Another botched plastic surgery conducted by an unlicensed individual has come to light in New York. This time, it's the case of spa owner Barbara Nieto, who operated a facility in Queens. She was posing as a plastic surgeon, offering to give her clients a butt lift and liposuction by transferring fat from one part of the body to another, charging a fee of $500. Several took the bait, and at least one paid the consequences.

Augusta Velez-Jimenez agreed to allow Nieto to perform the two cosmetic procedures on her on March 20, 2010, the New York Post reports. The experience landed her in the hospital with a life-threatening septic infection.

Nieto appeared in court on September 13 to face charges of unauthorized practice of a profession and second-degree assault. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison. She's also agreed to pay $180,000 in restitution to all of her victims, District Attorney Richard Brown told the news source.

"I want to apologize for what I did...Have mercy on me. This is my first offense," Nieto said in court, according to the Post.

This is just another example of why it's essential for patients to ensure that the surgeon performing their cosmetic procedure is board-certified to practice plastic surgery. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, those considering plastic surgery should never choose a doctor based solely on price.

By selecting an ASAPS member, patients can rest assured that their surgeon has both the training and the experience necessary to perform safe, successful plastic surgery. Individuals considering a procedure should always speak to their doctor about possible risks and side effects of surgery, so there are no surprises during their recovery period.