Dr. Kevin Sadati Lawsuit: What Patients Need to Know

Cosmetic surgery is supposed to help people feel more confident about their appearance. But what happens when the results are not what was promised, or when a patient experiences unexpected complications? That’s the heart of the Dr. Kevin Sadati lawsuit.

This case matters for ordinary people because it highlights important issues of patient safety, informed consent, and trust between doctors and patients. If you’ve ever considered cosmetic surgery—or know someone who has—the outcome of this case could shape what patients can expect from their surgeons in the future.

Background: What the Dr. Kevin Sadati Lawsuit Is About

Dr. Kevin Sadati is a well-known, board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Newport Beach, California. He is especially recognized for facelifts, rhinoplasty (nose jobs), and eyelid surgery. Over the years, he has built a reputation in the cosmetic surgery industry.

However, not all patients have been satisfied. Several individuals have filed lawsuits claiming that Dr. Sadati’s procedures led to negative outcomes. The core issues raised in the lawsuit include:

• Poor surgical results: Patients say the results were very different from what they were promised—things like asymmetry, scarring, or unnatural appearances.
• Inadequate warnings: Some claim they were not properly told about the risks of surgery, recovery complications, or the possibility of needing follow-up surgeries.
• Post-operative complications: A number of patients allege they developed infections, prolonged swelling, or other issues and felt the aftercare wasn’t sufficient.
• Failure of informed consent: At the heart of many claims is the argument that patients were not fully informed of the risks and alternatives before agreeing to surgery.

One of the most widely known cases is Jean Shir v. Kevin Sadati, M.D., filed in Orange County Superior Court, California. In this lawsuit, the plaintiff alleges professional negligence related to cosmetic surgery performed by Dr. Sadati.

Dr. Sadati and his defense team have pushed back, arguing that cosmetic surgery always carries risks and that patients sign consent forms acknowledging these risks. They also argue that complications or dissatisfaction with results do not automatically mean negligence.

Who’s Affected: Who May Be Impacted or Eligible to Take Action

This lawsuit isn’t just about one patient. It raises broader questions that affect anyone considering or who has undergone cosmetic surgery. People who may be impacted include:

• Patients of Dr. Sadati: Especially those who feel their results were not what was promised, or who experienced complications.
• Individuals needing corrective surgery: Patients who spent additional money to fix or improve results may be eligible for compensation.
• People who believe they weren’t fully informed: If you signed paperwork but weren’t verbally told about key risks, that could be part of a legal claim.
• Consumers in the cosmetic surgery industry overall: Even if you never had surgery with Dr. Sadati, cases like this can set precedents for how informed consent must be handled.

If you believe your experience matches these categories, it may be worth speaking with a medical malpractice attorney.

Timeline: Key Events in the Dr. Kevin Sadati Lawsuit

Here’s a simplified timeline of important developments:

• 2018 — Plaintiff Jean Shir undergoes cosmetic surgery with Dr. Sadati.
• 2018 (later) — Lawsuit filed in Orange County Superior Court (Jean Shir v. Kevin Sadati, M.D.).
• 2022 (June) — Defense files Motion for Summary Judgment, asking the court to dismiss the case.
• 2022 (November) — Court issues a tentative ruling, partially denying the defense motion, allowing professional negligence claims to move forward.
• 2023–2025 — Pretrial discovery continues, with medical records, expert testimony, and depositions collected. Settlement talks remain a possibility.

What’s at Stake in the Lawsuit

For patients, this lawsuit isn’t just about money. It’s about health, safety, and holding medical professionals accountable.

• Financial compensation: Patients may be able to recover the cost of their surgeries, corrective procedures, medical bills, and damages for emotional distress.
• Patient health and safety: Cosmetic surgery is elective, but it carries real risks. If surgeons don’t communicate those risks clearly, patients may suffer avoidable harm.
• Consumer trust: Many people choose cosmetic surgery to improve confidence. When results go wrong, it can damage trust not just in one doctor but in the entire industry.
• Legal precedent: This case may influence how future cosmetic malpractice claims are handled, particularly around informed consent and advertising claims.

What to Watch Next: Updates in 2025 and Beyond

As of 2025, the lawsuit is still moving through the legal system. Here’s what to watch for:

• Settlement talks: Many malpractice cases settle out of court. A settlement could mean compensation for the plaintiff without going to trial.
• Pretrial motions: Courts may rule on what evidence can be used or whether parts of the case can be dismissed.
• Trial date: If no settlement is reached, a trial date could be set. That would be the stage where both sides present their evidence.
• Possible appeal: If either side disagrees with the trial outcome, they may appeal, which could extend the case further.
• Professional consequences: Regardless of the lawsuit’s outcome, licensing boards may review whether any disciplinary action is necessary.

FAQs About the Dr. Kevin Sadati Lawsuit

1. Am I eligible to file a claim?
   You may be if you had surgery with Dr. Sadati and experienced poor results, complications, or inadequate follow-up care. Speaking with a malpractice attorney can help you understand your options.
2. Do I need a lawyer?
   Yes. Medical malpractice law is complex. A lawyer can gather medical records, consult with expert witnesses, and guide you through the legal process.
3. When will this case be decided?
   There’s no set date yet. Cases like this often take years. The lawsuit was filed in 2018 and is still ongoing, so updates may continue into 2025 and beyond.
4. What evidence will help my case?
   Key evidence includes: medical records, before-and-after photos, consent forms, follow-up treatment records, and expert medical opinions.
5. Could there be a settlement?
   Yes. Many malpractice lawsuits end in settlement rather than trial. Settlement amounts depend on the severity of injuries, costs of correction, and other damages.
6. Does this lawsuit mean cosmetic surgery isn’t safe?
   Not necessarily. Many cosmetic surgeries are performed safely every year. This lawsuit is more about whether proper precautions, warnings, and follow-up care were provided.

Final Thoughts

The Dr. Kevin Sadati lawsuit highlights how important it is for patients to be fully informed before undergoing cosmetic surgery. It’s also a reminder that doctors have a legal and ethical responsibility to communicate risks, provide quality care, and set realistic expectations.

For patients, this case could shape what protections and rights you have when choosing elective procedures. If you believe you were harmed in a similar way, don’t hesitate to learn more about your legal options.