Two women have initiated a lawsuit against Christopher Nicholas Stewart, a former cosmetic surgeon in Wyoming, and several associated parties, citing severe post-operative complications that left them disfigured. The lawsuit was filed on Sunday in the Natrona County District Court by Afton Jennings and Casi Duncan, through their attorney, Jack Edwards of the Edwards Law Office.
The legal action targets multiple defendants including:
- Dr. Christopher Nicholas Stewart
- Registered Nurse Joury Markowski
- New Beautiful You, the Wyoming-based cosmetic practice
- Individuals in leadership at New Beautiful You: President Melissa Black, Vice-President John Roussalis, and Medical Director Shawn Snyder
- Memorial Hospital of Converse County, along with its operating entity, Summit Medical Center
The plaintiffs are seeking damages, along with pre- and post-judgment interest, litigation costs, attorneys’ fees, and any additional relief the court may deem appropriate. In the complaint, Edwards states that several patients, including the plaintiffs, have suffered “devastating outcomes” such as infection and permanent disfigurement, compelling them to take legal action not just for personal redress but also to safeguard future patients from similar experiences.
Details of the Complaints
Jennings’s experience allegedly began with her breast reduction surgery scheduled for July 28, 2023. This was after consultations about her longstanding issues with significantly enlarged breasts, which caused physical discomfort. Following the surgery at Summit Medical Center, Jennings reportedly experienced severe complications. Post-operative care was notably inadequate, leading to alarming symptoms that included discoloration and fever.
Despite showing distressing signs, her inquiries to the medical staff were downplayed, ultimately resulting in a ruptured breast that required emergency interventions. By mid-August, Jennings’s condition had worsened, leading to the implementation of “maggot therapy” to manage dead tissue. Graphic images provided in the complaint illustrate an alarming situation, highlighting the distress and humiliation experienced by Jennings.
Concerns Over ‘Mommy Makeover’
Casi Duncan, the second plaintiff, sought a “mommy makeover” after giving birth to twins and breastfeeding. In February 2023, she underwent a series of surgeries led by Stewart but claimed he performed additional, unapproved procedures without prior consent. Inadequate post-operative instructions and resultant infections plagued Duncan, leading to continuous complications that disrupted her daily life significantly.
Evidence provided by Duncan demonstrates her persistent efforts to communicate health concerns to the clinic. The situation escalated to the point where her abdominal incision ruptured at her workplace, leading to extreme trauma and an emergency response. The documentation of her visits failed to capture the gravity of her condition, and despite recurrent pleas for medical assistance, she faced ongoing health challenges.
Hospital and Surgeon Status
As per the lawsuit, concerns about Stewart’s practices have been serious enough that by May 2025, informed sources indicated that Summit Medical Center revoked his surgical privileges. Meanwhile, both the Memorial Hospital of Converse County and the medical leadership at New Beautiful You have opted to remain silent regarding the impending litigation.
The current legal proceedings not only bring Jennings and Duncan’s experiences to light but also underscore broader questions about patient safety and accountability within cosmetic surgery practices. The plaintiffs’ attorney aims to ensure that their stories prompt necessary reforms, protecting future patients from potentially hazardous malpractice.
For additional information, contact Clair McFarland at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.
