Two Miami women are recovering from botched cosmetic procedures performed by Enrico Guarino, an Italian spa owner who advertised himself as an aesthetic physician but held only a registered nurse’s license in Florida, according to state health records and patient interviews.
Unlicensed Procedures and Severe Medical Complications
Paola Berreti sought treatment to remove excess fat around her knees, while Maria Cantone underwent a procedure described as a facelift at the Guarino Academy located near the Miami Design District, according to complaints filed with the Florida Department of Health. Berreti experienced a severe streptococcus infection that required emergency surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach to prevent fatal sepsis. Cantone suffered significant facial swelling and paralysis on the left side of her face, later requiring reconstructive surgery. Both procedures utilized an Italian-manufactured device called the Endo One Dual-Wavelength Diode Laser, administered under local anesthesia.
Disputed Credentials and State Investigations
Enrico Guarino bills himself on Instagram as an internationally trained aesthetic physician and “surgeon-inventor” who attended the Università La Sapienza di Roma from 1986 to 1998. However, Florida health department records show Guarino has held a registered nurse license only since February 2022. In an April 2024 administrative complaint, the state health department alleged Guarino knowingly misrepresented that he graduated from the Siena College of Health in Lauderhill, a school shut down following an FBI investigation into a fake nursing diploma scheme. The state recommended permanent revocation or suspension of his nursing license. Peter Suarez, Guarino’s lawyer, stated in an email that his client respectfully declines to comment due to a pending administrative matter.
Legal Fallout and Ongoing Lawsuits
Beyond the administrative complaints filed by Berreti and Cantone, a third patient, Tatiana Magarik, filed a lawsuit against Guarino and EvoSkin LLC, a medical device company with the same address as the academy. According to the suit, Magarik alleges Guarino negligently applied a laser beam to her neck, causing severe burns and dead tissue. State corporate records list Guarino as the manager of EvoSkin. Meanwhile, the Florida Department of Health’s Investigative Services Unit launched an investigation into Guarino following the patient complaints, though state officials noted they cannot comment publicly on any complaint, investigation or plans to take action against a licensee until 10 days after probable cause has been found.
Did you know?
According to Florida law, registered nurses may only administer laser treatments under the supervision of a licensed physician. State records show neither EvoSkin nor Guarino Academy lists a licensed physician on its website or appears in the Florida Department of Health’s database as licensed to administer laser-related procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Enrico Guarino?
Enrico Guarino is a 60-year-old founder of the Guarino Academy in Miami who marketed himself as an aesthetic physician and surgeon on social media, though Florida health records show he holds only a registered nurse license.
What laser device was used in these treatments?
Patients were treated with the Endo One Dual-Wavelength Diode Laser, an Italian-manufactured device distributed by EvoSkin LLC that does not appear in the United States Food and Drug Administration medical device database.
Are state regulators investigating the Miami medical spa?
Yes. The Florida Department of Health filed an administrative complaint against Guarino in April 2024 regarding his nursing credentials and opened an investigation following formal complaints submitted by patients.
What legal actions have been taken against Guarino?
Patients Paola Berreti and Maria Cantone filed complaints with the Florida Department of Health, and a third patient, Tatiana Magarik, filed a civil lawsuit against Guarino and EvoSkin LLC alleging severe burns from a laser procedure.