Former patient of Gulf Breeze surgeon accused of killing his wife speaks out
GULF BREEZE, Fla. (WKRG) — Dr. Ben Brown of Gulf Breeze was arrested Monday; he’s charged with homicide-negligent manslaughter in his wife’s death.
Now, former patient Brandi Fitzsimmons is telling a story she wishes she had told sooner.
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“I don’t care about hiding anymore,” Fitzsimmons said. “I don’t care about being embarrassed anymore.”
Fitzsimmons filed a complaint against Dr. Ben Brown with the Florida Department of Health in December after learning about his wife’s death in November.
The medical examiner’s office ruled Hillary Brown died from lidocaine toxicity during a procedure done by her husband.
Fitzsimmons said the news of Brown’s passing broke her heart.
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“Ultimately she was putting her trust in her surgeon, which happened to be her husband, and it could’ve happened to any of us,” Fitzsimmons said.
Fitzsimmons’ experience with Dr. Brown at Restore Plastic Surgery began in 2021.
After a consultation, Fitzsimmons went to Baptist Hospital to receive liposuction, abdominoplasty, fat injections to her hips and a breast implant replacement by Dr. Brown.
What came next were multiple follow-ups to Dr. Brown’s office in Gulf Breeze.
According to the health department’s report, Fitzsimmons went back to Brown’s office to receive scar revision surgery from one of his physicians. Fitzsimmons described that surgery as ‘pure torture.’
The report stated there were several issues with sterility during those follow-ups.
Medical records also revealed Dr. Brown performed a gluteal fat transfer, also known as Brazilian butt lift on Fitzsimmons. She says she told him multiple times she did not want that procedure.
“You feel violated,” Fitzsimmons said. “Just the thought of, you vision yourself being sedated on an operating table and you’ve consented to certain things and he just takes it upon himself to do a procedure.”
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In May, after reviewing the cases of Fitzsimmons, Hillary Brown and another patient, the Department of Health ordered an emergency restriction of Dr. Brown’s license.
After Dr. Ben Brown’s arrest, jail records show he was released on bond on Monday. His next court appearance is set for July 11.
Fitzsimmons wants to see justice.
“I want him locked up,” Fitzsimmons said.
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She also has a message for anyone looking to undergo plastic surgery procedures.
“Join groups that are on social media for plastic surgery procedures,” Fitzsimmons said. “Ask questions in those groups. Call an attorney, get advice. Go to multiple surgeons to get a feel for them.”
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