ComplaintsforSouth Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery

• Initial Complaint

  05/24/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I contacted Florida Center for a small plastic surgery procedure paid in Installments thru CoveredCare. Months Before the surgery and before having any procedures done, I decided to cancel. I contacted Florida Center to cancel numerous times by phone calls, emails, social media and they didnt pay attention to my request nor canceled nor informed ************* When the medical staff was calling me to schedule surgeries I told them I had canceled I dont know how many times they said they had already informed ************ and it was a close case. ************ started calling me to collect for services never received. I explained to covered care and they escalated the claim. After a few more phone calls and more explaining, there was a partial cancellation from Florida Center but they never informed ************* After not hearing a beep for almost a year, I started getting calls from Westlake Portfolios regarding a balance with ************* CC sent me to collection for a balance that showed in their account because ********************************************* didnt informed them of the cancellation (thats what they told me) my credit rating was damaged with a charge off account. After calling CC and explain again the situation, they told me Florida Center didnt cancel the first monthly payments charges that had accrued in the account. I paid Westlake Collections of $700 to clear my credit 5/24/24. I also paid Florida Center $150 in down payment. I would like to receive my money back paid to Collections, the down payment and most importantly my credit rectified.

  Business response

  06/18/2024

  A partial refund was issued on 6/8/2023 to Alphaeon with supporting documentation. A non-refundable $500 deposit was retained for services rendered according to our refund and cancellation policy. 

• Initial Complaint

  11/22/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I contacted this business about liposuction. On October 10 they charged my AMEX $500 deposit with the balance charged on October 30. I was asked to pre clearance with my Primary ****** was cleared for the procedure.I arranged for transportation from their facility with a nurse for after the procedure.Pre operative meeting occurred November 12 with the performing ******s assistant.Surgery was SCHEDULED for November 13 at 10 AM. I arrived at 9:45 and was met by the attending nurse. I was instructed to change into a surgery gown and the nurse placed a IV in my arm by 10:15. The nurse came in 2 times in the next 2 and a half hours to advise me that the ****** was having some complications with another patient. They either had double booked the time slot or a second ****** was to perform my procedure. After waiting the 2 1/2 hours with an IV in my arm I advised the nurse to remove the IV and that I would be leaving. I told her to kindly inform their billing department to issue a full credit to my AMEX and would be filing a dispute of the $3998 charge with AMEX.I am no longer comfortable with this practices ability to perform this procedure and need assistance from BBB to secure my refund.

  Business response

  11/27/2023

  Good day

  we strive for Patient excellence-

  The patient was prepped and waiting for his procedure- Unfortunately   the previous patients surgery did not end at the anticipated time. We do not guarantee start or end tines with any surgery. Please contact the office and speak with your consultant or **********; Nord to discuss your procedure.

   

  thank you

  Customer response

  11/27/2023

   
  Complaint: 20904467
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

  as I explained, I was ordered to report for elective surgery on 1/13/23 at10 AM.I arranged for transportation to and from surgery and arrived  at 9:45 for check in.

  I was instructed to change into a surgery gown and had an IV placed in my arm at 10:15. I waited two and a half hours in a waiting room before asking the attending nurse to remove the IV so I could leave. As they acknowledge, they had double booked the scheduled surgery and the attending nurse informed me twice during that period that the Doctor was experiencing difficulties with the patient that he was performing a procedure on.
  I am not confident in their ability to perform the surgery, aside from from having me prepped for two and one half hours. I will not return to allow them a second opportunity. This wasnt an appointment for a haircut.

  ive already disputed the charge with AMEX and they have already acknowledged the legitimacy of my complaint and have credited me the initial $500 deposit I made in October.

  further, there was no no discussion with me pertaining to any obligation I had to wait until the Doctor was available. And further, I received a phone call approximately 45 minutes after I informed the attending nurse that I was canceling the procedure asking me to return to perform the elective surgery. 
  Finally, I did ask the attending nurse how this double booking of the Doctor on South Florida Cosmetics scheduling people would be my problem and received no answer.

  Customer response

  11/27/2023

  As you see , South Fla Cosmetics has already refunded the deposit. The total charge was $3998. The balance on my AMEX of $15,608 indicates the $3498 is not due resulting in a total due of $12,110.

  so South Florida Cosmetics has already acknowledged the $500 deposit was credited. How would claim that Im liable for the balance of $3,498. 

  Customer response

  11/27/2023

  As you see , South Fla Cosmetics has already refunded the deposit. The total charge was $3998. The balance on my AMEX of $15,608 indicates the $3498 is not due resulting in a total due of $12,110.

  so South Florida Cosmetics has already acknowledged the $500 deposit was credited. How would claim that Im liable for the balance of $3,498. 

  Business response

  12/21/2023

  Please contact the office at ************  to discuss

  ask for *****

  Customer response

  12/21/2023

   
  Complaint: 20904467
  
  I am rejecting this response because: as I indicated, I completed all pre-op requirements through my ************ Physician.

  I reported on November 13th at 12:30 per South Florida Center for final pre-op instruction and was examined by a Doctor, name unknown. I dont believe he introduced himself as Dr. ********** the Dr. assigned to preform the procedure.

  i was called at 4:32 on November 13th to report for the procedure at 10:00 AM.

  i arrived at 9:45 on November 14th to report for the procedure. I was escorted to a room to change into a surgery gown and at 10:15 AM a nurse, I believe her name to be ******, inserted an IV into my left arm. Twice the nurse checked in over the next 2 1/2 hour period to report that the Dr. was having difficulty completing a procedure that was apparently booked at the same time I was directed to report for the procedure. This 2 1/2 hour period was spent in a surgery gown with an IV inserted in my arm.

  at Was at this point a requested the nurse to remove the IV and advised her that I was no longer confident in their ability to perform the procedure, especially as the procedure required  Anesthesia.

  i received a phone call from an unknown number about 45 minutes after advising the nurse that I was not confident in their operation to inform me that they were ready to perform the procedure. The call went directly to my voicemail because I dont accept calls from unknown phone numbers.

  there is no reason for me to contact anyone at South Florida Center as there is nothing to discuss. Their inability to schedule patients is  not my problem. The nurse was also advised that I expected a credit to my AMEX card by the following day.

  Finally, and what should be their larger concern is that when I was directed to the surgical suite was there was a surgery file on the front desk which I assumed was left for my review. It apparently the file of the patient that they had double booked the 10:00 AM time period.
  

  Moreover, I was placed in a changing room adjacent to this other patient and unfortunately overheard a good deal of discussion regarding her procedure with a Dr.

  Ive already disputed the charge with AMEX, however if a credit is not issued I will need to pay this charge to preserve my 35 year relationship with AMEX and will undoubtedly turn this over to Counsel.

  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

  Customer response

  12/21/2023

  Im rejecting the response for the following reason:

  I followed all required pre operation instructions including EKG and blood test performed by my primary care Physician.

  I reported to their offices November 13th at the appointed time for final examination.

  i was contacted later that day to advise me to arrive at 10:AM November 14th for the procedure. I arrived at 9:45 and was placed in a dressing room and asked to change into a surgical gown. A nurse entered and placed an IV in my left arm. 2 1/2 hours after the appointment iaskedthe nurse to remove the IV and advise that I expected a credit to my AMEX by November 15th.

  I received a call from an unknown number 45 minutes after leaving which I sent to voicemail. South Fla. Center had left a message that they were ready to perform the procedure.

  there is nothing to discuss with South Florida Center as I have no confidence in their ability to perform the procedure. I may addthsr the nurse checked in with me twice to report that the Doctor was having difficulty with the apparently double booked patients procedure.

  Finally, and more concerning is that when I arrived at their surgery suite, no one was at the counter however there was a patient file which I assumed was for my review. It was for some other patient ( probably the double booked patient)

  To complete the picture, I was placed in a dressing room adjacent to this double booked patient and unfortunately heard way more about her appointment being discussed with the Doctor.

  if I dont receive a credit I will turn this matter over to counsel.

  Thank you

  Customer response

  12/24/2023

  AMEX notification regarding disputed charge I received 12/22/23. I prefer that the complaint continue due to merchants intractable demeanor. I never should have had to file a complaint with BBB nor request AMEX to investigate and resolve this matter.

  If my understanding of the BBBs purpose is correct, other consumers would be interested in this issue related to South Florida Cosmetic Center.

• Initial Complaint

  08/25/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Procedure Details:Date: March 10, 2023 Procedure: Full breast lift and Silicone implants (under the muscle)Surgeon: ****************************** Surgery Center: South Florida Surgery Center Issues and Discrepancies:Post-Surgery: Noticed b****** were smaller than expected upon waking up in recovery.Post-Op Explanation: ****************** claimed smaller size was chosen for better visual appeal and suitability.Desired Outcome: Requested a revision to correct the size disparity, agreed to be done in three months.Complications: ******* pointing in different directions, keloiding and infected scarring, long scar from breast to underarm.Communication and Neglect:Initial Contact: Reached out to office, received limited response and infection medication.Antibiotics: Consulted primary physician for antibiotics due to lack of response from ********************************* office.Unsuccessful Contact: Repeated calls to the office went unanswered, no resolution provided.Facetime Appointment: 6-week post-op appointment occurred at 10 weeks via Facetime.Unresolved Concerns: ****************** abruptly left the call and scheduled a revision without addressing concerns.Lack of Communication: Nurse did not follow up on the revision, office calls remained unanswered.Misrepresentation and Lack of ********************************************** staff provided false information to Alphaeon, claiming ongoing contact and satisfaction.Misleading Representation: Inaccurate portrayal of surgery resolution and communication with the patient.Lack of Response: No representative from the facility reached out to address the procedure's outcome.Documentation:Evidentiary Materials: Maintained pictures, phone records, and affidavits from accompanying friend.Supporting Documents: Collected to substantiate the concerns and complications experienced.

  Business response

  09/09/2023

  Good day

  we have been in contact with the patient

  will continue to communicate with the patient

   

  Customer response

  09/11/2023

  The office has been unresponsive and has not acknowledged my attempts at communication via email and telephone. Attached to this correspondence are two emails I have previously sent, providing clear evidence of their failure to engage in communication regarding my medical procedure.
  I must now emphasize that my current position has evolved. I am no longer seeking a partial refund but rather a full reimbursement of the entire amount I have paid. Furthermore, I am no longer interested in pursuing any corrective procedures through their office, particularly considering the insistence on scheduling a consultation with the same doctor who was responsible for the inappropriate behavior and substandard results in my previous procedure.
  Should this matter remain unresolved by the end of September, I am left with no alternative but to escalate it further in pursuit of a resolution.
  
  Sincerely, 
  ******************************************
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  08/22/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I requested a return of the $2900 I gave as a deposit for plastic surgery, as I am in poor health. I have had recurring heart problems and was diagnosed with Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, but was told by email and by phone today the deposit is non -refundable and that I can use the $2900 given to South Florida Center For Cosmetic Surgery in their ****************** This is misleading as I never intended the money I gave to be used for anything but plastic surgery. I am too sick to have a facial laser procedure or laser hair removal , via the ***************** and have reached the conclusion this business is unethical and not acting in the best interests of all parties involved. The non refundable policy is in writing but I was not told verbally the deposit was non refundable. I am asking this facility to return my money as no services were given to myself and I cannot use any of their services, due to my poor health. Thank you for your time.

  Customer response

  08/31/2023

  ***BBB Has Received Updated Information***
  

   

  Please remove the complaint # 

  20507749 I filed against South Florida Center For Plastic Surgery . The director refunded my deposit after receiving correspondence with BBB of S. Florida . 

  I am so appreciative of your organization as I am quite sure I would not have received a resolution with this company without your assistance . 

  
  

  Best Regards

  Customer response

  08/31/2023

  ***BBB Has Received Updated Information***
  

   

  Please remove the complaint # 

  20507749 I filed against South Florida Center For Plastic Surgery . The director refunded my deposit after receiving correspondence with BBB of S. Florida . 

  I am so appreciative of your organization as I am quite sure I would not have received a resolution with this company without your assistance . 

  
  

  Best Regards

• Initial Complaint

  07/18/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I paid for a cosmetic surgery ($8K) up front. The facility determined that I was high risk for the procedure and did not perform the surgery. They have not issued me a refund, and they will not return my phone calls or emails. I attempted to dispute the charges with my bank and in that dispute the facility sent documentation to the bank that included **** pre-operative photographs.

  Business response

  07/21/2023

  Good day

  * We are happy to offer a partial refund , 

  ******************* will be reaching out to the patient

   

• Initial Complaint

  06/23/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My name I ****************************, I had an Abdominoplasty and breast implants replacement done on 06/09/23 by ***************************** at South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery. Two days post-surgery, I felt a rippling effect, like my abdominal wound was opened. I called post op, the nurse and was told it was all in my mind. Seven days later, for my one-week follow-up, the nurse pulled the surgical tape and told me I had a blister. When I looked at the wound, I immediately realized it wasnt a blister it was in fact a wound Dehiscence. After sitting in the post operative room for over two hours, one of your physicians came to the room and did not realize he wasnt my surgeon. His comment to the nurse was this looks bad enough, jut give her a pack of petrolatum dressing. Since then, the wound has been getting aggressively worse, it has turned completely black and is very hard and difficult to touch the area. I go to bed with a fever and pain every night. I have called the office several times requesting to make an appointment with ******************** and I keep getting the runaround and have been told they are not sure when ******** will be in the office. I am an out of state patient and was scheduled to return to my home state on 6/24. I must change my schedule and cancel my flight to see ********. Each time I call the office I feel as if I am begging for free care. I did not expect this type of treatment from their staff and would like someone to take my case seriously because I am concerned that this wound is much more serious than your nurse indicated. I have emailed everyone in their offices with no response.

  Business response

  08/26/2023

  Good day, we strive for patient satisfaction- every patients healing time is different- we will work with the pt to achieve desired results

  my understanding is the pt has been in contact with the office, please contact

  *******************  or ****** at ************ for further assistance

  Customer response

  08/28/2023

   
  Complaint: 20224775
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ************************************

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩