By Nathan Duke
Marcia Cabrera, 41, of 40-15 Hampton St. in Elmhurst, was charged with illegally practicing medicine at the Marcia Vasco Nail Salon in Jackson Heights, where she works, the DA's office said. Cabrera was also charged with endangering a patient by injecting a substance not approved by the Food and Drug Administration into the chin of a 51-year-old woman, who later developed a bacterial infection as a result. According to the DA's office, the substance purportedly reduces the appearance of fat.The cosmetologist was charged with assault, reckless endangerment, unlicensed practice of medicine, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and a public health law violation for not properly disposing of medical wastes, the DA said. If convicted, she could face up to seven years in prison.”The defendant is charged with exploiting trusting individuals in search of affordable cosmetic care,” Queens DA Richard Brown said. “The defendant's alleged conduct was both dangerous and reprehensible because it exploited the vanity of an individual seeking a younger-looking appearance at a reasonable cost and placed both the patient and cleaning and sanitation workers who disposed of the medical waste at risk.”Brown said Cabrera allegedly injected the substance into the victim's chin for the first time on Aug. 25 as well as three additional times between Sept. 8 and Oct. 1 during which the victim was given multiple injections. The victim paid Cabrera a total of $1,800 for the treatments, Brown said.According to the DA's office, the office where Cabrera allegedly conducted illegal injections had signs on the door in Spanish that said “cellulite repair,” “permanent makeup tattoo,” “aesthetic massage to reduce loose skin” and “treatment with paper wrap to lose water.”Brown said the victim returned to Cabrera's office, where she was allegedly given four or five pills by Cabrera. The victim was told the pills were an antibiotic to treat the infection, Brown said.The victim went to her personal medical doctor, who sent her to Elmhurst General Hospital for clinical treatment and a blood test, Brown said. According to the DA's office, the victim will require treatment for the infection on her chin for six months to one year.Vials of injectables, prescription medicines- antibiotics, steroids, diet pills, injectable silicone and lidocaine, and more than 30 hypodermic needles were seized from Cabrera's office at the time of her arrest, the DA said.Reach reporter Nathan Duke by email at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
