Florida plastic surgeon Benjamin Jacob Brown faces second-degree felony homicide charges after his wife, Hillary Ellington Brown, died from complications related to lidocaine toxicity following cosmetic procedures he performed on her.

Hillary Ellington Brown suffered cardiac arrest during multiple cosmetic procedures performed by her husband, Benjamin Brown, who allegedly delayed calling 911 for nearly 20 minutes. Despite showing signs of lidocaine toxicity, Benjamin Brown continued the procedures, including letting his wife suture her own skin. Following extensive investigations by the Florida Department of Health and other authorities, Brown has been arrested and faces serious legal repercussions, including potential life imprisonment.

On the day of the incident, Benjamin Brown [administered lidocaine](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/florida-plastic-surgeon-benjamin-brown-arrested-in-death-of-wife-who-died-after-botched-cosmetic-surgery/), a common local anesthetic, to his wife for [multiple cosmetic procedures](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/florida-plastic-surgeon-benjamin-brown-arrested-in-death-of-wife-who-died-after-botched-cosmetic-surgery/). Lidocaine, when used improperly or in excessive quantities, can lead to serious complications, including [fatal toxicity](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/florida-plastic-surgeon-benjamin-brown-arrested-in-death-of-wife-who-died-after-botched-cosmetic-surgery/). Court documents reveal that Hillary [displayed classic symptoms of lidocaine overdose](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/florida-plastic-surgeon-benjamin-brown-arrested-in-death-of-wife-who-died-after-botched-cosmetic-surgery/), such as dizziness and confusion, yet her husband [continued with the procedure](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/florida-plastic-surgeon-benjamin-brown-arrested-in-death-of-wife-who-died-after-botched-cosmetic-surgery/).

The situation escalated when Hillary went into [cardiac arrest](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/florida-plastic-surgeon-benjamin-brown-arrested-in-death-of-wife-who-died-after-botched-cosmetic-surgery/). Allegedly, Brown chose not to seek immediate medical assistance, instead attempting to stabilize her himself. It was only after [nearly 20 minutes](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/florida-plastic-surgeon-benjamin-brown-arrested-in-death-of-wife-who-died-after-botched-cosmetic-surgery/) that he eventually dialed 911 for emergency help. Paramedics arrived promptly, but their efforts to revive Hillary were in vain, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the investigation, authorities uncovered troubling practices by Benjamin Brown. It was revealed that [Brown had allowed Hillary to suture her own skin](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/florida-plastic-surgeon-benjamin-brown-arrested-in-death-of-wife-who-died-after-botched-cosmetic-surgery/) during the procedures, a practice fraught with risks even under the best circumstances. Consequently, this has raised serious questions about his professional conduct and adherence to medical protocols.

The [Florida Department of Health](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/florida-plastic-surgeon-benjamin-brown-arrested-in-death-of-wife-who-died-after-botched-cosmetic-surgery/), along with local law enforcement and medical examiners, conducted [comprehensive investigations into Hillary's death](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/florida-plastic-surgeon-benjamin-brown-arrested-in-death-of-wife-who-died-after-botched-cosmetic-surgery/). Their findings pointed to significant deviations from acceptable medical practices, culminating in the [charges against Brown](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/florida-plastic-surgeon-benjamin-brown-arrested-in-death-of-wife-who-died-after-botched-cosmetic-surgery/). Agencies involved have emphasized the importance of strict medical oversight and the dangers of informal or improperly executed medical procedures.

Legal experts suggest that the charges Brown faces are severe, reflecting the gravity of his actions and their fatal consequences. [Second-degree felony homicide charges](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/florida-plastic-surgeon-benjamin-brown-arrested-in-death-of-wife-who-died-after-botched-cosmetic-surgery/) in Florida can [result in life imprisonment](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/florida-plastic-surgeon-benjamin-brown-arrested-in-death-of-wife-who-died-after-botched-cosmetic-surgery/), underscoring the profound legal jeopardy Brown is currently in. "This case highlights the critical importance of adhering to medical guidelines and the potentially dire consequences of failing to do so," said Jennifer Martinez, a legal analyst familiar with the case.

The medical community has also responded to this incident with concern and calls for [stricter regulation of cosmetic procedures](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/florida-plastic-surgeon-benjamin-brown-arrested-in-death-of-wife-who-died-after-botched-cosmetic-surgery/), especially those performed outside of a formal medical setting. Dr. Elaine Foster, president of the Florida Medical Association, remarked, "Incidents like these underscore the need for stringent oversight and enforcement of medical standards to [ensure patient safety.](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ben-brown-florida-plastic-surgeon-arrested-after-wife-died-following-procedure/)"

[Benjamin Brown's case is scheduled](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/florida-plastic-surgeon-benjamin-brown-arrested-in-death-of-wife-who-died-after-botched-cosmetic-surgery/) for [preliminary hearings next month](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/florida-plastic-surgeon-benjamin-brown-arrested-in-death-of-wife-who-died-after-botched-cosmetic-surgery/), where further details of the prosecution's evidence and the defense's arguments are expected to be revealed. As the legal proceedings progress, the case is likely to draw significant public and professional scrutiny, serving as a stark reminder of the duties and responsibilities inherent in the medical profession.