5 Shocking Details About Dr. Ben Brown MD: The Plastic Surgeon Charged In His Wife's Death

The name Dr. Ben Brown, MD, has become synonymous with one of the most shocking legal and medical cases to hit the cosmetic surgery industry in recent memory. As of today, December 10, 2025, the focus remains on the Gulf Breeze, Florida, plastic surgeon who is facing serious felony charges related to the tragic death of his wife, Hillary Ellington Brown, following a procedure performed at his own clinic.

This article provides an in-depth, updated look at the man behind the headlines, his professional background, the specific allegations that led to his arrest, and the current status of his medical career and legal proceedings. The details surrounding the case are complex, involving allegations of medical negligence, unauthorized procedures, and a devastating lack of emergency response that has captured national attention and raised serious questions about patient safety.

Dr. Benjamin Jacob Brown: A Professional Biography

The individual at the center of the controversy is Dr. Benjamin Jacob Brown, a board-certified plastic surgeon whose career took a dramatic turn following the incident involving his wife. While multiple doctors share the name "Ben Brown, MD," the one facing legal action is tied to the Gulf Coast area of Florida. His background includes a strong foundation in academic medicine before the events that brought his practice into the spotlight.

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• Full Name: Benjamin Jacob Brown, MD.
• Age: 41 (as of the time of his arrest in June 2024).
• Primary Location: Gulf Breeze, Florida.
• Practice Name: Restore Plastic Surgery.
• Specialty: Plastic Surgery.
• Education:
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) from Tulane University.
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Texas Southwestern.
• Board Certification: American Board of Plastic Surgery.
• Legal Status: Arrested and charged with manslaughter/felony homicide by culpable negligence.

The Tragic Incident and Manslaughter Charges

The charges against Dr. Benjamin Brown stem from a devastating incident that occurred in November 2023 at his Gulf Breeze clinic. His wife, Hillary Ellington Brown, went into cardiac arrest while undergoing procedures at Restore Plastic Surgery.

The investigation revealed a series of alleged negligent acts and questionable practices that led authorities to file serious criminal charges.

The Timeline of Events Leading to Arrest

The timeline of the incident and the subsequent legal action paints a picture of a practice operating under highly irregular circumstances:

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• November 2023: Hillary Brown suffered a cardiac arrest while her husband, Dr. Brown, was performing cosmetic procedures on her at his clinic.
• Immediate Aftermath: Reports from clinic staff and the subsequent investigation indicated a delay in calling emergency services (911). It is alleged that Dr. Brown initially attempted to manage the medical emergency himself, delaying a critical call that could have saved his wife's life.
• May 2024: The Florida Department of Health (DOH) issued an emergency restriction on Dr. Brown's medical license following numerous complaints and the investigation into his wife's death.
• June 2024: Dr. Benjamin Jacob Brown was formally arrested and charged with manslaughter, a second-degree felony, by culpable negligence.

The charge of "manslaughter by culpable negligence" asserts that his conduct in the lead-up to and during the emergency was so reckless and careless that it showed a disregard for human life, directly resulting in his wife's death.

Unwanted Procedures and License Restrictions: The Scope of Allegations

The controversy surrounding Dr. Brown extends beyond the tragic incident involving his wife. The Florida Department of Health's emergency restriction order detailed a pattern of questionable and potentially harmful practices at his facility, Restore Plastic Surgery.

Allegations of Negligence and Unwanted Surgeries

One of the most disturbing elements of the DOH investigation was the revelation of multiple complaints from former patients. These complaints alleged that Dr. Brown performed procedures that were not consented to or were entirely unwanted.

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• The "Unwanted" Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL): One specific allegation in the DOH report claimed that Dr. Brown performed a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) on a patient who had only consented to a breast augmentation.
• Unauthorized Staff Participation: The investigation also brought to light the fact that Dr. Brown's wife, Hillary Brown, was allegedly allowed to participate in procedures, including prepping her own anesthesia, despite not being a licensed medical professional qualified for such tasks. This practice was cited as a major factor in the overall negligence found at the clinic.

Current Status of His Medical License

Following the DOH's emergency order, Dr. Brown's ability to practice medicine has been severely curtailed. The restriction was immediate and drastic, reflecting the state's concern over patient safety.

His medical license is not revoked but is currently restricted. The emergency order mandates that Dr. Brown can only perform procedures in a hospital setting and only under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. This effectively halted his private practice operations at Restore Plastic Surgery and serves as a major professional sanction while the criminal case proceeds.

The Impact on Cosmetic Surgery Standards

The high-profile case of Dr. Ben Brown has inevitably sparked a broader conversation about regulation and safety in the cosmetic surgery industry, particularly in outpatient clinic settings. The details of the alleged negligence—the use of unauthorized personnel, the delay in calling 911, and the claims of unconsented procedures—have put intense pressure on state medical boards to review and tighten oversight protocols.

For patients, the case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of verifying a surgeon's credentials, reviewing clinic safety records, and ensuring that all staff involved in a procedure are properly licensed and qualified. The tragic death of Hillary Brown underscores the severe risks associated with cutting corners in any medical environment, especially one as specialized as plastic surgery.

As the legal proceedings continue in Santa Rosa County, the world watches for the final verdict on Dr. Benjamin Brown, MD. His case will undoubtedly set a precedent for medical accountability and negligence in the field of cosmetic surgery for years to come.