Sono Bello
Reviews and Complaints

I was really worried about the aftercare when I decided to go to Sono Bello for my surgery. Unfortunately, my fears came true. The doctor and the practice had a tragic death due to lack of aftercare, and I was given only two days of prescription medication after my surgery. I was promised two months of pain management, but that didn't happen. The pain was almost unbearable, and I cried the entire time. I have a huge back and a huge rub tattoo, so I'm not a wimp, but this was really tough.

I begged for more anxiety medication, but instead, the doctor gave me the option to continue after pumping me full of lidocaine on the first leg. At that point, he hadn't sucked any fat, but I believed they would take care of me. I cried the entire time. The only reason I'm giving it two stars is because the office staff and nurses were amazing. I actually liked Dr. Sobrino, and I believe it will look amazing, but he straight up lied to me when I expressed my concern in the pre-op.

When he called to check on me, he said that in the week since I was there, "they" changed the policies and would only provide aftercare for two days. This was a huge mistake, and I regret it fully. They give you one tiny 1mg Xanax and one tiny pain pill before they shove giant needles, lasers, and rods under your skin for hours and send you home with two days of pain management. They promised me months of aftercare, but that didn't happen.

A patient lost her life from lack of attention on their watch nine years ago. It was a tragedy, but I believed they would help me through the pain. Instead, I'm shaking with pain and anxiety and have two days of medicine before I have to ride an hour or more in the car (when I can't even sit down) to see the very doctor who promised me management and lost a patient after surgery.

Please think twice and do not fall for the hard sell. I wanted it for myself after a year of intense exercise left my body with little improvement, but their empty promises have given me heart palpitations and a panic attack. I feel intensely alone to suffer in silence while they cash a $7600 check. If you do it, take your own medication before because they will leave you hanging for the absolute most painful experience. If the nurses weren't so wonderful, I would have gone home with one fat leg and one skinny leg.

So, I went to Sonobello's Linthicum, MD location on March 17, 2021, to get liposuction on my upper, lower sides, and back areas. Let me tell you, it was not a pleasant experience. First of all, Kristen scheduled my pre-op appointment the day before my procedure, even though the website said it should be scheduled a week before. This caused a lot of problems for me because I couldn't start taking my pain and swelling medication two days before the procedure like I was supposed to. I also couldn't fill my prescriptions in advance, and I wasn't able to get certain items because my pre-op appointment was scheduled so late. To make matters worse, I had to wait for two hours to be seen, and I didn't leave until 9 pm. I had to be back at the facility at 6:45 am the next morning for my procedure.

During the procedure, I felt sharp pain in my abdomen area. And when I say sharp pain, I mean it felt like I was being stabbed with a knife over and over again. I was screaming because of the intense pain. I've never felt pain like that in my life! I don't think I was properly numbed with the localized meds. One doctor was training another doctor, so maybe something went wrong because of that. The nurse told me that no one feels pain, only vibration, so what I felt was unusual. When they were working on my sides and back, I only felt vibration, and I could have fallen asleep because it wasn't painful at all. But when they went back to my abdomen area, I felt that stabbing pain again. My blood pressure went extremely high on the monitor, and I have low blood pressure. I was worried I was going to have a heart attack because of the stress my body was under from the pain. All I could think about was how my abdomen felt like ground beef.

I followed all the instructions they gave me, but I still had a traumatizing experience. I have a high tolerance for pain, but this was too much. I think the doctors made a mistake either in calculating how much numbing meds to give me or where to inject them. It was not a good experience, and I wouldn't recommend Sonobello to anyone.

I gotta say, my experience with Sono Bello was just plain awful. I shelled out over 20 grand for a procedure that left me in excruciating pain and with scars that make me look like a monster. And when I tried to reach out to them about it, it took them weeks to even respond. I mean, come on, guys. That's just not cool.

But I gotta give credit where credit is due. After a lot of persistence on my part, someone from Sonobello corporate finally got back to me. And they actually agreed that the doctor who did my surgery was way out of line. I mean, this guy was a total monster. He was telling me to stop screaming in pain or he'd stop the surgery altogether. And when I asked the nurse to stop being rough with me, he told me to be nice because it was her birthday. Like, seriously? That's just messed up.

And it wasn't just the doctor who was a problem. There was an older nurse who was talking trash about me, saying I just wanted pain meds. And then she started pulling on my suit after the surgery, pinching my skin that had open wounds all over it. It was just a nightmare.

Now, I know they say that their procedures are less invasive, but let me tell you, that's a load of BS. They cut me open deep and I was wide awake for the whole thing. And they only gave me one pain pill and one Valium. I mean, what kind of pain management is that?

Look, I wouldn't wish this experience on my worst enemy. It's been months and I still can't sleep at night thinking about what they did to me. But I'm hopeful that we can come to some kind of solution. I just want people to know what they're getting into before they drop a ton of money on a procedure that could leave them scarred for life.

I recently had my surgery at Sono Bello on 1/10/19 and I must say, the medical staff is absolutely outstanding! CJ, the prep nurse, Shaunte, the Clinical Management nurse, and Dr. Al Mufarfej were better than I could have asked for. They were all very supportive of my nervousness and did not try to rush me on the day of surgery. They took their time to explain in detail exactly what was about to happen and what pain I would experience after based on a 3-day period. Everything they told me was right on point. I would highly recommend this team and would have given them five stars if it weren't for the consult.

Now, let me tell you about the ugly part of Sono Bello of Troy - the consult. I was lucky enough to have Kristen, but she is so fake and all she cares about is obtaining your credit card. During the consult, she gave me false information such as they will give you as much of the relaxing cocktail as you want to the point of you falling asleep. This is not true. She also told me I would feel great the next day, as she went shopping all day after her procedure. This is also not true. They do not want you walking around that much. You can walk, but only for 10 minutes up and then back down. Trust me, if you can take 10 minutes up the day after, good for you, but you are leaking everywhere and so taped and tender you cannot move.

I asked to speak to the Dr., but she said that is not how they do things there. So, if you are going to move forward, be more aggressive than I was and DEMAND to speak to one of the medical staff before giving the greedy consultant your money. Also, it was very convenient on the day I met with the medical team that Kristen supposedly forgot to suggest if you are getting your inner/outer thighs and waist, that hips and pelvis area should be a high consideration or it will not look right. So, she has you in a corner. If the surgeon is telling you that you are not going to be happy with the outcome without doing that area, you are obviously going to do it. Here comes the extra $3,000. And of course, Kristen said she gave it at cost.

Again, I could not be happier with the medical staff and how I look only 1.5 weeks after the procedure. However, Kristen said I could fly in two weeks, which was another lie. They do not want you to fly because of swelling and blood clots, and you have to wear the compression suit for at least 6-8 weeks, 24 hours a day. Do you really want to go on vacation and lay by the pool in a compression suit? So just be aware that she is going to tell you roses and gumdrops. Recovery is much longer than she will tell you. Also, you cannot wear regular clothes. Loose leggings only for about six weeks.

Overall, I highly recommend Sono Bello for their outstanding medical staff, but be cautious of the consult and do your research before making any decisions.

Let me tell you about my experience with Sono Bello. At first, I was excited to get evaluated for a procedure that would help me look my best for my upcoming wedding. However, my excitement quickly turned to disappointment when I realized that the salesperson who evaluated me was not a medical professional. She gave me a price for what she thought I needed, but when I met with the doctor, he recommended something different. The catch was that I couldn't see the doctor unless I paid for the surgery in full. This was a red flag for me.

Despite my reservations, I went through with the procedure. I had the EX done along with upper abdomen, lower abdomen, and waist lipo-suctioned, as well as my back bra line. From the first week post-op, I expressed to the nurse that one side was bigger than the other. She told me it was just swollen, but three months later, I still look ridiculous in clothes because one side is bigger than the other. My stomach still has fat in it, and I have a pooch when I sit down. I was told that if I got the mini tummy tuck and lipo, I wouldn't have such a pooch, but that's not the case.

I paid almost $12,000 for a result like this, and I'm embarrassed by the situation. I got this done to look nice in my dress for my wedding, but I look hideous. The "treatments" at Sono Bello are not anything like what they describe. When I went to my three-month post-op appointment, the nurse kept telling me that the reason my stomach and side are still big is that I have loose skin. This didn't make sense to me because I paid for lipo in each area, so I shouldn't have fat hanging over my belly button and a big pouch when I sit.

I was mesmerized by the salesperson and pressured into the purchase. They called and called non-stop until they got my payment. Today was my six-month post-op, and the doctor told me I needed a full tummy tuck, not a mini tummy tuck. But what I don't understand is that I wasn't going to get a tummy tuck in the first place. I was just getting lipo. He recommended that I get a mini tummy tuck, so I paid more money for that, but I didn't get the results I wanted.

Ladies, please don't come to this place. They only care about the money. Save your money and go somewhere where the doctor and staff care. To top it off, one of the nurses made me feel very uncomfortable. I complained about her, but when I came back for my next appointment, there she was again as my nurse, and she was even ruder. It doesn't make any sense because I spoke with the manager, and she said she would fix it, but there she was again with her attitude.

I had a surgery with Sono Bello over a year ago, and I am not happy with the results. I have noticed that the areas where fat was removed, fat has settled in the areas below. For example, I had my upper abs/bra roll done, and now my long sleeve shirts are tight in my upper arms. My jeans that I wore the day I had the surgery done over a year ago are skin tight in the upper leg area! I have been reading posts and blogs for months and talking with women who have had the same procedure as myself, and they are complaining about the same thing! I knew it wasn't just me!

I made an appointment to go in and show Dr. Volk what has been happening, but he didn't address my complaints. He just had a half *** grin on his face and said that I've gained weight and that's why I look like this. He told me to lose some weight and come back, and he will de-bulk my abdomen. I want my money back! I told him I am going to tell everyone how I have been misled as to what my results would be.

They purposely do not tell you that the women in the commercials and the pictures have had many procedures done to achieve the look that you see. The average woman like myself, after spending $8000.00, will see minimal to no change. In fact, you will see change, but in my case, negative change. Now what am I to do?

I am not going to stop until I get my money back. If there is an attorney out there who thinks they can be of some help with my case, post your information. And as for Sono Bello, how can you just "ROB" women like myself who have been lured into your scam? When I get my money back, I will stop and move on with my life and be happy with my body the way it is. I will be waiting to hear from Sono Bello. So stay tuned, it's not over.

Sonobello has a satisfaction guarantee, but unfortunately, my experience did not meet my expectations. I underwent laser-lipo for my upper arms, upper and lower abdominal, and chin, but there was no visible difference in my appearance after the first procedure. To make matters worse, my follow-up appointments were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and when I finally had my "6 month" follow-up, it was actually 8-10 months later.

During the follow-up, the nurse showed me my pre-op and post-op photos, but I couldn't tell the difference between them. The nurse asked me how I felt about it, and I responded that I didn't see any difference. The nurse then suggested that I schedule another appointment with Dr. Volk to discuss my concerns.

At the appointment with Dr. Volk, he approved to do all the areas over again, but unfortunately, the second procedure did not meet my expectations either. While I did notice a difference in my chin and stomach, there were still indents and unevenness in my stomach that were not there before the first procedure.

When I asked the nurse if the second procedure would help even out the indents and unevenness, she assured me that it would. However, after reviewing my health records, they told me that they could not do anything more for me because of my history of cancer.

Overall, my satisfaction with Sonobello is at a 1 star rating. While I am not demanding a full refund, I do believe that I am owed some money back or at least something to back up their satisfaction guaranteed promise. I had hoped that the laser-lipo would help me tone up after losing 50 lbs due to thyroid cancer, but instead, I am left with indents and unevenness that apparently cannot be fixed. I would not recommend Sonobello to anyone looking for cosmetic procedures.

Hey there,

My name is K. Gantt and I wanted to share my experience with Sono Bello. I had the smart lipo procedure done at the Sacramento office on October 31st, 2019. I was thrilled with the results and couldn't stop talking about Sono Bello to everyone I knew, even strangers on the Bart as I went to work. However, my happiness was short-lived.

After my treatment, I had to wear a body sculpture suit basically night and day for months. I started eating weight watcher meals, doing 30-minute workouts on the treadmill, and eating fruit anytime I felt hungry. I came to a follow-up visit and found out I lost some weight, things were going fine. A few months later, I started measuring and keeping a record of my tummy and taking pictures to show my progress in March and April. But then, the pandemic hit, and everything changed.

The Sono Bello office, among other businesses, were closed due to the government shutdown, and then I started to notice my procedure went into reversal. What happened? During that time, because I worked for an essential office, I was working more hours, so I wasn't eating more. Does this treatment only work for a couple of months? Wow!

Moving forward, I believed in Sono Bello, I believed the fat cells would permanently be removed. I may have stopped exercising due to sitting at a computer working more hours, but what happened to the permanent fat cells not growing back? It just burns me up lately when I see the Sono Bello commercials claiming false advertising!

How could Sono Bello lie about all these wonderful things having this treatment can do for a person? It's a hurtful, disappointing scam! Today, I still sit back in my own tears, thinking, why did I believe in this so-called wonder treatment. Furthermore, let me be clear, I don't sit back sucking down cheeseburgers, cheesecake, or eating reckless. Some days I don't even eat because I don't have the time to eat! Looking at me now, it's like how can you tell I've missed a meal here or there!

I feel so stupid putting my hope, trust, and money into a get-fast scam result! Yes, I'm the foolish one, no room for the old saying "fool me once, for me twice, shame on me." No shame on me the 1st time for believing in Sono Bello. And shame on Sono Bello for lying to people.

I have attached 4 pictures. The first 2 pictures are what I look like now from a recent hiking trip. I am bigger now than before I began my treatment with Sono Bello. In fact, 11 pounds heavier. The last 2 pictures were taken in March of this year after my procedure with Sono Bello. Nevertheless, I am 5' 4", I'm 50 years old, I have had 4 children, and I might have to accept the fact I'm just gonna keep getting bigger or start working out like crazy to maintain a good healthy weight. I'm so disappointed in Sono Bello!

I'll leave Sono Bello with this, the best way to advise is by word of mouth. I have a little advising to do myself... This much I can do for free, and it will be the truth.

Unsatisfied client,

K. Gantt

I went to Norfolk to have the abex procedure done. I was charged that day for the procedure. I had to yell at the surgeon because he was hurting me, I could feel something inside me and it hurt so bad. After about 6 hours when he was finished and I seen my abdomen I wanted to cry. But I listened to the nurse and the dr telling me it will look better just give it time. And the dr. Said everyone is different so we don’t know how well things will go. I told the nurse I wish I had never had this procedure done. I can’t be intimate with my husband, I can’t wear jeans, I can’t go swimming. I have to limit things I can do until my skin grows back. I would like a refund if at all possible. I’m not sure on how things work with my situation but I would appreciate it.

It's big scam! Don't go there, don't sign up with them! They lie about everything and you actually cant leave review on their website! So all reviews on sonobello website - huge lie! This horrible procedure costs thousands of dollars and almost no results! I just lost 10 pounds and paid $14,000! Really?

The procedure is so painful, and recovery is horrible for up to 2 months! They will promise to you 3-4 day! Joke! L ladies - be smart, dont go there!

Scam, scam, scam!

I went in for a free consultation and was given a price which I could put a $500 deposit down to lock in my price. They told me if I put down a deposit as long as I did not go in for a pre-op visit I could still get my money back if I change my mind. I asked for clarification, "if I decided 2 years for now that I no longer wanted to go through with the surgery, can I still get my money back", I was told yes. Now after 5 months I called back and said I wanted a refund, I changed my mind. After getting bounced around I was told I could no Longer get my deposit back and I could only be offered a tightening lotion and one round of captivation.

Well was told after paying $9000, I would be so happy, and skinny! That was 2 years ago. I'm disfigured, developed blood clots, had to have drained by my drs.my insurance. And it's back again. I look worse then I did before. I've been so embarrassed I want show my tummy, or take my clothes off in front of no one. Lost my husband. $9000, my life savings. And they lied! They wanted to do revision surgery, but was told by 2 different surgeons they couldn't make it better! My life is full of pain, and suffering, and embarrassment. Why would they lie, then when things go bad, tell you revision surgery want even help! I want my money back, or for them to pay a real plastic surgeon to fix this.

Horrible company, horrible procedure! Don't go there, don't sign up with them! They lie to you face, nobody cares about you, they care only about money that you will spend! Results are not successful, I lost just 10 pounds and paid $14, 000! The procedure is very painful, recovery is painful 24/7 up to 2 months! They will not schedule your follow up if you put a negative review about them! The surgeon never called after procedure, nobody was interested how I feel! I lost my vacation because of that, I lost customers and money of course! Scam, sacm, scam! Be aware! Dont go there!

Hello all! Its a horrible procedure! They lie to your face about procedure, post procedure recovery and results! Spam! Dont sign up with them! Its so painful at the time of procedure and horrible recovery after! Been already almost 8 weeks, still in pain, my feets are s swalling, cant wear my normal clothes nd shoes! Results - not happy as well! Spend thousands dollars for nothing! Dont ever go to Hanover Maryland location to person name Yaneek Proctor and Tyson Corner, Virginia location to the surgeon name Saeed Marefat!

SPAM SPAM SPAM!

I called the Sonobello office in McLean, VA. to speak with a nurse about some of my concerns after surgery. The receptionist said " if you tell me what your concerns are I can probably help you" I hung up! I called back again and I was placed on hold for over 15 mins and once again a receptionist answered and this time said if she couldn't answer my questions she would then get me a nurse. I paid over $12,000. Dollars for a procedure and I'm supposed to take the advice of a receptionist?!

On April 4,2023 I, Jordan Battles had gotten liposuction done at sonobello in Oklahoma City. I was there to get a revision done for my waist/ side handles as my right side handle was much larger then my left after I got liposuction on November 2,2021. The guy who did my liposuction mistakenly on April 4,2023 did liposuction on my upper and lower abdomen instead of my side handles. I send a message when I got home the day of or next day i asked sonobello in text if I had gotten the liposuction and they responded yes. I asked this because I could not see a difference in my side handles and felt no pain or seen any bruising or an incision on my sides. I go in today for my post op appointment and the girl that assisted me said I was absolutely correct that the notes said waist/ skin removal, that the revision was for my sides but he did do upper and lower abdomen. I have now taken time off work losing money to have to go back. I asked to speak to a manager and there wasn’t one in. I’m a police officer in the state of Oklahoma so I know exactly what I could sue for. I also know that I can sue the higher ups, sono bello, and the surgeon that did it all separately. So please let’s not let it have to go to that and try to resolve this issue, I would rather not ruin that guys career for giving liposuction In the wrong area, thank you. My phone #[protected]