Sono Bello
Reviews and Complaints

I went in to Sonobello in Tacoma, Washington for a consultation for abdominal liposuction in October of 2015. I met with their sales consultant, Liz Downie. After talking for about 5 minutes, she told me that I just had a "little flab of skin" in my abdominal area that could easily be treated with their venus legacy machine, and that about 8 treatments would solve the problem. Although I knew that I had more than a "little flab of skin", I believed her when she told me that I didn't need surgery. After all, who wants to submit to surgery if they can solve the problem in a noninvasive way. She asked me if I had any other areas that I was concerned with because I could get a great deal if I paid for more than one treatment area. So I told her that I had issues with crepey skin on my upper arms and also my neck was starting to sag. I told her that I had had liposuction done on my jowls several years before and that I was very happy with the results but that the center of my neck was sagging. She quickly sold me on getting 8 venus treatments on each of those three different areas of my body for a total of 24 treatments at a cost of $5500. I paid $500 cash and got the rest on credit. At the second treatment session I asked the technician why she was avoiding the very area of my neck that I wanted treated. She told me they couldn't use the machine there because that was where my thyroid was located. Liz certainly hadn't told me that or I wouldn't have paid for a treatment that they couldn't even do! The tech, Cassandra, also told me that I had way too much fat in my abdominal area for the venus machine to handle. So I stopped the treatment of my abdomen, switched treatment from my neck to my face, figuring that tightening my face should also pull up my neck so I could get it tightened that way. After a couple more treatments, with no results, I stopped all treatments everywhere except my upper arms, figuring that I could apply the money that I had paid, to the liposuction that I was going to have to have after all, and which is what I wanted in the first place.
At that time I talked to Liz, explained to her what was going on and made arrangements to meet with the Dr to set up a surgery date for abdominal, love handles and upper bra area lipo.
I met the Dr who refused to do my surgery because I have diabetes and my A1C is an 8. They won't do the surgery unless your A1C is a 7. So they won't do the surgery, I've had no results from any treatments I've had because the venus legacy machine they use is not designed to fix crepey skin like I have on my arms, it couldn't be used on the area of my neck I wanted treated and I have way to much abdominal fat for it to work in that area.
These are all things that Liz knew or should have known, but that she simply didn't care about. I have called her and left voice mails, messages with staff at least 15 times but she refuses to return my calls or respond to me at all.
I did talk to the head nurse. At least I think it was the head nurse. Her name was Annie and she offered me some comps for my arms, which I did take advantage of, but to no avail. I have paid $5500 to Sonobello for nothing!
I believed Liz Downie. I believed she was the expert and that I could rely on her promises. I have had my hands tied and not known what to do. I have been stonewalledd by Sonobello, and have not known where to turn. I hope you can help me

First of all, I went in for a "consultation" to see what a plastic surgeon would recommend for my face. I ended up getting talked into my entire body, including my chin/jowls and didn't actually get to speak/see the doctor until AFTER I had paid in FULL (over $25K) and the first procedure was scheduled. When we were negotiating the price and told Bethany that it was too expensive, she added the Venus Freeze treatments for all the "miscellaneous" areas that I were to have done (11 total) and each area would be treated 4 times. She said would help assure that my results are to my satisfaction, because she wanted me to be happy afterwards. (See their Contract and my Receipt) My final condition was videoing the procedures, Bethany excitedly agreed to do the videoing for me and left the room to get "approval" for all of the conditions.

Everything that I was told PRIOR to paying was wonderful, however, when I went in for the 1st procedure I was refused to video. Bethany, who promised this, was no where in sight. The doctor insisted that I could not do it, just prior to giving me the drugs to prepare me for the surgery.

The procedure was EXTREMELY painful and I felt that I was on fire when he had me roll to the other side. I remember shaking uncontrollably and the doctor asking me if I was cold. I informed him that I was burning and I was VERY hot. The next thing I remember was getting off the table, looking like a slaughtered pig and the nurse helping me to dress.

The results of this 1st surgery/procedure was not noticable to me, but my husband said he saw a difference in my back. My legs did not look different though.

Afterwards, at my follow-up appointment, I saw Bethany. She asked me how everything was and I told her that I was upset that she did not video my procedure, as she had promised. She informed me that the doctor said I didn't sign a release for the video (although I actually had signed a request for my photos AND videos be sent to me digitally and also gave that permission) so I signed ANOTHER one with her and specified her name to be the one to video, or ANY other staff employee, and AGAIN requested all photos and videos to be sent to me via digital files to my email address.

I had been asked to fill out a questionaire on how I felt about the procedures and the doctor and staff. I gave them my honest feedback, which was NOT favorable and no one ever contacted me. I let them know how I was very disappointed at being lied to and that I felt scammed.

Prior to my 2nd surgery/procedure, during the pre-op, I told the doctor that I wanted to cancel the chin/jowl procedure (because I didn't have any confidence in him working on my face) and asked to do my calves instead. The doctor informed me that when he did my stomach that afterwards I may need tubes for draining. This freaked me out and after thinking about it for a day and then going back for the surgery, I insisted that my stomach not be touched and that I go in for a 3rd surgery, to do the stomach by itself. I couldn't afford to be in so much pain, with all the other areas he would do during this 2nd procedure AND to have issues with my stomach - just prior to a vacation 2 weeks later. The doctor was VERY angry with me.

When preparing for my 2nd procedure/surgery I again had my video camera ready and I asked the nurse to make sure to get Bethany, so that she could video my procedure. She informed me that there was a note in my file, addressing that they would not allow videoing. (No one told me this directly, I had to find out at the last minute, from the nurse who was reading it from my file, and I had to look at it myself.) Apparently NOW it is "against their policy" even though Bethany bragged about how they did it for her husband. Bethany had never informed me of any policy change. Why did I just then find out about this?! Bethany let me pay and proceed with the procedures, knowing that I wasn't going to be able to video? And, yet she lied to me when I confronted her and pretended that I didn't sign release (which I did AGAIN and handed to her). I would have NEVER paid the amount in full or gone through with any procedures, if they had been upfront and honest with me.

At my 2nd procedure's post-op/follow-up I again completed their questionaire about how I felt about everything. I let them know AGAIN how unhappy I was about being lied to and scammed. No one EVER addressed it with me.

I was scared to death to come in AGAIN for the 3rd procedure, but I felt that I had to do it, to make sure my body wasn't left half done. I was angry and very disappointed in doing so many areas and having paid so much money, for minimal results and NOT getting anything on video. (I like to record my life events, which this VERY much was.)

At my 3rd procedure surgery post-op/follow-up I tried to schedule the Venus Freeze treatments. I was told that I had to wait until AFTER my appointment for the post-op. So, after that appointment, I AGAIN went to the front desk to make the appointments. I was made to wait at least 20 minutes for someone that she went in the back to get. When she finally called me up, to make the appointments, she immediately started telling me how much the treatments are EACH. When I informed her that my contract specifically spells out that I am to have the "miscellaneous" areas treated, and that I had 11 miscellaenous areas, which were all supposed to be treated 4 times, as the contract states, she became very irritated and frustrated and went again to the back to get yet ANOTHER person (Kerri Brockhaug) who tried to convince me that they were only going to give me ONE (1) area treatment, 4 times. I let her know that it wasn't what I agreed to and it wasn't what is written on the contract and that I was holding them firmly to the terms of the contract and that I was very tired of all the lying and scamming they have been doing. She insisted that I tell her everything that had happenedd, and I did. The more that I went over it, to angrier I became and she informed me that I couldn't talk to her in such a heated fashion. I told her that SHE asked me and I told her that I am angry, so if she wanted to know what happened, she needed to listen to it. She did and then informed me that she needed to speak to a Stephanie, to decide what they will do about it. She asked me to give her a few days. I did.

Stephanie called me on June 28th and instead of her starting by apologizing for what had happened for the last three months, she wanted to also know what I experienced. I informed her that the more that I have to keep repeating what happened, the angrier I get, but she insisted that I proceed anyway. Before I barely got started, she interrupted me and tried to give excuses for why they couldn't allow me to video (I don't care what their lame excuses are). I cut her off and tried to tell her that if she wanted to hear what I had to say, she needed to LISTEN instead of talking over me, about something I don't care about. She wouldn't stop talking over me, so I hung up and emailed Kerri to inform her that Stephanie was NOT anyone I was interested in speaking to, I have wasted my breath enough. I only want to know when the appointments are going to be set for the Venus Freeze treatments.

Kerri emailed me back to insist that I am only going to get the Venus Freeze treatment for ONE (1) area (even though that is NOT what the contract states). I let Kerri know that I am NOT in agreement with that and that I am waiting for them to let me know, in EMAIL (because I will NOT accept calls from them any longer) about the appointments. I have yet to get any email about the appointment date, even though I had told them that the only time I would be available for these treatments would be at the end of July this year.

I do not appreciate how they are stalling and refusing to honor their contract. In addition, they have yet to email me digital photos of me, as I have requested over 5 times, at least 4 times in WRITING. Now, Kerri has informed me that she needs to "check their policy" to see if she can send me MY photos and any video they did during my procedures. I infomed Kerri that I would like a copy of the policy, so that I can see when and who had authorized both the refusal of me videoing my procedures AND the refusal to send me digital copies of my photos and video.

It has been since June 28th and no progress has been made. I have copied Stephanie Vizmanos, Dr. Garrison, and the Director of Patient Care on all the email exchanges but no one seems interested in honoring their promises/contracts or taking care of proper business, by making appointments for the Venus Freeze treatments for the 11 areas that I had paid for in FULL (over $25K).

I went in for surgery. I came out of surgery with a deformed left leg. The Dr. took out too much fat in my left leg. I now have a large indent that can't be fixed. I went in for a 2nd surgery at no charge to me to get it fixed. It didn't do anything. Looks the same. I called sonobello to get my money back and time off work for the 2nd surgery, not too much to ask seeing how they ruined and deformed my leg. Laurie from SLC told me to come back in for pictures. I did. They insisted I see another surgeon and consult. He came in and said "Oh it looks like you've been bitten by a shark", to which I started to cry. He stated he could "try to fix it, not sure it would take care of the problem. I have called Laurie repeatedly to see if they are going to give my money back. She will not take my calls. Finally after calling 4 times today, she answered the phone and told me she couldn't help me and it's "out of her hands" and I need to call someone else. You would think they would want to make it right seeing how my leg is now deformed. Next step is legal action since I can't get anywhere with phone calls.

Again, I am writing to tell you that you are traumatizing the public with your commercial in Ohio. We are sick and tired of this "Gabble-Gabble" woman being abused by her neighbor playing with her skin issues...
I would never think about your company with the commercials and the reviews seen here.
I feel mentally abused when I hear this commercial and it runs every other commercial every night...It is disgusting to the Ohioans and we think less of your company and ethics
Please take Ms Gabble-Gabble off the damn TV as it is abuse and we are tired of hearing it...

I had liposaction surgery in Orlando clinic, in 2013y and had been treated five areas in two times between in one week. Both of surgery pass successful. I was happy!
But later around ten month I start notice my upper abdomen start become as before, especially on left side... I told nurse about it on my regular afrersurgery appointment but nobody seriously don't take attention to this.
On today day all my sells in my body fully established and I see very clear my upper abdomen hadn't been done! There was touched little bit right side and no touched at all left side. I am looking like having two line of breast. Two bumps on my upper abdomen different sizes.
In December 2015y I wrote letter to my doctor (I am living in another state now) but no any respond from him or his administration.
Last month I send letter about this situation in Sono Bello Customer Service; Department of Health; American Society of Plastic Surgery; Plastic and Reconstractive Surgery; American Board of Cosmetic Surgery . I didn't get answer from nobody. No one call no any letter.
May be somebody know who can answer me for this ABUSE I got in that clinic? May be somebody know how I can get money back for that part of body doctor didn't finished?
If somebody would like read that letter I sent to my doctor I can resend copy. My e-mail: [protected]@gmail.com

I have been following the TV ads for SonoBello and I am amazed at their "facelifts". I have no idea how long these "facelifts" will last but I recently had a full facelift with a reputable Board Certified Plastic surgeon. It was extremely painful and took six months to really totally heal and look the way I was going to look. Yes, I look fabulous and it should also last a long time. My point is, there is no simple and easy way to get a "face lift" and go back to the office. I did not leave my house for 2 weeks. Don't be fooled by these scams because based on my experience, it is not going to last very long even if you look good that day. The part about not meeting a doctor until the day of the procedure is laughable. They took photos and Digital images and I met with the surgeon several times. It is extremely complicated and dangerous-- beware. I spent a lot of time choosing the right doctor for the job based on recommendations from everyone and by many photos of his work. You should do the same.

when I went for a free consultation, I was told I had to have all 4 procedures done as they did not want to waste their time with me coming back a second time..I also had to order a body suite...I wanted to order it myself as I could get it direct from the company, but they lied and said it was by my measurements only and was $250.00... It came in the mail...and the exact one I was was going to orderl was only $42.00 and it was a Medium. No special measurements. Another lie... I was so disgusted I never went back...my skin was very smooth before the procedure...NOW IT LOOKS LIKE COTTAGE CHEESE... THEY OWN ME A REFUND... I exercise and eat healthy and have not lost one pound...go figure...I AM ANGRY.. CAN I JOIN A CLASS ACTION SUIT

Garfield Heights Ohio office.
I am in day 4 after procedure and have already contacted Personal Injury lawyers. Wish I had found this site before doing procedure.

They rush you through the sign up and into surgery. Paperwork says that the garment is to be worn no later than Day 3. They measured me because I am long torsoed and knew what they had would not work. No problem, they will handle it. NOT. We call the hot line (same number for everything) and said garment doesn't fit and the binders they gave me kept spreading. The plastic surgeon called us and said to use safety pins or DUCT TAPE to hold it together. One of the many balls they dropped. I was released to go home with still 1.5 liters of fluid in me still and it destroyed our bedding that night. My wife is an RN and used to situations but even she was ready to get me to the ER. My BP dropped to 80/60 as well. Fluids were just streaming out. Now I was told limited, IF ANY, bruising. From my waist and half way up my chest looks like I was assaulted with a 2X4. Still no garment, so I called the company myself yesterday in Texas. They were very pleasant and said send them measurements and it's produced same day and shipped. Another lie by Sono Bello. I have a meeting with them today and need my garment. What ever you do and no matter what anyone says, stay away from these hacks. Go to a plastic surgeon office if you must. I will get my money back if I have to picket their building until I do.

On October 11, 2014, I had laser surgery done at Sonobello by Dr. Alexander Sobel in the Portland, Oregon office. I paid $5000 cash for the procedure to be completed on three areas that included my stomach and left and right lower abdomen. I was also assured that if I was not happy with the overall outcome, it would be taken care of, as customer satisfaction was most important to Sonobello. I was told that 6 liters of fat cells were removed from those areas. Per agreement with post-op, I returned every three months for a check-up with a nurse. My first 3-month check-up report was that I was contouring as was expected. My 6-month check-up showed continued puffiness and swelling. During my 9-month check-up on 17, 2015, my stomach had become larger and appeared to look quite similar to prior to the procedure. I asked to meet with Dr. Sobel. When I met with Dr. Sobel, I explained to him that I remained to be eating healthy and also was walking three miles an average of 3-4 times per week at the Newport, Oregon Recreation Center but appeared to be regaining abdomen weight but that it had shifted higher. Dr. Sobel told me that I should not be gaining weight because he killed all the abdomen fat cells. He then rudely told me that he couldn't do anything and asked as to when my last physical check-up had been. I told him that it had been in early December, 2014, and I was healthy. Dr. Sobel then replied that obviously something was physically wrong (pics show that which I have in my possession) and told me to see my doctor because Dr. Sobel suggested that I might have liver disease, leukemia, or cancer. That was absolutely shocking to hear! I drove home from Portland in a daze. It was emotionally debilitating to hear such death-wrenching news.

I proceeded to make an appointment with my physician with The Corvallis Clinic in Corvallis, Oregon. She ordered blood work and examined me once again. Historically, for over 40 years, I have existed with a low white blood cell count. She was attuned to this but to rule out any other potential medical ailments. she asked that I meet with a hematologist specialist, with the Corvallis Clinic. After several blood draws and testing, the hematologist physician determined that there were no other medical ailments and that my body has adapted to coping with a low white blood cell count. I am healthy! So, I had two physicians document that, overall, I am healthy. I do not have liver disease, leukemia, or cancer as proposed by Dr. Alexander Sobel.

It is my contention that Dr. Alexander Sobel's medical accusations were unethical and he chose not to redo the procedure because of time and staff cost. It took me six years to save for the procedure and so for it not to have been done right is most disturbing and I am now back to weighing what I was prior to the laser surgery. I have been emotionally distressed since learning this information for over a year now until I was able to medically resolve any such accusations from Dr. Alexander Sobel.

Therefore, I am contacted a Portland, Oregon lawyer to represent my case to sue Sonobello for $250, 000. My lawyer also pointed out that Sonobello had an over million dollar lawsuit that caused a patient to die and, therefore, I have decided that Sonobello needs to be held legally accountable and responsible for their misrepresentation since the company acclaims to be credible and did not honor their company standard.

I had my upper and lower stomach done my love handles and my arms done paid $7, 000 for it they told me it will take at least a year to see results a year later did not see no result at all so I went back they said they could only do a little more on my stomach so I had another surgery done and a year later no results went back to them they said they could do nothing for me they took my money for nothing

Had my procedure done in may 2015, i also got checked by a male dr. And on my day of surgery, it was a woman, i dont have a problem with that but i only received i follow up and never heard from them again. No phone call or nothing, after the six months passed, i started to receive emails from them wanting a survey of how i liked my time with them. My stomach is still pouchie, and i have my double chin is now deformed, but they charged me 8000.00 and i feel i was robbed! i will never recommend them to anyone!

My overall experience with the staff was a pleasant and professional one. I have no complaints when in comes to the customer service they provide. However, there are a couple of concerns that I do have.

1. I am very new to this process, and was not quite sure the questions to ask. I was clear in regards to my expectations though. Flat stomach, NO love handles, and bra roll gone. I was more than a little surprised when I came in for my first treatment, and told that it would be broken up into 2 treatments, because I was having my bra roll done as well, to optimize the fat reduction. Over 6 weeks later, there is no obvious reduction in my bra roll. After a consultation my sister did with Sonobello physician, she was told that they have seen very little results with liposuction in the bra roll area. I brought that to the attention of your personnell, and she assured me that this was untrue. Again, I have not seen any difference in that area after 6 weeks.

2. I was not made aware that only a certain amount of fat could be taken. I was under the impression that all fat would be removed from the areas designated, until it was flat and smooth., which is not at all the case. Although there is fat gone, I was expecting a way better result. Although, I understand that I need to wait 6 months to see the final results, I have to admit that I am concerned.

3. I am uneven in areas., abdomen, flanks, and absolutely no loss in the bra roll, my right side is smaller than my left.

4. I also applied for Care Credit, and was approved but an over limit was reported to my credit report which brought my credit score down 25 points. I don't understand the over limit, called Care Credit who then instructed me to contact Sonnobello which I contacted Amanda via email on May 21, 2014 and have yet to receive a response from her to date 06/11/2014. I will be contacting the credit agencies to make sure that this removed immediately.

In summary, Sonnobello is really not clear on what is possible and what is not possible. My expectations assured by Sonnobello, do not at all match the results that I am seeing. I am following a diet plan, which was suggested.. by eating Clean Food, reducing calories, excercise 5 days a week for 45 minutes to an hour a day, + other activities, I am wearing my garment 8 to 10 hours a day, I have lost approximately 1 to 2 pants, and dress sizes, I am tittering in the middle. Althoug, I do look better in my clothes, I believe Sonnobello is not real clear on presenting the facts, of what this kind of surgery can do and cannot do. I am well aware that I am a large woman BMI 36 at the time, I was not looking to be left with the body of a goddess, but I was expecting to have a flat stomach, and erased love handles so that I could wear my shirts, t-shirts, etc. tucked in, without the appearance of fat around the middle. That did not happen, and not real confident that it will go away.

All in all, I know I wasted my $1749 for the removal of the bra roll, and may have wasted money on the other, and may have should have tried harder on losing the results I have received from Sonnobello for a fraction of the cost. As they say, you live and you learn...

I was not expecting a miracle, but was expecting way better results. I went with Sonnobello because I know that they are well known, per the commercials, the website results, and testimonials, via their website.

I believe it may work with those who are much smaller, with minor minor fat issues.

I can produce photos but do not want them blasted all over the internet. I am 9 months post surgery and after $1749 x 5, my results do not reflect the money that I spent. AT ALL!

Sono Bello

It has been one of the most uncomfortable experiences in my life. The after care was terrible. I never did get a call from the doctor to enquire as to how I was doing. Even my dentist does that! I found that the facility had an unprofessional assembly line atmosphere. My love handles look better, but after several weeks, I am not happy with my abs. The overall experience is not recommended.

I visited Sono Bello a little over a year ago to discuss laser liposuction for my trouble areas. Everyone was friendly and eager to please however; like so many other complaints I have read, the office manager who handled my consultation was a mirror image of a Barbie doll who told me about her own laser lipo results & how pleased she was. She had me stand up and lightly swept her hands around my mid section, inner & outer thighs and just kept saying "oh yeah, this will ALL come off, you are such a great candidate!" Keep in mind my clothes are still on, she's not actually looking at my skin just apparently what is bulging out. I found it unsettling that this wasn't being done by a doctor and asked when a doctor would actually evaluate me. She said I would meet the doctor on the day of the procedure & at that time he would ensure I was fit to have the procedure done, but reassured me that because this is a new and improved technique that basically everyone is a good candidate. I believe her actual words were "if you have fat, you qualify, there's not much else to it." I had done a lot of research online & also believed I would benefit from the procedure. I had no medical problems, no skin issues, I'm young & healthy so I wasn't worried. Now you may ask why did I do it if I wasn't happy with the consultation and that I cannot really answer. I have been over weight my entire life, I've been on every diet known to man & just couldn't lose the weight. When I found Solo Bello online after years of wanting liposuction I literally just felt like I HAD to have it done.

I paid a LOT...I'm embarrassed to say how much, let's just say more than 10k, a lot more. The doctor ended up being very nice, his assistant even nicer. They treated me amazingly & I remember telling my mom the next day as I laid in bed sore but enthusiastic that "this is the best decision I've ever made." I followed the post op directions to a T waiting eagerly to start seeing a new slimmer me. I went in for my 1 month check-up with little if any results but was reassured that I was still swollen & would be seeing results any day.

Long story short, my results were almost non-existant. My family & closest friends knew I'd had the procedure done and tried to be supportive but were unable to notice a difference. My clothes never fit better, I didn't go down any sizes. I look almost exactly the same.

I'm embarrassed by my lack of results & I feel like I got ripped off. I have recently cried to my mother, explaining that this was hands down the most expensive mistake I have ever made. A far cry from how I felt the day after my procedure.

I had my procedure six months ago. The recovery was horrible. I was told that most people could go to work the next day. I could barely move for a week. They also say there would be a little bruising. I was bruised from my knees to my ribs. I had my legs, hips and lower stomach done. The only difference I saw in six months was in my hips. When I went in for my six month check up I told my the doctor that I was not happy with the results. His answer was "I think I did a good job, and if you would lose twenty pounds you would like your body". Needless to say I would not recommend sono bello to anyone. I just payed $6000.00 to have the doctor call me fat.

First, the doctor I chose when I booked what was supposed to be 'Smart Lipo' was not the doctor that was there to perform it. The front desk girls assured me he was good. Then they were running behind schedule because the girl before me was having a bad reaction to the drugs. When I was being prepared I asked for something for nausea to prevent that from happening to me. Dr. Gael De Rouin suggested I just to it with out pain medicine.

At the last minute the nurse brought me a pill and said, "you are going to need it." By then they were rushing me on the table before the pill kicked in. They turned on the tumeric machine and began pumping it in so fast I could feel my skin being ripped from my body. I begged him to slow down the machine. He ignored me. The nurse finally turned it down and held my hand as I felt every bit of horrific pain. I still have nightmares. Dr. DeRouin ruined my stomach. He rushed through and just made a mess. Now I have a deformed abdomen. He over corrected in some spots and under in others. I wish I still had the pooch now. Now I have no choice but do seek a way to fix this mess.