I am extremely disheartened with my experience here at Defying Time. I will start this with I will…read morealways extend grace, especially with accidents. When getting a procedure done, I acknowledge the risks; however, I did not consent to being burned and scarred. This biggest issue I have is how Defying Time made me feel and the lack of care.
I went on 6/9/26 for an EMSculpt procedure. Unfortunately, I waited there for 2 hours without getting my treatment done, with my 6 mo old. The doctor forgot my name, yet was holding my child and talking to other clients instead of performing my treatment. I went in the next morning (before traveling for a funeral), to do the EMSculpt. The esthetician there (D), who I also have known for over a year, burned my abdomen. I had felt heat and told her, she then slid the plate to another area instead of stopping. I blistered immediately after. I sent pictures and then was given an exosome topical. I messaged and went in several times after to update with pictures of the burn; however, the doctor nor the esthetician followed up. They also failed to chart the pictures and complaints from me. There was no accountability from either of them as I just received comments such as this has never happened before, that my skin was too sensitive, and that the saltwater affected the healing process.
I am postpartum and breastfeeding my son. Because of the location of the burn, nursing and caring for my baby caused additional pain and discomfort while the wound was healing. Also as a postpartum woman, this scar and wound on my stomach cause me so much emotional distress. No one wants extra attention drawn to their stomach after giving birth. But the saddest part was the lack of concern from the doctor. 9/26 I called to let Defying Time know how they made me feel and how I had to go see a dermatologist who confirmed I had a permanent hypertrophic scar. 9/27 was the first time D and the doctor reached out to check up on me. Only because I called and was upset (even though I had come in, sent over 6+ photos, they took photos -but did not add any notes nor care plan- and update texts). D claimed the doctor never informed her about what was going on, even though she did the procedure.
At the dermatologist, I was also advised that scar-revision surgery may be necessary and that I may need to decide whether to pursue revision before a future pregnancy or wait until after another pregnancy. This has also affected my plans and decision-making regarding a future child. I am now faced with determining whether to undergo scar revision before becoming pregnant again or live with the scar for potentially years. None which I would ever want to have to think about.
The injury has created consequences that extend well beyond the original burn, thus I sent a demand letter for financial compensation for doctors appointments, the surgery, and emotional toll. The purpose of a demand letter is to request action without needing litigation and to come to our own agreement. The doctor did not answer, so I of course had to reach out a week later. The gist of that conversation was she will not financially compensate and then tried other tactics to make it seem not as bad. She gave me compliments saying how beautiful I was and tried to deflect the scar and how it hurt my confidence. She said the only thing she can do is refer me to her doctor friend for the surgery. She will not pay for it or any of the damages. She will not settle financially with the demand letter. So now I get to live with this scar, not even a scar that reminds me of giving birth and growing of my son. A scar from someone I trusted, who ended up not caring about me, who let me slip through the cracks, who didn't take accountability until after a demand letter, yet still will not make it right. It's a scar that haunts me, raised and large for all to see. While Defying Time just moves on with their lives, unscathed. A med spa is to help you feel confident and beautiful, this place did the opposite for me both physically and emotionally.
