82-year-old Rodolfo Garma Giraldi faces a felony charge for allegedly aiding his employee, Alexander Padilla, in practicing medicine without a license or permit. Padilla, 53, is indicted with charges of practicing medicine without a license or permit, resulting in harm, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Prosecutors assert that Giraldi knowingly allowed Padilla to conduct medical evaluations, make independent medical decisions regarding patient care, and perform various medical procedures without a valid Texas license.
Padilla’s attorney, Dick Deguerin, stated that Padilla is a licensed surgical assistant but lacks a Texas medical license. He mentioned that Padilla practiced medicine in Venezuela before relocating to the United States with his family.
In response to the complaints, Deguerin emphasized that dissatisfaction with cosmetic surgery outcomes doesn’t necessarily imply malpractice or negligence. He noted that out of the numerous surgeries Padilla participated in, only a few patients have raised concerns.
Giraldi’s legal representative did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Court documents reveal complaints filed by three women against Padilla. One woman reported experiencing pain during an implant surgery allegedly conducted by Padilla without proper anesthesia. Despite complications post-surgery, attempts at corrective procedures were reportedly refused by other surgeons due to critical condition.
Another woman accused Padilla of causing infection during breast implant removal and reapplication, allegedly introducing Giraldi as an assisting surgeon.
The third woman cited serious complications, multiple corrective surgeries, and disfigurement following procedures conducted by Padilla, including a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast reduction with a lift.
The women claim they were unaware of Padilla’s lack of licensure.
Padilla was initially arrested in October 2023, but the case was dismissed, and further charges were added in 2024. Both Padilla and Giraldi have been released from jail after posting bond.
Padilla is scheduled to appear in court on June 6. Deguerin contends that an unsuccessful surgery doesn’t constitute a crime in Texas and suggests the complaints be addressed in civil rather than criminal court.
Giraldi’s arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15, at 9 a.m. in the Harris County Criminal Court.
