Hollywood Doc Accused of Secretly Videotaping Female Patients

Why would a Los Angeles plastic surgeon who sees naked women on a daily basis stash a video camera in his office to tape female patients as they undressed?

Lance Wyatt, MD, a surgeon to Hollywood's rich and famous, was arrested earlier this week after a year-long investigation that began when a female patient discovered a hidden camera in his office as she disrobed for a post-op examination. The patient fled from the scene and brought the camera to police.

Authorities say the tape showed 2 patients who were secretly videotaped while taking off their clothes, but they fear more victims could come forward. They also reportedly saw evidence of Dr. Wyatt inappropriately touching a patient during an exam.

Dr. Wyatt was released from police custody after posting $50,000 bail. He faces 6 misdemeanor counts for the alleged secret videotapes and acts of sexual battery and battery, and could serve up to 2 years in jail and receive lifetime registration as a sex offender if convicted on all counts, according to the Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney.

"Patients deserve to feel safe and secure while in the care of their physician," says City Attorney Carmen Trutanich. "Our charges allege that Dr. Wyatt violated that sacred trust and he should be held accountable."

Dr. Wyatt earned his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and was fellowship trained at Harvard Medical School. He has appeared on numerous television shows to discuss the benefits of plastic surgery, including 20/20 with Barbara Walters. His attorney did not return a message seeking comment.

Daniel Cook