The operator of an underground cosmetology center in Washington recently returned to the Evergreen State to face trial. Federal prosecutors charged Conchita Sadiua Caspillo in March 2007 with performing cosmetic surgery without a license in their Lakewood, Washington home, according to the Seattle Post Intelligencer.

The allegations stemmed from a report police received in January 2007 from a woman who told them that she underwent several procedures at the clinic, performed by a woman who claimed to be a doctor. Afterward, she experienced high fevers and had to be treated with antibiotics. According to the news source the woman reported experiencing permanent scarring as a result.

Assistant US Attorney, Patricia C. Lally, has documented proof that several women suffered physical and emotional harm from the procedures performed by Caspillo and her associates.

Marilou Faust who owns the house, but did not perform procedures will be serving a three-month sentence. Caspillo’s trial is set to begin December 7.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery stresses the importance of finding a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform any treatment, as well as double-checking credentials during the course of a consultation.

A plastic surgeon’s board certification status can be checked online at www.abplsurg.org.