Posted on: Wednesday, July 24, 2002

Maui plastic surgeon to appeal jury's fine of $864,500

Advertiser Staff

KAHULUI, Maui — Plastic surgeon Larry Schlesinger yesterday said he will appeal a jury order to pay $864,500 in damages to a former patient for improperly performing breast implant surgery and then falsifying records about the operation.

Schlesinger said the verdict in Maui Circuit Court yesterday was not supported by the testimony of witnesses who heard the patient give her permission to change the procedure prior to the surgery on Sept. 29, 1997.

Maui resident Sharon Johnston, a former professional bodybuilder, sued the doctor for placing her breast implants over muscle rather than underneath, as agreed.

The four-week trial included testimony from two former employees who said Schlesinger routinely changed records.

"We also will fight the attempt by disgruntled former employees to damage my reputation with unsupportable allegations,'' Schlesinger said.