Florida TikToker charged with impersonating medical professional to administer Botox and fillers
Authorities allege Meghan R. Pagano used another person's credentials to run an aesthetic clinic and perform medical procedures without proper licensure
A Florida woman who built a social media following by posting aesthetic procedure videos has been charged after state investigators say she used another person's medical credentials to perform Botox, dermal fillers and other treatments without a license.
Meghan R. Pagano, 38, of Jensen Beach, was identified by the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and a Martin County detective as the owner-operator of Treasure Coast Aesthetic & Wellness Center in Stuart. The investigation began after the DOH was contacted by a woman who said her name and medical licenses were being used on social media and linked to the clinic. An investigator who later visited the business undercover reports Pagano told the investigator she was a certified nurse practitioner and could administer injectables.
Court records and DOH findings reviewed by local media show the business advertised a range of services, from facials and laser tattoo removal to “hormone optimization” and injectables. A TikTok account under Pagano’s name had roughly 9,900 followers and linked to the clinic’s website; videos posted to social platforms included a plasma-fibroblast skin-tightening treatment and an epidermal cyst removal in which a scalpel was used and the wound was stitched.
The DOH official confirmed Pagano is licensed as an electrologist, a credential that permits laser hair-removal services, and that she holds licenses allowing limited skin and scalp treatments with oils and lotions. Investigators found she is not a licensed massage therapist or an advanced practice registered nurse and does not hold credentials permitting the administration of Botox or dermal fillers, according to court records.
Records show a separate complaint in July alleged Pagano was practicing without a license and was using another person’s identity on social accounts to promote medical procedures. Media reports say the account tied to the original complainant included more than 120 posts showing Pagano and the services she offered. Authorities confirmed some associated Facebook and Instagram pages have since been taken down.
Pagano was arrested Sept. 1 and booked into the Martin County Jail. She pleaded not guilty several days later and posted a $20,000 bond, court records show. Prosecutors have not publicly detailed the full list of charges; the case remains active.
Florida law prohibits practicing medicine without a license and makes impersonation of a licensed health-care professional a criminal offense. State health officials and regulators routinely investigate complaints that unlicensed individuals are offering cosmetic injectables and other medical procedures because improperly administered treatments can cause infection, scarring, allergic reactions or vascular injury.
The DOH referred its initial findings to local law enforcement in April when the impersonation allegation was raised, and investigators conducted an undercover visit shortly thereafter to assess the scope of the activity at the clinic. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and court records indicate Pagano has not been convicted. Further hearings have not been publicly scheduled.