Sugar Land Plastic Surgeon Suspended After Multiple Intoxicated Surgery Allegations
Finn's Take· TL;DR- Texas Medical Board suspended plastic surgeon's license after December indictment for performing surgery while intoxicated during multiple incidents.
- Staff found liquor bottle in clinic restroom; Jaffer allegedly appeared impaired multiple times, forcing surgery cancellations for patient safety concerns.
- Performing surgery while intoxicated is a state jail felony in Texas, carrying up to two years imprisonment and $10,000 fines.
Medical Board Takes Swift Action
The Texas Medical Board has suspended the license of Dr. Azul Shiraz Jaffer, who in December was indicted in Fort Bend County on a criminal charge of performing surgery while intoxicated . The plastic surgeon, who founded Azul Plastic Surgery in Sugar Land, had his suspension take effect immediately on Dec. 30 after the board determined that he posed a threat to patients .
This dramatic action came after multiple incidents between July and August 2025 where Jaffer appeared intoxicated while performing surgical procedures or was impaired prior to procedures that procedures had to be cancelled for patient safety . The medical board's decision underscores the serious nature of the allegations and their commitment to protecting patients from potentially dangerous situations.
Disturbing Pattern of Workplace Incidents
The allegations paint a troubling picture of escalating workplace incidents. In July, staff at Jaffer's Houston-area clinic allegedly found a container of liquor in the paper towel holder in the men's restroom . Following this discovery, staff allegedly said Jaffer appeared to be intoxicated on multiple occasions, and in some instances, the alleged intoxication resulted in surgery cancelations .
The situation reached a dangerous peak in August when Jaffer performed surgery while impaired and was observed by staff stumbling to the men's restroom where the container of liquor was found, with staff having to cancel procedures due to his impairment . Most concerning, on Aug. 12, Jaffer allegedly performed a tummy tuck and breast augmentation while intoxicated .
Legal Consequences and Professional Standing
The criminal charges carry serious penalties. In Texas, performing surgery while intoxicated is a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in a state jail and fines of up to $10,000 . Court records indicate Jaffer posted his bond, set at $5,000, on Dec. 24 , but notably, his bond conditions did not forbid him from practicing medicine while out of jail on bond, which TMB cited in its suspension order .
The medical board found that Dr. Jaffer habitually used drugs or intoxicating liquors to the extent that it interferes with his ability to practice medicine safely . Adding to the controversy, a patient filed a lawsuit against Jaffer last year that accuses him of sexually assaulting her after a breast augmentation procedure in 2022 , though no criminal charges were filed in that case.
Broader Implications for Patient Safety
This case highlights the critical importance of medical oversight and patient protection. A temporary suspension hearing with notice will be held as soon as practicable with 10 days' notice to Dr. Jaffer, unless the hearing is specifically waived by him, with the temporary suspension remaining in place until the Board takes further action .
The incident serves as a stark reminder that patients must remain vigilant about their healthcare providers. Medical professionals hold lives in their hands, and any impairment during surgical procedures represents an unacceptable risk. As this case moves through both the criminal justice system and medical board proceedings, it will likely influence how similar situations are handled and may prompt stricter monitoring protocols for healthcare facilities across Texas.