A recent federal consent decree against a Seattle-area plastic surgery provider, Allure Esthetic, and its owner, Javad Sajan, MD, has shed light on the unethical practices in the industry. Accused of threatening patients over negative reviews, posting fake positive reviews, and forcing patients to sign illegal nondisclosure agreements, Allure Esthetic has been ordered to pay $5 million as part of the settlement.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a lawsuit against Allure Esthetic in December 2022, citing violations of state and federal consumer protection laws. The complaint alleged that the clinic engaged in illegal practices such as inflating ratings on review platforms, rigging competitions, withholding rebates, and altering patient photos. Additionally, Allure Esthetic was accused of intimidating patients into silence by threatening legal action and offering incentives in exchange for the removal of negative reviews.
Restitution and Accountability
As part of the consent decree, Allure Esthetic is required to pay $1.5 million in restitution to approximately 21,000 affected individuals. Each patient who signed an illegal NDA will receive $50, while those who paid consultation fees before signing NDAs will receive $120. The remaining $3.5 million will cover attorney fees, litigation costs, and monitoring the clinic’s compliance with the terms of the settlement.
The settlement also mandates that Allure Esthetic hires a third-party forensic accounting firm to audit its consumer rebate program and ensure compliance with the settlement terms for the next 10 years. Any violations could result in civil penalties of up to $125,000 per offense. Attorney General Ferguson emphasized the importance of holding businesses accountable for their actions, especially when they involve issues of consumer trust and safety.
Lessons Learned
The case against Allure Esthetic serves as a cautionary tale for plastic surgery providers and consumers alike. It underscores the importance of transparency, integrity, and ethical conduct in the healthcare industry. Patients rely on reviews and ratings to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, and any attempts to manipulate or suppress feedback can have far-reaching consequences.
Moving Forward
In light of this case, it is crucial for regulatory bodies, industry organizations, and consumers to remain vigilant against deceptive practices in the plastic surgery sector. By promoting accountability, transparency, and ethical standards, we can help ensure that patients receive the quality care and information they deserve. Ultimately, the Allure Esthetic case serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of engaging in fraudulent and unethical behavior in the healthcare industry.
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