Sono Bello

I am a current patient with Sono Bello. The intent of this letter is to share awareness of the patient experience for services performed by Sono Bello Oak Brook.
On March 9, 2021, I purchased the Upper/Lower Ab, Arms liposuction, as well as the TriSculpt E/X. My procedure was performed on April 30, 2021. It was explained that some discomfort would be experienced during the numbing and liposuction process. Discomfort is not how I would describe my personal experience. I was shocked by the level of intense pain I endured throughout the procedure. Of the 4 areas that was to receive treatment, only 3 were completed due to the discomfort and all numbing medication had been utilized.
My pain, unfortunately, did not subside during the first week of recovery. I expressed to my husband that I didn't believe what I was experiencing was normal for this type of procedure. I had a smell coming from my abdomen that was reminiscent of rotting flesh. I was unable to eat, sleep or function for 4 weeks. I was depressed and emotional from being in constant pain with no relief.
My first follow-up was May 10, 2021. This was a virtual visit with a nurse. I was asked to text images of my abdomen and we had a phone call. I expressed my concerns and shared the pain I was experiencing along with hardness and heat coming from my abdomen. I was advised this was completely normal.
On the morning of Monday May 17, 2021, I began to leak a brown fluid from my E/X incision area. The leak within a few hours turned into a heavy flow. I had to stand in the shower because the flow of bloody fluid was so great. I called Sono Bello and spoke with a nurse. She asked that I send her images of the wound through email. I was advised that the doctors are only in the office on Fridays. She would reach out to the doctor and call me back. They called me back approximately 2 hours later. She advised that antibiotics had been sent to my local pharmacy, to take them today and keep her posted on my condition. By this time the flow of blood was still constant, I advised the nurse that my husband was taking me to the emergency room. She asked if we wanted to come to Sono Bello first so she can assess the wound. I asked if she could treat me or if a doctor would be in to offer treatment. She reiterated that there are no doctors on-site except for Friday's. All she could do is assess the issue.
This situation is the primary reason for writing this letter to share my experience as a patient. A patient that is experiencing a crisis should have access to a doctor to provide treatment. It is my opinion, that this is negligence. You have a patient that is experiencing something extremely frightening and the response is to have the patient provide pictures and have them take some antibiotics to see if that resolves the issue. This, dear Sir or Madam, is unacceptable from a patient perspective.
The testing performed by the emergency room physician concluded the following. I had a major infection containing light growth of staph, light growth of enterococcus and heavy growth of Citrobacter koseri. I was told this was a very major infection that could have resulted in a critical physical reaction if I had not pursued emergency medical services.
I advised the Sono Bello nurse of this the same day. An appointment was scheduled for me to see the doctor Friday, May 21, 2021. During this visit, this information was reviewed with the doctor and his response was I'm not concerned about that, you appear to be healing well and your wounds look fine. I was absolutely stunned by these comments. The doctor even stated that the culture IDs performed by the hospital are not conclusive and he doesn't believe there should be reason for concern. Please keep in mind, this is now 3 weeks post-procedure. I was experiencing pain from the hardness of my abdomen; I had not been able to return to work or even function fully as a mother or wife. I was walking with assistance, unable to shower or use the bathroom without assistance. My life for 3 weeks was non-existent although I was receiving literature from Sono Bello advising what to expect as part of my healing process and physical progress every week. I was unable to do any of the things stated in these emails and videos. Any walking produced greater pain and additional discharge from my wounds. My life for three weeks was committed to a reclining chair.
It is my hope, in sharing this experience from the patient perspective; identifies areas where Sono Bello can implement improvements. Especially in regards to physician availability. In my frustration, I abruptly left my visit with the doctor on Friday, May 21st and I have not returned to Sono Bello.
Lastly, on May 24, 2021 I contacted my Sono Bello consultant and notified her that my experience has not been positive with Sono Bello. I expressed that due to the complications I have experienced and continue to experience during my healing process, I am unable to put my body through any additional plastic surgery. I advised that the liposuction of the arms was never performed and would like to have this charge removed from my financing. They responded with an updated quote indicating that the initial pricing provided was discounted due to the number of areas I was to receive treatment. Since I am removing one area my procedure total would increase from $9, 944.12 to $10, 697.03. Again, this took my level of disappointment is doing business with Sono Bello to a deeper depth.
As a patient/customer, I do not feel that Sono Bello has extended empathy in regards to my situation. I understand that this is a business but it is the patient that drives that business with return business and referrals. It must be understood that an individual knows their body, when it is sensed that something is not okay, it should be followed through. Care, precaution and interest should be provided by the Sono Bello team. Throughout my ordeal, I do not feel that I received the proper support, concern, or care from the Sono Bello Oak Brook team. The reason for this is to bring to attention the need for medical treatment for Sono Bello patients that may experience various medical emergencies as a result of their plastic surgery procedure. In extreme cases, a patient could receive an infection that could quickly turn septic with the possibility of death. It is very important that Sono Bello has physicians available to provide treatment and take patient concerns seriously.