HARRIS COUNTY – Used liposuction and plastic surgery laser machines are among the items Local 2 Investigates has learned were taken from a northwest Harris County home after sheriff's investigators arrested a husband and wife team accused of performing surgeries.
Karen and Yuri Lara are not licensed physicians with the Texas Medical Board. Both have been charged with unauthorized practice of medicine and possession of a dangerous drug.
The equipment, shown to Local 2 Investigates, was used just before detectives confiscated it in a search of the home. Hair is attached to some of the liposuction and laser machines.
Harris County Sheriff's Office investigators would like to talk to other patients who have gone to the Lara's operation or other questionable surgery centers.
"It's very important if you had this procedure done, please come forward. You are not in any trouble. We are not worried about you resident status or anything like that," Harris County detective, Billy Tipps told investigative reporter Jace Larson.
A Houston woman who told police she had liposuction and breast augmentation in the master bedroom of the couple's northwest Harris County home in the 15800 block of Cade Court also told Local 2 she endured hours of painful surgery.
"He put anesthesia, but at times I felt a needle," Jennifer Martinez said. "Like it was burning or something."
The couple's attorney told Local 2 Investigates his clients deny the allegations.
Detectives were first tipped off about the surgeries by another patient. She is a 41-year-old woman who was admitted to an area hospital after her breast enhancements became infectious and abscessed, the Harris County Sheriff's Office has said.
Martinez hopes that by coming forward, other patients will contact police.
Victims are asked to call the Harris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at 713-967-5810.