Orlando, October 26, 2025
News Summary
Gabriela Pereira, a 29-year-old, was arrested in Orlando for conducting an unlicensed Endolaser treatment at Tonya Beauty spa, resulting in severe injuries to a patient. The patient developed necrosis and other complications after the treatment meant for fat reduction on the chin. Despite repeated visits, treatment recommendations from Pereira led to worsening conditions, necessitating hospital care. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about unlicensed medical procedures within beauty establishments, following prior investigations into erroneous practices at Tonya Beauty.
Orlando — Gabriela Pereira, a 29-year-old woman, was arrested for performing an Endolaser treatment without a medical license at Tonya Beauty, a medical spa in Orlando. The arrest followed an incident that left a patient with burns, a blister and necrosis to the chin area after a laser procedure.
The incident occurred on April 16, 2024, when the patient received a laser treatment directed at her double chin area. During the procedure, the laser caused burns resulting in a blister and eventually necrosis on the patient’s chin. The patient visited Pereira multiple times post-treatment, a total of eight appointments, as her condition worsened, despite Pereira insisting the injury was normal. The patient later developed a fever and experienced pus leaking from her eye, necessitating a hospital visit. At the hospital, the patient was diagnosed with necrosis of the chin area.
Before seeking hospital treatment, she was encouraged by Tonya Beauty staff to continue returning for treatment, which was falsely suggested could prevent a fatal outcome. Following her hospital visit, the patient received effective treatment at a different medical spa but is left with scars from the botched procedure.
Charges and allegations
Gabriela Pereira faces multiple charges including nine counts of practicing medicine without a license, nine counts of practicing a healthcare profession without a valid license, and two counts of dispensing medical drugs without a license. Authorities also investigated the spa’s staffing and licensing records as part of the broader inquiry.
Investigation and prior warnings
The Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI) received tips about illegal practices at Tonya Beauty starting February 2023, particularly regarding unlicensed Botox procedures. Investigators discovered that staff members at Tonya Beauty, including the owner, Tonya Silver Pereira (43), had expired medical licenses. Tonya Silver Pereira had previously received a cease and desist order from the Florida Department of Health for practicing medicine without a license.
Business profile and public reach
Tonya Beauty is noted for its popularity among the Brazilian community and has gained a significant social media following, particularly from Brazilian celebrities. The arrest affidavit highlighted the spa’s strong online reputation as a factor in attracting clientele. Tonya Beauty has locations in Orlando, Miami, and Tampa, with owner Tonya Pereira boasting over 4 million Instagram followers.
Immediate outcomes and patient care
After the hospital diagnosis of necrosis, the patient obtained successful treatment at a different medical spa but was left with permanent scarring from the original procedure. Law enforcement took action based on the accumulated complaints, tips and the results of the licensing review.
Next steps
Prosecutors and investigators are expected to proceed with the charges outlined against Gabriela Pereira. The investigation into Tonya Beauty’s broader operations, licensing and past practices remains part of the official inquiry.
Background summary
This report follows a pattern of law enforcement responses to allegations of unlicensed medical procedures in settings that combine beauty services with medical-style treatments. The case highlights regulatory enforcement by the Florida Department of Health and investigative follow-ups by the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation when tips and complaints allege unlicensed practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was arrested?
A: Gabriela Pereira, a 29-year-old woman, was arrested for performing an Endolaser treatment without a medical license at Tonya Beauty, a medical spa in Orlando.
Q: When did the incident occur and what procedure was performed?
A: The incident occurred on April 16, 2024, when the patient received a laser treatment directed at her double chin area.
Q: What injuries did the patient sustain?
A: During the procedure, the laser caused burns resulting in a blister and eventually necrosis on the patient’s chin.
Q: How did the patient’s condition progress after the procedure?
A: The patient visited Pereira multiple times post-treatment, a total of eight appointments, as her condition worsened, despite Pereira insisting the injury was normal.
Q: Did the patient seek hospital care?
A: The patient later developed a fever and experienced pus leaking from her eye, necessitating a hospital visit.
Q: What was the hospital diagnosis?
A: At the hospital, the patient was diagnosed with necrosis of the chin area.
Q: What did Tonya Beauty staff recommend before hospital treatment?
A: Before seeking hospital treatment, she was encouraged by Tonya Beauty staff to continue returning for treatment, which was falsely suggested could prevent a fatal outcome.
Q: Did the patient receive effective treatment later?
A: Following her hospital visit, the patient received effective treatment at a different medical spa but is left with scars from the botched procedure.
Q: When did investigators first receive tips about Tonya Beauty?
A: The Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI) received tips about illegal practices at Tonya Beauty starting February 2023, particularly regarding unlicensed Botox procedures.
Q: What did investigators find about staff licensing?
A: Investigators discovered that staff members at Tonya Beauty, including the owner, Tonya Silver Pereira (43), had expired medical licenses.
Q: Had the owner received any prior regulatory action?
A: Tonya Silver Pereira had previously received a cease and desist order from the Florida Department of Health for practicing medicine without a license.
Q: What charges does Gabriela Pereira face?
A: Gabriela Pereira faces multiple charges including nine counts of practicing medicine without a license, nine counts of practicing a healthcare profession without a valid license, and two counts of dispensing medical drugs without a license.
Q: How is Tonya Beauty described in terms of community and social media?
A: Tonya Beauty is noted for its popularity among the Brazilian community and has gained a significant social media following, particularly from Brazilian celebrities.
Q: What did the arrest affidavit note about the spa?
A: The arrest affidavit highlighted the spa’s strong online reputation as a factor in attracting clientele.
Q: Where are Tonya Beauty locations and how large is the owner’s social media following?
A: Tonya Beauty has locations in Orlando, Miami, and Tampa, with owner Tonya Pereira boasting over 4 million Instagram followers.
Key facts chart
| Feature | Detail | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| Arrested individual | Gabriela Pereira, 29-year-old | ■■■■■ |
| Procedure | Endolaser treatment without a medical license | ■■■■ |
| Date of incident | April 16, 2024 | ■■■■■■ |
| Injury | Necrosis of the chin area and scarring | ■■■■■■ |
| Charges | Nine counts practicing medicine without a license; nine counts practicing a healthcare profession without a valid license; two counts dispensing medical drugs without a license | ■■■■■■■ |
| Business locations | Orlando, Miami, Tampa | ■■■■ |
| Owner’s Instagram reach | Over 4 million Instagram followers | ■■■■■■ |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Click Orlando: Botched treatment leads to arrest
- Medscape: Pulsed dye laser treatment
- AdventHealth: What to Know About Laser Treatments
- Local 12: Unlicensed medical treatment charged
- Wikipedia: Laser Surgery
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
