Hector Cabral of New York has been indicted for illegally performing cosmetic procedures on several women, leaving some of them permanently disfigured. He was charged with 10 counts of unauthorized practice of a profession, in this case medicine, according to the North Country Gazette.

The illegal operations took place between November of 2006 and November of 2009. Cabral allegedly charged the women a fee for consultations and examinations held at various spas and beauty salons in the state of New York, according to the news source. The women would then travel to the Dominican Republic, where Cabral would carry out the procedure.

Following the illegal treatment, Cabral would instruct the women to visit his accomplice, Alma Melo, for "post operative treatment" back in New York. Melo was served with two charges for a first-degree scheme to defraud and a fifth-degree conspiracy.

Cabral could face more than 20 years in prison if convicted. He is currently free on bail, and a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Melo.

Illegal cosmetic surgery poses serious threats to patients' health and safety. All plastic surgery procedures should be conducted by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Those looking for more information should consult the website of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.