Seattle Doctor Stands Firm on Gender Surgeries Amid Controversy
SEATTLE (KOMO) — In the vibrant heart of Seattle, a groundbreaking plastic surgeon is making waves—and not just in the operating room. Dr. Javad Sajan, renowned for his gender-affirming procedures, is finding himself at the center of a heated controversy, following an online campaign that has taken a sharp aim at his practice, claiming he’s performing surgeries on children.
“What I do is about helping people embrace their true selves,” Dr. Sajan passionately states from his bustling clinic. “I’m dedicated to ensuring they lead happier, fulfilled lives, without causing harm.” With a substantial following on social media and a website packed with inspiring documentaries featuring his patients’ journeys, Dr. Sajan has become a prominent figure in the world of cosmetic surgery.
However, one of his posts from November has ignited a media firestorm. In a candid video, the doctor shares a glimpse into his world, clad in scrubs, with the caption, “Doing all my TRANS surgeries before Trump tries to stop me.” This sparked intense scrutiny and brought forth an advocacy group known as “Do No Harm,” which launched a controversial digital campaign accusing him of conducting “dangerous and irreversible” surgeries on minors.
The ad in question claims Dr. Sajan has performed surgeries on over 120 children, some as young as 7. “This is not care. It’s immoral,” the voiceover chillingly states. In response, Dr. Sajan has expressed his alarm, revealing that his family and staff have faced serious harassment due to these allegations, which he asserts are far from the truth.
“These claims are outrageous. I have never operated on a 7-year-old,” he insists. “When patients come to us, it’s a comprehensive process, and the truth is, the number of minors we work with is incredibly small.” He estimates that the actual count of gender confirmation surgeries he’s performed on minors is “about a dozen or less.”
Compounding the situation, the “Do No Harm” group references a recent settlement with the Washington State Attorney General, implying that Dr. Sajan agreed to pay $1.5 million to thousands of families affected by his operations. Yet, the settlement actually stems from allegations regarding his business practices, including forcing clients to sign non-disclosure agreements. Dr. Sajan acknowledges these issues but emphasizes his commitment to patient care.
“Yes, there were mistakes made in the past, but my focus has always been on providing the best care possible,” he explains. “I didn’t create the form in question; it was part of an intake packet. My aim has always been to help people, not to get bogged down in these distractions.”
As part of the settlement, Dr. Sajan will pay $1.5 million to a broad group of patients who sought various cosmetic procedures, alongside an additional $3.5 million in legal fees. “The majority of my work revolves around cosmetic procedures like Botox and breast augmentations. Those accounts for most of what we do,” he clarifies.
While the “Do No Harm” group declined an interview, they issued a statement expressing their concerns about Dr. Sajan’s practices, calling him “notorious” for his aggressive approach to transitioning minors. They argue that the public deserves to know the truth behind his operations.
Despite the criticism, Dr. Sajan stands firm. He is proud of his work and the positive impact he has on people’s lives, asserting, “I have zero regrets about advocating for the community I serve. I will continue to be a voice for those who feel unheard and strive to make a difference.”
“When patients come to us for surgeries, it’s not a quick decision. They undergo therapy, hormone treatments, and receive clearance from other medical professionals,” he explains, reinforcing the thorough process involved. “My intention is to demystify these procedures and connect with others who may be struggling. I’m here to support and uplift, and I will keep doing so as long as I can.”
