Orlando, FL – A Florida woman is facing 20 felony charges after performing an unlicensed cosmetic laser procedure that left a patient with necrosis and permanent facial scarring, according to police reports.
Patient Left With Blistered, Dying Tissue After Laser Procedure
Gabriela Pereira, 29, was arrested on Friday for allegedly conducting unauthorized Endolaser treatments at Tonya Beauty medical spa in Orlando. The procedures resulted in severe injuries to a woman who sought help for her double chin.
The first session took place on April 16, 2024, when the patient received the Endolaser treatment on her chin.
According to a detailed arrest affidavit, the woman left that session with burns that blistered and eventually developed necrotic tissue. Despite the damage, Pereira continued to treat the same patient seven more times—without a medical license.
To make matters worse, Pereira reportedly offered the patient free procedures in exchange for using her as a “model” for Tonya Beauty’s promotional purposes.
MBI Had Prior Warnings About Tonya Beauty’s Practices
Authorities had been eyeing Tonya Beauty long before the victim’s case came to light. As early as February 2023, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI) received tips suggesting illegal Botox treatments were being performed at the spa by individuals not licensed as nurse practitioners or doctors.
The affidavit—referenced in a report by Law & Crime—also revealed that Tonya Silva Pereira, 43, the owner of the spa, had previously been issued a cease and desist order by the Florida Department of Health for the unlicensed practice of medicine.
Gabriela Pereira is reportedly not related to the owner but operated under the same business name, further adding confusion and legal complexity to the case.
Patient Ignored Early Symptoms Out of Financial Desperation
After the first treatment caused blistering and pain, the patient reached out to Pereira, who allegedly reassured her that the side effects were “normal.” But things quickly worsened. The woman developed a fever, began seeing pus discharge from her eye, and ultimately suffered what doctors would later diagnose as necrosis of the chin.
Without health insurance, the woman initially chose to continue treatment at Tonya Beauty, despite her escalating condition. She later admitted to refusing some of the procedures due to the intense pain they caused, but Tonya Beauty staff allegedly warned her the infection could be fatal if she stopped treatment.
Victim Eventually Hospitalized, But Damage Was Done
After her symptoms continued to spiral, the woman finally sought emergency care at Orlando Health Hospital, where she was formally diagnosed with necrosis. She still carries visible scarring from the botched procedure and says the experience has permanently altered her trust in cosmetic professionals.
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Felony Charges Filed Against Unlicensed Practitioner
Gabriela Pereira now faces 20 felony counts, including charges of practicing medicine without a license and unlicensed healthcare. Local outlets reported that she was released after posting a $29,750 bond.
Authorities continue to urge the public to thoroughly research cosmetic providers and verify medical credentials before undergoing any procedure.
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