A prominent Texas plastic surgeon, Dr. Azul Jaffer, is facing a cascade of serious allegations including sexual assault, operating while intoxicated, and a suspended medical license. Jaffer, who operated a high-profile clinic in Sugar Land, Texas, has been charged with performing surgery while intoxicated, a felony offense. He also faces civil lawsuits from former patients alleging sexual misconduct.
One former patient, Michelle Maestas, accused Jaffer of sexually assaulting her while she was recovering from breast augmentation surgery under anesthesia. Her lawsuit details allegations of unwanted physical contact, including Jaffer pressing his penis against her feet and forcing her hand onto his genitals. Maestas is seeking over $1 million in damages for sexual assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, premises liability, and gross negligence.
Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing Maestas, stated that he has taken on three additional women who also allege sexual misconduct by Jaffer during medical treatment. Demand letters have been sent to Jaffer outlining these new allegations, with potential lawsuits to follow. Buzbee indicated that more women have come forward with similar claims.
Jaffer was arrested on December 22 and charged with performing surgery while intoxicated. He was released on a $5,000 bond. The Texas Medical Board suspended his license on December 30 after investigating seven separate incidents between July 3 and August 12, 2025. Investigators found evidence of Jaffer appearing drunk at work, slurring his speech, and smelling of alcohol while treating and operating on patients. Employees reported concerns about patient safety, with one employee noting liquor concealed in a restroom paper towel dispenser.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital also suspended Jaffer. The medical board concluded that Jaffer had "habitually used drugs or intoxicating liquors" at work, posing a "threat to public welfare."
Jaffer, 51, established Azul Plastic Surgery in 2009, marketing himself as a skilled surgeon specializing in procedures such as facelifts, rhinoplasties, and breast augmentations. His practice had maintained nearly five-star reviews online, with many patients providing glowing testimonials.
Legal experts note that sexual misconduct claims in a medical setting can be challenging to prove, often relying on a "he said, she said" account. Additionally, former employees might be hesitant to testify about intoxication incidents due to concerns of complicity for not reporting sooner.
Jaffer's attorney previously stated there was "no merit" to the claims. Jaffer is currently unable to practice medicine in Texas. His next court appearance for the criminal charge is scheduled for July 20. His clinic's website currently displays a notice of temporary closure.