21,000 Washingtonians Score Payout from Fake Plastic Surgery Reviews!

In a stunning turn of events, a plastic surgery clinic in the Seattle area has reached a jaw-dropping $5 million settlement in a federal lawsuit that accused its owner of pressuring patients into posting fake online reviews to inflate the clinic’s reputation. This shocking case shines a light on the darker side of cosmetic surgery marketing!

Nearly 18 months ago, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington took on this serious case against Allure Esthetic and its owner, Dr. Javad Sajan. The allegations? Employees were reportedly ordered to generate phony positive reviews and silence any negative feedback from real patients.

As part of the resolution, Dr. Sajan and Allure Esthetic will be shelling out $1.5 million in restitution to around 21,000 residents of Washington. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Attorney General Bob Ferguson, consumers can expect to receive checks worth either $50 or $120, depending on their individual circumstances—an impactful step forward for those affected!

The Attorney General’s office did not hold back, claiming that Sajan and his clinic engaged in egregious deceptive practices, including artificially boosting ratings on popular platforms like Yelp and Google. Talk about a major breach of trust!

Allure Esthetic specializes in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, with a notable focus on gender-affirming procedures, as highlighted on their own website.

RELATED: A former UW Medicine fertility doctor is also under fire for alleged misconduct.

Dr. Sajan is no stranger to social media, frequently showcasing post-surgery transformations of his patients. He shares his journey on YouTube and engages in candid conversations with patients on his podcast about their cosmetic experiences.

Attorney General Ferguson has made it clear that Dr. Sajan’s practice has repeatedly violated consumer protection laws in the state. Reports claim that the clinic manipulated photos to exaggerate results, painting a misleading picture for potential patients.

This landmark settlement is a significant victory for thousands of Washingtonians who were victims of these deceptive online practices. Ferguson also revealed that patients were pressured into signing nondisclosure agreements and were intimidated into retracting genuine reviews.

Earlier this year, Federal Judge Ricardo S. Martinez ruled that Allure’s nondisclosure agreements were illegal, further emphasizing the need for transparency in consumer feedback.

RELATED: Patients of a former UW doctor accused of fertility fraud face a myriad of uncertainties.

In the aftermath of the settlement, Erin O’Leary, general counsel for Dr. Sajan and his practice, portrayed Allure Esthetic as a “small, family-run medical practice,” expressing relief that the case has reached a resolution. She noted that the settlement—while not an admission of fault—would allow Allure Esthetic to refocus on its mission of delivering compassionate care.

However, the road ahead may not be so smooth. Dr. Sajan’s practice is still under a cloud of scrutiny, with 23 complaints filed against him with the Washington Medical Commission. This regulatory body holds the power to impose sanctions based on their findings, leaving the future of the practice hanging in the balance.