The recent case involving a Seattle-area plastic surgery provider, Allure Esthetic, and its owner Javad Sajan, MD, has shed light on the unethical practices that exist in the plastic surgery industry. Accusations of threatening patients over negative reviews, posting fake positive reviews, and enforcing illegal nondisclosure agreements have led to a federal consent decree requiring the payment of $5 million to the state attorney general’s office and thousands of Washington patients.
The lawsuit brought by Attorney General Bob Ferguson highlighted the violation of state and federal consumer protection laws by Allure Esthetic. The company was found guilty of posting false reviews and coercing patients into signing nondisclosure agreements that prohibited them from expressing any negative opinions about Allure. This deceptive practice not only undermines the trust of consumers but also poses a risk to the health and safety of patients seeking plastic and cosmetic procedures.
As part of the consent decree, Allure Esthetic is required to pay approximately $1.5 million in restitution to about 21,000 individuals who were affected by their deceitful practices. Those who were forced to sign illegal nondisclosure agreements will receive $50 each, while those who paid consultation fees before signing such agreements will receive $120. The remaining $3.5 million will be allocated to Ferguson’s office for attorney fees, litigation costs, and enforcement of the consent decree, ensuring that Allure is held accountable for its actions.
The case against Allure Esthetic serves as a warning to consumers about the importance of transparency and honesty in the healthcare industry. Patients rely on reviews and ratings to make informed decisions about their care, especially when it comes to procedures that can have a significant impact on their well-being. The manipulation of reviews and the suppression of negative feedback not only deceive consumers but also jeopardize their health and safety.
In order to prevent similar violations in the future, the consent decree imposes strict requirements on Allure Esthetic, including the hiring of a third-party forensic accounting firm to conduct an audit of its consumer rebate program. This will help identify individuals who are owed rebates and ensure compliance with the terms of the decree for the next 10 years. Violations of the agreement could result in civil penalties of up to $125,000 per offense, signaling the consequences of engaging in unethical business practices.
The case against Allure Esthetic underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards and protecting consumer rights in the plastic surgery industry. False reviews, threats against patients, and illegal nondisclosure agreements have no place in healthcare settings where trust and transparency are paramount. By holding accountable those who engage in such practices, we can safeguard the well-being of patients and maintain the integrity of the healthcare system.