Who Is Dr. Kevin Sadati?
Dr. Kevin Sadati, DO, FAACS is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon operating the Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery in Newport Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, he is known for facelifts, rhinoplasty, neck lifts, and eyelid surgery. His signature “Preservation Lift” and “Natural Facelift” techniques built a strong regional following, and his artistic background as a painter reinforced a brand built around subtle, natural-looking results. He is affiliated with Hoag Hospital Newport Beach and has been recognized by local publications as one of Orange County’s top cosmetic surgeons.
To Understand the Dr. Kevin Sadati Lawsuit: Core Facts
The Dr. Kevin Sadati lawsuit was filed in 2018 by a patient identified in some public records as Jean Shir. The case is registered under Case No. 2018-01006528 in Orange County Superior Court. It alleges professional negligence the legal term for medical malpractice during a cosmetic procedure at Dr. Sadati’s practice.
The lawsuit covers four main allegations:
- Inadequate informed consent the plaintiff claims she was not properly advised of the risks and realistic outcomes before surgery.
- Surgical negligence the procedure allegedly fell below the accepted standard of care.
- Post-operative mismanagement complications were not adequately addressed during follow-up.
- Lasting physical and psychological harm the plaintiff claims the outcome caused permanent disfigurement and emotional distress.
In 2022, the court denied Dr. Sadati’s motion for summary judgment. That ruling means a judge found genuine disputed facts requiring further review the case was not dismissed. It does not mean the plaintiff won. Dr. Sadati’s team has denied all allegations and maintains proper protocols were followed throughout.
Why Informed Consent Is the Central Issue
California law requires surgeons to disclose all material risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations before any procedure. For elective cosmetic surgery, this bar is arguably higher: no one needs a facelift to survive. When a patient chooses to accept surgical risk purely for aesthetic reasons, that choice must be genuinely informed to be legally valid.
Several independent patient reviews on Healthgrades and RealSelf describe experiences consistent with the lawsuit’s themes complications that emerged post-surgery, follow-up responses that dismissed concerns, and outcomes that did not reflect what was discussed pre-operatively. These reviews are not proof of malpractice, but they form part of the public record any prospective patient should read.
What Patients Should Do Before Any Cosmetic Procedure
The Dr. Kevin Sadati lawsuit is a useful reference point not for its outcome still unresolved but for what it illustrates. These steps apply to any cosmetic surgery decision:
- Verify board certification directly through the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) not only the surgeon’s own website.
- Search court records (California Courts or Orange County Superior Court portal) for any active or past malpractice filings.
- Request a detailed written explanation of all possible complications. Do not sign consent forms under time pressure.
- Get a second opinion from a separately qualified surgeon before committing to any significant elective procedure.
- Read reviews across multiple independent platforms Healthgrades, RealSelf, Google, Yelp paying attention to how post-operative concerns were handled.
- Keep copies of all pre-surgical consultations, consent documents, and aftercare instructions. That paper trail is your most important asset if something goes wrong.
Dr. Sadati’s Defense
It is important to present both sides fairly. Dr. Sadati’s legal team has denied every allegation. Their defense rests on signed consent documentation, evidence that procedures followed accepted surgical practices, the inherent risk profile of cosmetic surgery, and questions about whether post-operative instructions were followed. His practice remains open and operational in Newport Beach. No Medical Board suspension or publicly confirmed sanction has been reported as of the time of writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dr. Kevin Sadati lawsuit?
It is a medical malpractice case filed in Orange County Superior Court (Case No. 2018-01006528) alleging professional negligence during a cosmetic procedure at Dr. Sadati’s Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery in Newport Beach, California.
Has Dr. Kevin Sadati been found guilty?
No. There is no public record of a final verdict against Dr. Sadati. The court denied his motion for summary judgment in 2022, allowing the case to proceed, but that is not a finding of liability. Allegations are not proof of wrongdoing.
Is Dr. Kevin Sadati still practicing?
Yes. The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery remains open in Newport Beach. No license suspension or Medical Board sanction has been publicly confirmed.
What does denial of summary judgment mean?
It means the judge found genuine disputed facts that cannot be resolved without full trial proceedings. It does not mean the plaintiff won it means the case continues.
How do I check a surgeon’s malpractice history?
Search the California Courts website or Orange County Superior Court portal for civil filings. The Medical Board of California’s license lookup and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) website list disciplinary actions. Healthgrades sometimes notes board actions but does not capture every civil lawsuit.
Does a lawsuit mean a surgeon is dangerous?
Not automatically. Over one-third of U.S. physicians have faced at least one malpractice claim during their career. A single case is one data point. Repeated claims involving similar allegations are a stronger signal. Weigh it alongside credentials, disciplinary history, and the full range of patient reviews.
Disclaimer:This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All information is drawn from publicly available records and published sources. Allegations are not proof of wrongdoing. Case outcomes may change after publication. Readers who believe they have been harmed by a medical professional should consult a licensed attorney.
