I rarely leave negative reviews, but after my experience with River Oaks Beauty & Weight Loss…read moreCenter, I feel obligated to share it so that others can make an informed decision.
I initially purchased a Groupon for Restylane filler because the advertisement specifically indicated it could be used for lines around the mouth. However, once I arrived for my appointment, I was told that the filler included in the Groupon was not appropriate for that area and was encouraged to purchase a different, more expensive filler instead, which immediately felt misleading.
I was told I needed three syringes to achieve the desired result. Yet after the second syringe and part of the third had been used, the doctor began asking me where I wanted the remaining filler injected. If three syringes were truly necessary to address my concerns, it was confusing that there was product left over. Unfortunately, eight months later, I still have visible bumps and small lumps on the left side of my chin from the filler placement (see photo). The clinic offered to dissolve the filler, but that would have meant losing the money I had already spent, and after the outcome I experienced, I no longer felt comfortable moving forward with additional corrective treatment. To make matters worse, the original lines I wanted treated remain visible, and I was told I would need to purchase another syringe if I wanted further improvement.
My experience with the weight-loss program was equally disappointing. Before visiting the clinic, I was told the injections started at $499 per month (see photo). What was not disclosed beforehand was the additional physician consultation fee and the strong push to purchase "muscle mass" injections. Rather than being presented as an optional add-on, these injections were insistently recommended, with emphasis placed on the muscle loss that could occur if I did not purchase them. As someone seeking help with weight loss, this felt less like a medical recommendation and more like fear-based sales pressure. By the time all the additional charges were added, I had spent nearly $900.
Despite the expense, I experienced absolutely no reduction in appetite, cravings, portion sizes, or feelings of fullness. I also did not lose weight. When I contacted the clinic to explain that the medication appeared to be having no effect whatsoever, I was surprised by the response.
What concerned me most was that I was offered Phentermine (see photo), an appetite suppressant with a long list of potential side effects, including cardiovascular risks. My medical records clearly indicate that I have a history of irregular heartbeats, yet this medication was still recommended. Thankfully, I always research medications before taking them and decided not to proceed. This raised serious concerns for me about whether patient medical histories and safety considerations were being adequately reviewed before treatment recommendations were made.
Throughout my interactions with the clinic, I repeatedly felt that transparency took a back seat to upselling. The Groupon led to a more expensive filler. The advertised weight-loss price grew substantially once I was in the office. Additional injections were strongly encouraged. When treatments failed to produce results, the solution seemed to be purchasing more products or services.
I understand that not every treatment works the same way for every patient, and I recognize that medical outcomes cannot be guaranteed. However, patients deserve clear pricing, honest expectations, individualized medical care, and treatment recommendations that prioritize their well-being over additional sales.
Between the filler complications that remain visible months later, the lack of results from the weight-loss program, the unexpected costs, and the recommendation of a medication that appeared inappropriate given my medical history, I cannot recommend this clinic. I hope my experience helps others ask the right questions and carefully research their options before committing to treatment.
