21,000 Washingtonians to get payout from lawsuit over fake plastic surgery reviews
A Seattle-area plastic surgery business and its owner have agreed to a $5 million settlement in a federal lawsuit that charged the company with coercing patients into providing falsified online reviews to help boost its reputation.
The lawsuit, filed 18 months ago in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, accused Allure Esthetic and its owner, Dr. Javad Sajan, of ordering employees to post fake positive reviews and suppressing negative feedback from patients.
As part of the consent decree, Dr. Sajan and Allure Esthetic will pay $1.5 million in restitution to approximately 21,000 Washington residents. According to a press release from Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, consumers will receive checks for either $50 or $120 "depending on the individual's circumstances."
The Attorney General’s office alleged that Sajan and his businesses engaged in deceptive practices, such as artificially inflating its ratings on platforms like Yelp and Google.
Allure Esthetic specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for both the face and body, with a specific emphasis on gender-affirming surgery, according to the company's website.
RELATED: Former UW Medicine fertility doctor accused of using his sperm to inseminate California patient
Sajan is active on social media where he showcases post-surgery photos of his patients. He also shares insights via a vlog on his YouTube channel, and conducts interviews with patients on his podcast, discussing their cosmetic procedures.
Attorney General Ferguson emphasized that Dr. Sajan’s company repeatedly violated state consumer protection laws. The AG’s office said the business “altered photographs of work they'd performed on individuals to make it look like the end result was better than it actually was.”
Ferguson said the settlement marks a significant resolution benefiting thousands of Washingtonians affected by deceptive online practices.
He also added that patients were forced to sign nondisclosure agreements and were intimidated into removing truthful reviews.
Earlier this year, Federal Court Judge Ricardo S. Martinez ruled that Allure’s nondisclosure agreements illegally restricted patients from posting negative reviews about the business.
In a written response to the settlement, Erin O'Leary, general counsel for Dr. Sajan and his businesses, described Allure Esthetic as "a small, family-run medical practice" and said the company was pleased to have the case resolved.
O'Leary said the settlement, "while not admitting fault and resolving claims asserted by both sides, allows Allure Esthetic to continue to focus on its core mission of providing compassionate care to patients and serving the community.”
Despite the settlement, Dr. Sajan and his business could face additional scrutiny. The Washington Medical Commission has received 23 complaints against him. The commission, responsible for licensing medical professionals in the state, retains the authority to impose sanctions based on its investigations.
-
Diana Opong
Reporter & Host
Diana Opong is a general assignment reporter at KUOW, committed to illuminating impactful stories throughout the Pacific Northwest. Her journalistic lens spans between environmental phenomena like invasive green crabs to transformative milestones in ballet. Rooted in curiosity, Diana's approach to reporting blends meticulous research with collaborative storytelling, ensuring her work resonates deeply with audiences. She has also showcased her expertise as a freelance host for NPR's Life Kit and as a spot news reporter for NPR News, consistently delivering insightful narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
More stories from Diana Opong »
