Richmond breast surgeon sued for medical negligence, allegedly leaving patient disfigured

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A Richmond breast surgeon, along with two local medical facilities, is being sued for medical negligence and allegedly performing surgical procedures she isn't qualified for, leaving the patient with permanent disability and disfigurement.

Melissa McKee, a North Carolina resident, brought the suit on Dec. 9 against Sasa Grae Espino, Columbia Healthcare of Central Virginia and Chippenham Johnston-Willis Hospital, a Bon Air-based facility by HCA Virginia. Columbia Healthcare operates Richmond Breast Center, a medical practice that provides breast surgery and related services.

According to court documents, Espino allegedly performed surgical procedures on McKee that were "beyond the scope of her practice and training" at the above facilities in November 2024, including several reconstruction procedures, liposuction, fat grafting and hip-to-hip excision of the lower abdomen.

The $75,000 suit alleged that Espino did not ensure McKee understood the risks of the surgeries before she provided her consent, nor did Espino disclose that she wasn't a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. In one instance, Espino allegedly insisted upon using large breast implants, "only to later perform at least four fat grafting procedures on [McKee's] breast."

Per the lawsuit, Espino's medical negligence includes improper surgical technique, inadequate post-operative monitoring and care, failure to address surgical complications promptly and other acts and omissions.

The suit stated that when Espino discharged McKee on Nov. 20, 2024, following a procedure at Chippenham, McKee was actively bleeding, leading her to seek a right breast hematoma evacuation procedure to remove clotted blood on the following day at the same facility.

Espino's alleged negligence led to McKee suffering "severe and permanent injuries," per the suit. This includes physical pain and suffering, disfigurement, emotional distress and permanent disability, leaving McKee with the need for additional corrective surgeries.

The suit said Chippenham is liable because it "negligently" allowed Espino to perform procedures despite her lack of qualifications, and that the hospital failed to revoke or restrict Espino's operating privileges when it received complaints regarding her performance.

8News has reached out to HCA Virginia for comment.