Casper Cosmetic Surgeon Denies Wrongdoing In 'Permanent Disfigurement' Lawsuit

A cosmetic surgeon who worked formerly for a clinic in Casper denies wrongdoing in a lawsuit brought by two women accusing him of leaving them disfigured and sickened in 2023.

Afton Jennings and Casi Duncan in July sued Dr. Christopher Stewart, a cosmetic surgeon who previously worked for Casper-based New Beautiful You.

They also sued the clinic, its president Melissa Black, vice-president John Roussalis, medical director Shawn Snyder, registered nurse Joury Markowski; and Summit Medical Center, which operates under the umbrella of Memorial Hospital of Converse County.

Through their attorney Jack Edwards, Jennings and Duncan claim they suffered devastating outcomes after Stewart performed cosmetic surgeries on them, including infection, necrosis, permanent disfigurement and loss of bodily function.

Jennings alleges her recovery derailed after a breast reduction surgery, ultimately leaving her breast malformed.

Duncan alleges her “mommy makeover” surgeries also didn’t heal properly, and days of illness culminated in her abdominal incision bursting open and discharging pus and blood at her workplace, among other issues.

Stewart filed an answer Friday in Natrona County District Court via his attorneys Christopher R. Jones and Christine Stickley of Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP.

The filing denies wrongdoing in the case.

“Dr. Stewart denies that his actions or inactions breached the applicable medical standard of care and/or resulted in plaintiffs’ alleged injuries or damages,” says the filing.

The document requests a jury trial.

Maggots

Stewart’s answer also addresses one of Jennings’ claims head-on: in which she’d attached a photograph and description – both graphic – of having maggots placed in her breast to eat necrotic tissue after her surgery.

The complaint says that in August 2023, a physical therapist documented foul odor, drainage and hardened tissue in Jennings’ left breast, and professionals discussed “maggot therapy” for eating the dead tissue.

Jennings started maggot therapy Aug. 23, 2023, Edwards wrote, after which “she had maggots wiggling around in her bra while at work.”

That wasn’t Stewart’s doing, the surgeon’s filing counters.

“Dr. Stewart is aware that medical grade larval therapy is a potential wound care treatment approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, which may be considered by a patient and his or her wound care physician,” the document says. “Dr. Stewart states that he was not involved in Ms. Jennings’ discussion of medical grade larval therapy, and, accordingly, denies any remaining allegations in this paragraph.”

Mommy Makeover

As to Duncan’s claims, Stewart also denies wrongdoing, saying he “expressly denies performing operative procedures without the requisite consent” and “denies his postoperative care violated the applicable standard of care or caused Ms. Duncan’s alleged injuries and damages.”

As of Wednesday, Snyder had also filed an answer denying wrongdoing, as had the Memorial Hospital of Converse County, speaking for Summit Medical Center.

The Twist

Stewart in June filed his own lawsuit against New Beautiful You, Black and Roussalis.

Stewart’s June 24 civil complaint, also in Natrona County District Court, alleges that New Beautiful You essentially cheated him of $45,000 in past wages and $6,500 in retirement deposits; and compelled him to wire $27,889.09 to avoid a lawsuit on an equipment loan for which Stewart co-signed. 

That case is ongoing.

Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.