I want to share my personal experience so that others can make an informed decision…read more
At my initial consultation with Dr. Clevens, I recall being advised to consider a facelift, neck lift, eye lift, and treatment to my chest.
Before surgery, I developed an eye condition, and my eye doctor advised me not to proceed with the eye surgery. During a Zoom call with Dr. Clevens, I explained the situation. My recollection is that he told me I could not cancel that portion of the surgery because hospital time had already been booked, even though my surgery was still several months away. I also recall him saying that he would not accept the opinion of my eye doctor unless it came from an eye specialist and using words to the effect of "I don't know them from a hole in the wall." I subsequently saw a specialist and forwarded the diagnosis to his office.
On the morning of my surgery at Apollo Surgery Center in Melbourne, Florida, both my husband and I felt disappointed by our experience of Dr. Clevens' bedside manner.
A few days later, I returned for laser resurfacing treatment. Nurse Betsy applied numbing cream and told me to relax for at least one hour while it took effect. Approximately 20 minutes later, Dr. Clevens came into the room and instructed her to move me to the procedure room. I recall hearing Nurse Betsy tell him that only about 20 minutes had passed and that, in her view, the numbing cream had not had sufficient time to work. The procedure then proceeded.
I found the experience extremely painful and distressing. I was not prepared for the eye shields that were inserted into my eyes, and I found their insertion very uncomfortable. During the procedure, I recall hearing Dr. Clevens instruct Nurse Betsy to continue injecting numbing medication.
When the procedure was finished, I recall Dr. Clevens leaving the room quickly. I had blood running from my face toward my neck. My husband was called, and I felt hurried out through the back of the office before I had an opportunity to properly change back into my clothes.
Despite these experiences, I hoped I would be satisfied with the long-term results. Unfortunately, approximately two years later, I felt that my neck looked much as it had before surgery. I recall being told that the results could last approximately 10-15 years, so this was extremely disappointing to me.
I spent a total of $26,795 and went into the procedure expecting not only a satisfactory cosmetic outcome, but also compassionate and professional care throughout the process. In my experience, the care and results fell far short of those expectations.
I wish I could leave a more positive review, but given the amount of money I spent, how I felt I was treated, and my disappointment with the longevity of the results, I feel it is important to share my experience.
