Dr. Amjadi, Luxe Clinic - Found Guilty of Professional Misconduct Following Patient Disfigurements and Injuries

October 2024 -

A recent tribunal decision has found Sydney-based plastic surgeon Dr. Mahyar Amjadi guilty of professional misconduct and unsatisfactory professional conduct. The case has raised significant concerns about patient safety and the oversight of cosmetic surgeries in Australia. Dr. Amjadi, who opened Luxe Clinic in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in 2016, faced complaints from 14 patients who reported severe injuries and disfigurements following surgeries he performed (Worthington & Ferguson, ABC News, 2024).

The Case and Allegations Against Dr. Amjadi

The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) reviewed over 6,500 pages of evidence presented by the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) related to Dr. Amjadi’s conduct between February 2017 and December 2019. One case involved a patient who suffered life-threatening complications when a liposuction cannula used by Dr. Amjadi during a tummy tuck injured the pancreas, liver, and spleen. Another patient reported complications following breast surgery performed just four months postpartum, in violation of clinically accepted practices. Additionally, the tribunal found that Dr. Amjadi had failed to maintain adequate medical records and did not conduct proper preoperative assessments (Worthington & Ferguson, ABC News, 2024; The Sydney Morning Herald, 2024).

Psychological and Physical Impact on Patients

One of Dr. Amjadi’s former patients, Rowah Kaddour, publicly shared her experience of “gross disfigurement” and psychological trauma following a botched procedure. Kaddour had undergone liposuction and a tummy tuck in 2019, which resulted in severe abdominal disfigurement. The impact extended beyond physical disfigurement, contributing to emotional distress and affecting her personal relationships. “The damage he did f***** up my life,” Kaddour told reporters (Ferguson, ABC News, 2024; The Guardian, 2024).

Kaddour’s experience underscores a broader national concern about inadequate oversight in the cosmetic surgery field. Many patients feel that current regulations do not adequately prevent unqualified or unethical practitioners from operating within the cosmetic surgery space. A recent joint investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald and Four Corners found that patients undergoing cosmetic surgery in Australia often face risks due to gaps in regulation (The Sydney Morning Herald, 2024; ABC News, 2024).

Regulatory Response and Future Proceedings

Following a series of investigative reports, regulatory bodies have implemented restrictions on certain cosmetic procedures, limiting who can perform them and under what circumstances. As part of these reforms, Dr. Amjadi’s practice has faced restrictions since 2022, including a prohibition on body-contouring procedures and a requirement that he perform all cosmetic surgeries under supervision. However, his website does not reflect these limitations, which has led to further scrutiny (The Sydney Morning Herald, 2024).

Dr. Amjadi’s case will continue next month when the NCAT will determine whether his professional registration should be suspended or canceled entirely, a decision that may have significant implications for future oversight of the cosmetic surgery industry in Australia (Worthington & Ferguson, ABC News, 2024; The Guardian, 2024).

The Broader Implications for Cosmetic Surgery in Australia

This case highlights the critical need for systemic reforms to protect patients in the cosmetic surgery field. As Dr. Amjadi’s case demonstrates, the risks associated with complex cosmetic surgeries are profound, and practitioners’ ethical and professional standards must be closely monitored. For patients like Kaddour, whose lives have been irreversibly impacted, accountability and stricter regulation are essential steps toward preventing similar cases in the future.

If you’re considering cosmetic surgery or recovering from a botched procedure, recent cases like that of Dr. Mahyar Amjadi in Sydney underscore the critical importance of informed choices and patient rights. With reports of patients facing severe complications and inadequate protections, how can you safeguard yourself in the cosmetic surgery process? Here’s what you need to know and do to protect your health, rights, and peace of mind.

Steps to Protect Yourself Before and After Cosmetic Surgery

1. Research Your Surgeon’s Credentials and Reputation
   Verify that your surgeon is certified by a recognized medical board, like the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). Additionally, search for any past disciplinary actions or patient complaints that could be red flags. Websites like the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) provide detailed information on a doctor’s registration status and restrictions.

2. Understand the Risks and Ask Detailed Questions
   Many patients report feeling rushed or pressured into procedures without fully understanding the associated risks. Ask your surgeon specific questions about the procedure, such as the likelihood of complications and the expected recovery process. If a surgeon cannot clearly explain the procedure and risks or minimizes them, it’s worth reconsidering.

3. Ensure Comprehensive Informed Consent
   Informed consent is your right, and your surgeon is legally required to give you a detailed, written explanation of the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. If the consent form is vague or missing essential details, do not proceed until you feel fully informed. If necessary, consult a healthcare lawyer or patient advocate to review the documents.

4. Document Everything
   From pre-surgery consultations to post-operative appointments, keep a detailed record of all communications with your surgeon. This documentation can be invaluable if complications arise and you need to pursue a legal claim or report misconduct.

5. Seek Legal Advice if Something Goes Wrong
   If you experience complications or suspect misconduct, contact a lawyer specializing in medical negligence. They can help you understand your options for compensation, especially if there are grounds for a claim due to malpractice. Organizations like Reframe Legal offer guidance tailored to individuals who have suffered harm from cosmetic procedures.

6. Report Misconduct to Regulatory Bodies
   Reporting your experience can help hold practitioners accountable and prevent future patients from experiencing similar harm. In Australia, you can file complaints with the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) or the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). These agencies investigate complaints, and your report may contribute to regulatory reforms.