5 Shocking Facts About Dr. Ben Brown, The Florida Plastic Surgeon Facing Manslaughter Charges

The name Dr. Ben Brown, a once prominent plastic surgeon in Pensacola, Florida, is now inextricably linked to one of the most high-profile and tragic legal cases in the cosmetic surgery world. As of December 11, 2025, the ongoing developments surrounding his practice and the charges he faces have captivated public attention, raising serious questions about patient safety, surgical ethics, and regulatory oversight in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The controversy centers on the untimely death of his wife, Hillary Brown, a tragedy that led to criminal charges and the subsequent scrutiny of his professional conduct at his practice, Restore Plastic Surgery. This article provides an in-depth, fact-based look at the surgeon's profile, the details of the legal proceedings, and the professional ramifications that continue to unfold in this complex case.

Dr. Benjamin Brown, MD: Professional Profile and Biography

Dr. Benjamin Jacob Brown, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon whose career was primarily based in Pensacola, Florida, before his legal troubles began. His professional background is extensive, though now overshadowed by the events at his clinic, Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, also known as Restore Plastic Surgery.

• Full Name: Benjamin Jacob Brown, MD
• Primary Location: Pensacola, Florida (Gulf Breeze area)
• Medical School: University of Texas – Southwestern
• Experience: Over 15 years in the medical field
• Specialty: Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery
• Practice Name: Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery / Restore Plastic Surgery
• Key Procedures: Breast Augmentation (including Peri Areolar technique), Liposuction, Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), Arm Tucks, and Breast Reconstruction
• Current Status: Facing criminal charges related to the death of his wife, Hillary Brown.

Dr. Brown was known for performing a variety of cosmetic procedures, and early patient reviews often noted his candid and honest approach to discussing what could and could not be achieved surgically. However, the focus of public discourse shifted dramatically following the incident at his clinic.

The Tragic Incident and Manslaughter Charges

The most critical development in the Ben Brown plastic surgeon story is the death of his wife, Hillary Brown, a mother of three, who passed away following a surgical procedure at his clinic. The incident occurred in November 2023, but the legal and professional fallout has continued to escalate, dominating the latest news cycles. The procedure involved multiple combined surgeries, including liposuction, a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), and an arm tuck. According to reports, Hillary Brown suffered complications during the procedure, leading to her death. This tragedy initiated a comprehensive investigation by the Florida Department of Health and law enforcement. The investigation culminated in Dr. Benjamin Brown being charged with manslaughter. The core of the legal argument revolves around allegations of medical negligence and the circumstances surrounding the administration of anesthesia and patient monitoring during the extensive procedure. The case has become a major flashpoint, highlighting the extreme risks associated with complex, combined cosmetic surgeries performed in non-hospital settings. The legal battle is ongoing, with the outcome setting a significant precedent for accountability in the cosmetic surgery industry.

Department of Health Findings: A 'Dirty' Practice and Unwanted Procedures

Beyond the criminal charges, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) conducted a separate, detailed investigation into Dr. Brown's practice, Restore Plastic Surgery, in Gulf Breeze. The findings of the DOH report revealed several deeply concerning operational and ethical issues that shed light on the environment of the clinic. The 30-page DOH report reportedly described the Gulf Breeze-based practice as "dirty" and detailed a lack of proper sanitation and organization. Such findings raise serious questions about infection control and the overall standard of care being provided to patients undergoing invasive surgical procedures. Furthermore, the DOH report included allegations that Dr. Brown performed "unwanted BBLs" (Brazilian Butt Lifts) on patients. This specific accusation suggests a severe breach of informed consent and patient autonomy, which are fundamental principles of medical ethics. The combination of poor sanitation and alleged ethical violations led to an emergency restriction on Dr. Brown's medical license, effectively halting his ability to practice plastic surgery. The professional entities involved—including the Florida Board of Medicine and the DOH—have taken a firm stance, underscoring the severity of the alleged violations. These professional sanctions often proceed independently of the criminal court case, focusing instead on the protection of the public and the integrity of the medical profession.

Understanding the Surgical Procedures at the Center of the Controversy

To grasp the full scope of the case, it is essential to understand the nature of the procedures Dr. Brown specialized in, particularly those mentioned in the DOH reports and related to the tragic incident. His practice focused on both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and Combined Surgeries

The BBL, or Brazilian Butt Lift, is a procedure that involves liposuction to remove fat from one area of the body (like the abdomen or flanks) and then grafting that fat into the buttocks to enhance shape and volume. This procedure, especially when combined with other extensive surgeries like an arm tuck or other body contouring procedures, significantly increases the surgical risk. The DOH report's mention of "unwanted BBLs" is particularly alarming, suggesting a pattern where patients may have received procedures they did not explicitly request or fully consent to. When multiple high-risk procedures are performed simultaneously, the stress on the patient's body and the duration under anesthesia can lead to severe complications, including the possibility of fat embolism, which is a known risk in BBL procedures.

Breast and Body Contouring

Dr. Brown also performed common procedures like breast augmentation, with some patients noting the use of the Peri Areolar technique. Reviews also indicated that he handled complex cases, including breast reconstruction, though some patients later required additional surgeries by other doctors. The breadth of his practice, from cosmetic enhancements to reconstructive work, highlights the extensive training required for plastic surgery, but also the high level of scrutiny applied when outcomes are poor.

The Broader Impact on Cosmetic Surgery and Patient Safety

The legal saga involving Dr. Ben Brown plastic surgeon has had a reverberating effect across the entire cosmetic surgery industry, especially in Florida. This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of choosing a board-certified surgeon who operates in an accredited facility. The key takeaways for potential patients seeking body contouring or facial plastic surgery include:

• Verify Credentials: Always confirm a surgeon's board certification (e.g., American Board of Plastic Surgery) and check for any license restrictions or disciplinary actions through the state's Department of Health.
• Facility Accreditation: Ensure the surgery is performed in a facility accredited by recognized bodies like the AAAHC or JCAHO, which mandates strict safety and sanitation standards, addressing issues like those found at Restore Plastic Surgery.
• Informed Consent: Never agree to procedures you did not explicitly discuss and consent to. A detailed consultation is crucial to ensure patient autonomy.
• Avoid Combined Surgeries: Extreme caution should be exercised with procedures that combine multiple, lengthy surgeries, as this dramatically increases the risk of complications, including death.

The tragic death of Hillary Brown and the subsequent legal proceedings against Dr. Benjamin Brown MD underscore a national conversation about the regulation of outpatient cosmetic surgery centers. As the legal case progresses in 2025, the public awaits the final judgment, which will undoubtedly influence future standards of care and accountability for plastic surgeons across the country.