The plastic surgeon Orlando Vargas Almonte remains in the public eye, as new complaints have recently been filed over possible medical malpractice related to breast reductions to treat gigantomastia. The accusations, which have already been published in local media, claim that the patients suffered postoperative complications that caused back and neck pain, as well as physical limitations.
Cases fueling scrutiny
One of those affected is a university student who on March 27 underwent a breast reduction by Vargas Almonte at Clínica Rodríguez Santos. The young woman reported that, although she kept in touch with the surgeon before the procedure, after handing over the money she practically did not see him again until she woke up from the surgery.
Another case involves Darlenys Moreta Rodríguez, 28, who discovered the surgeon’s services through Instagram. Her operation was performed on July 4 at the National Polyclinic Center in Santo Domingo East. According to Public Health, the surgeon is not listed as medical staff at that facility.
Background and repercussions
Vargas Almonte had already been publicly flagged in previous years by patients who attributed various complications to procedures he performed. One plaintiff attempted to claim 50 million pesos in damages, but the lawsuit was rejected by the court.
The surgeon was also linked to the Caribbean Plastic Surgery center in Arroyo Hondo, which was permanently closed by Public Health in 2019 after it was determined that it lacked a license to perform surgeries. The closure followed the death of Manuel Núñez, 28, who had undergone a procedure at that center.
Medical activities and projects
Through the Vargas Almonte Foundation (FUNVA), created in 2006, medical and surgical outreach days have been promoted for women with gigantomastia and patients undergoing mastectomies. In September 2024, the surgeon presented, together with Barahona senator and oncologist Moisés Ayala, a proposal to have breast reduction for gigantomastia included in Social Security coverage. On November 3, 2025, the National Social Security Council announced the inclusion of breast reduction within the corresponding coverage.
In December of that same year, Vargas Almonte presented the case of a young woman, Alicia Scarlet, as the first gigantomastia surgery covered by medical insurance, performed at Clínica Rodríguez Santos under ARS Primera coverage. The patient stated that the procedure had a total cost of 200,000 pesos, of which the insurance allegedly covered 190,000, while she was charged 30,000 pesos for medical fees. “You pay the difference, like ten thousand or so. But besides that, you have to pay him medical fees.” According to her testimony, she had handed over roughly 60,000 additional pesos as medical fees.
Other controversies
In January 2020, Vargas Almonte was removed from the directorship of Dr. Vinicio Calventi General Hospital in Los Alcarrizos, following complaints from community members and medical staff regarding the center’s management. One testimony mentions an alleged offer of a slot for approximately 200,000 pesos.
Source credits: n.com.do
