A Texas-based plastic surgeon has had his medical licence suspended after he was accused of performing major cosmetic procedures, including a tummy tuck and breast augmentation, while under the influence of alcohol.
Allegations of Intoxication in the Operating Room
The Texas Medical Board issued a temporary suspension order against Dr. Azul Shirazali Jaffer, 50, citing a clear threat to public welfare. The order details an incident on August 12 last year, where Jaffer allegedly operated on a patient at his practice while intoxicated.
According to a filing obtained by the Daily Mail, Jaffer appeared unsteady on his feet at the operating table, made inappropriate remarks to his surgical technician, and his breath smelled strongly of alcohol. The allegations extend far beyond a single event.
Another physician and his staff have claimed that Jaffer "routinely treats and operates on patients while intoxicated." He is further accused of being drunk during a Botox procedure on August 4 and again during a tummy tuck surgery on August 5. His impairment was reportedly so severe that his practice was forced to cancel procedures.
A Pattern of Behaviour and Criminal Charges
Staff at his clinic, Azul Plastic Surgery in Sugar Land, southwest of Houston, allege they discovered a liquor bottle hidden in a paper towel holder in the men's restroom on July 9. During the August 5 incident, Jaffer was seen "stumbling to the men's restroom where the container of liquor was found."
This led to his arrest on December 22. Police charged him with performing surgery while intoxicated, a felony offence. He was released from jail two days later on a $5,000 bond, which initially placed no restrictions on his ability to practise medicine.
However, the medical board acted decisively, temporarily suspending his licence eight days after his arrest, on December 30. The suspension is effective immediately and will remain until the board takes further action. As his criminal case is pending, Jaffer has been ordered to surrender his passport.
Civil Lawsuit and Professional Background
Separately, Jaffer faces a civil lawsuit in Fort Bend County court. A patient has alleged he assaulted her in October 2022 while she was recovering from a breast augmentation procedure at his clinic. The patient filed a police report, though no criminal charges have been filed in connection with this claim. An earlier lawsuit from 2022 was dismissed at the patient's request; the new case remains pending.
Jaffer, who according to his website is a five-star-rated surgeon with over 22 years of experience, obtained his Texas medical licence in 2009. He previously held licences in Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. He and his wife, Smita Jaffer, 44, own two properties in Sugar Land, each valued at over $600,000. Jaffer is also listed as the manager of Simba Real Estate LLC, a company incorporated in 2024 and tied to one of his homes.
The Daily Mail has approached Jaffer's attorney, Troy McKinney, for comment on the allegations.
