I chose this practice because of its excellent reputation & expected a professional, well-organized…read moreexperience. Instead, I left feeling that communication, patient education, safety protocols, & billing transparency all fell far below what I would expect from a medical practice performing elective cosmetic procedures.
To be clear, everyone I interacted with--including Dr. Nicoletta and the medical assistants--was polite and kind. My review is not about anyone's personality. It is about the systems & standard of care surrounding the procedure.
Prior to my CoolSculpting appointment, I received virtually no education beyond an automated appointment reminder. I was never sent written instructions explaining how to prepare, what sensations to expect during treatment, possible side effects, recovery expectations, activity restrictions, or aftercare instructions.
Even on the day of my procedure, I had to ask many of the basic questions myself before signing the consent forms. I was told I would simply feel very cold and that there would be little to no pain. Instead, during the first several minutes, I experienced intense burning and cramping that radiated from my navel into my lower back before the area became numb. I understand these sensations may be normal, but they should have been discussed beforehand so patients know what to expect.
After the applicator was removed, I was surprised when another device was introduced to massage the treated area. Until that moment, no one had informed me that this was part of the procedure. I also later learned there were additional costs associated with portions of the post-treatment process that had never been discussed during my consultation or before treatment began. Patients deserve to understand exactly what their procedure includes and exactly what they are paying for before treatment starts--not afterward.
The most concerning part of my experience involved patient monitoring.
I was left alone during the procedure with a call button in case I needed assistance. I had previously obtained approval from the office to bring my emotional support dog because he had significant medical issues & a veterinary appointment immediately afterward. During the procedure, he became tangled in his carrier and was clearly distressed.
I repeatedly pressed the emergency call button for approximately 12 minutes while also calling out for help. No one responded.
I ultimately had to call the front desk from my cell phone while still attached to the CoolSculpting machine before anyone came into the room.
Afterward, I received two different explanations--one that the pager had been left elsewhere while another patient was being assisted, & another that the battery may have died. Regardless of the reason, I found it extremely concerning that a patient could repeatedly activate an emergency call system for that length of time without anyone responding.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment came after I left the office.
I received no written discharge instructions whatsoever.
That evening I experienced soreness, bruising, cramping, numbness, & difficulty sleeping because I had no idea whether I should use ice or heat, whether I could exercise, how I should sleep, what symptoms were normal, or when I should contact the office. I ended up searching for answers myself online instead of receiving guidance from the medical practice that had just performed a $1,250 elective cosmetic procedure.
Following my appointment, I sent the practice a detailed email outlining these concerns. The only response I initially received was a voicemail regarding an incorrect charge on my bill. None of the larger concerns regarding communication, patient education, monitoring, or aftercare were addressed.
Patients undergoing elective cosmetic procedures deserve:
comprehensive pre-procedure education,
transparent pricing, appropriate monitoring during treatment,
& clear written aftercare instructions before they leave the office.
Unfortunately, that was not my experience.
