the limelight

February 21, 2013 - The media can have a big impact on the way we perceive the world around us, but is it always wise to trust the word of news organizations?

Cosmetic surgery procedures you may want to think twice about

February 19, 2013 - In a savvy Allure magazine article, Joan Kron states, “…the most dangerous word in plastic surgery may be ‘new.’”

Talking with your doctor about Botox safety

February 12, 2013 - The number one way to make sure your plastic surgery goes well is to speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Latest Articles

Summer safety tips for everyone

May 21, 2013 - This time of year, the media is chock full of skincare tips.

Laser treatment for tattoo trouble

May 17, 2013 - It’s easy to understand the impulsive rush of enthusiasm that can send one running to the tattoo parlor. It’s also easy to understand how ‘life’ can intervene in the form of new relationships, new careers and new directions, so that the once glorious tattoo becomes an embarrassment.

Why your arms don't look the way you want them to

May 16, 2013 - When you imagine the perfect gym body, you probably picture bulging biceps, round shoulders and taut forearms.

Five little changes that can make a big difference in how you look

May 15, 2013 - The change of the seasons may inspire you to undergo a transformation, but going through a makeover is time-consuming and oftentimes overwhelming.

Is there still time to get your beach body?

May 13, 2013 - Did summer creep up on you this year? In many places, the cooler temperatures lasted a long time, and this may have made it difficult for some people to motivate themselves to get their "beach body" in shape.

About ASAPS
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), is recognized as the world’s leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body.  ASAPS is comprised of over 2,600 Plastic Surgeons; active members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. International active members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements.

Website: www.surgery.org
Follow ASAPS on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ASAPS
Become a fan of ASAPS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AestheticSociety
Become a member of Project Beauty: www.projectbeauty.com
Locate a plastic surgeon in your area:  http://www.surgery.org/consumers/find-a-plastic-surgeon

Copyright © 2009-2012 ASAPS. All Rights Reserved.