Daaiyah Alneesha Roundtree, 43, of South Miami, Florida, faces legal action after being accused of running an unlicensed post-operative recovery home for individuals undergoing cosmetic surgery, as reported by multiple outlets.
Authorities took Roundtree into custody on Tuesday following a search conducted by the Miami-Dade Police Department at her residence, as detailed by Local 10. According to information obtained by NBC 6, the search revealed the presence of seven post-operative patients and one individual awaiting a surgical procedure at Roundtree’s home. These patients disclosed that they received assistance with personal hygiene, meal consumption, and medication management, with nightly rates ranging from $250 to $350.
The facility in question reportedly specialized in catering to individuals recovering from cosmetic surgeries. Roundtree now faces multiple felony charges, including operating an assisted living facility without the requisite license, as well as violations related to Florida litter law and hazardous waste regulations, as outlined in court records. Additionally, two associated misdemeanors have been filed against her. Roundtree’s arraignment is scheduled for May 9, although information regarding her legal representation was not immediately available.
This incident is not an isolated one within the Miami area. In October 2023, two individuals were charged in connection with operating an illegal post-op recovery center under the name “Yeni’s House.”
The surge in cosmetic surgeries in recent years has led to a corresponding increase in the demand for post-operative care. However, traveling shortly after undergoing such procedures poses significant risks, including the heightened potential for blood clots during prolonged periods of sitting or air travel. UCLA Health advises patients undergoing plastic surgery to arrange for a caregiver’s assistance during the initial recovery phase.
Notably, Miami serves as a popular destination for individuals seeking elective surgeries. However, the Miami Herald reports a scarcity of available services specifically tailored to post-surgical recovery. Consequently, individuals traveling to Miami from out of town for cosmetic procedures often face challenges in securing adequate post-surgery care until their wounds have sufficiently healed. Florida law currently lacks licensing provisions for this specialized service, although it defines an assisted living facility as an establishment providing personal services to adults for more than 24 hours, excluding the owner’s relatives.