Absolutely TERRIBLE business practices. Dr Fagman presides over a spa in Evanston Illinois called Egea Spa, where he "prescribes" laser treatments. If you want to get their laser treatments they insist you buy them in "packs" for discount pricing. I paid them 900 dollars for three laser treatments, which they would hold on account for me. This was supposed to happen over the course of three months, which meant that for three months they would hold my money without yet performing any services. So I had the flu the day of an appointment, and was informed that since I did not let them know far enough in advance, they were going to keep my money anyway. When I told them never mind, I would come in with my flu; they changed their minds and asked me when I wanted to reschedule. Then they told me that if I cancelled again FOR ANY REASON, they would keep my money. I told them I wanted my money back then. This was a luxury service I paid for with after tax dollars; not a doctor's appointment covered by insurance. Their insistence that I follow their rules or they would keep my money was totally inappropriate. Or weird. Or extreme. After sitting on hold for a while, the receptionist got back on the line and told me she would credit my account for the services I did not use. I said fine. Three days later, the money was still not credited back to my card. I called them. Waited on hold for a while, and then was told by someone named Dana that she " just hadn't gotten around to doing it yet." So. Here I sit, waiting for my refund of money they were actually recently planning to steal from me. I have no idea if I will get it back or if I am going to have to sue them; but luckily it's pretty clear I would win. Here is a newsflash for anyone who does not know this already: you cannot force people to pay for services you did not provide. That is called a breach of contract and it is illegal. It is also a *terrible* way to do business. These people also upsold me and had me buy their whole cosmetic skincare line for 245 dollars, and I also received another photofacial treatment -- just one -- for 400 dollars. In total, without the treatment package, I gave these people 645 dollars. Plus two laser treatments: 600 dollars. So already these people have extracted 1245 dollars from me on the day they say they're going to keep the rest. Seriously. So this is what you can expect as a paying customer of this establishment. They are not respectful of your time and schedule, or of your money, and you will not get out of there for less than a thousand dollars sometimes *even if you don't get the services you want.* It is just the most disrespectful, meangirl, shady kind of situation over there and there is no reason anyone has to become a paying customer at a place where their time and money apparently do not exist. Please also do not make the mistake of believing that this is the only place you can get the laser treatments they are offering. This is a link to the Alma Laser site where all owners of this equipment within the range of the Egea Spa are listed. There are about ten pages of results.If you're interested in these treatments, do your homework because I am pretty sure there is another provider in your area who could treat you better than these people habitually treat their customers. And if you do decide to go there, DO NOT GIVE THEM MONEY IN ADVANCE because you might not ever see it again. Updated on 24 Oct 2013: I did receive my money back, about a week later. I'd just like to mention also that this doctor is NOT a plastic surgeon, he is an opthalmologist. He does not claim to be a plastic surgeon and in fact told me right up front he wasn't; but just be aware of this when you go in for treatment. This is just a day spa with a laser contraption. They have lots of lovely services available including massages and so forth, but this is not really a medical facility, and the procedures available are limited.
SculpSure is ideal for people with trouble spots, especially the areas that I find resistant to diet and exercise. I’m meeting Dr. Fagman on Thursday for my initial consultation. I will discuss with him a treatment plan on what is right for me. I’m very excited about what plan he will execute. There are a couple of areas that need “help”, but we will see what he feels is the most important! I will document my entire journey, and keep everyone informed.I received this complimentary treatment through the RealFriends program. Updated on 21 Jun 2018: I met with Dr. Fagman this evening regarding my desire to eliminate some stubborn fat in my flank area. He was extremely knowledgeable and explained the process in its entirety. I’m having two areas done on each side, taking approximately 1 1/2 hours per session. He said that I should see results as early as six weeks following the first session. I am scheduled for July 18, and will post before and after photos. Updated on 17 Jul 2018: I’m busy reading all of the very detailed reviews on Realself regarding SculpSure. I’m shunning the sun, and drinking 8 glasses of water to keep myself well hydrated. My appointment is at 2:00 in Evanston, at a beautiful med spa. My husband is planning on me there, and waiting there to drive me home. I’m sure that I can drive myself, but he’s quite the cautious man, and feels that I’d be more relaxed if he was driving. I’ll post my pre procedure and after pix tomorrow with my updated review.I’m very very excited and grateful to Realself for this amazing offer!! Updated on 18 Jul 2018: Today was my first SculpSure session, and I will admit that I was a little nervous going into this procedure. I was greeted by my technician, Kasey, who was just adorable. She made me feel quite comfortable, and explained the entire process once again, and she proceeded to take numerous pictures. She then put the plates on my flanks that were attached tightly to a belt around my lower body. She explained how the plates heat up from a range of 1-4, and if I felt any discomfort during the procedure to let her know!I was comfortably positioned on a table, and started with my right flank. The first 4 minutes of the treatment is when the heating phase begins. That’s when the temperature of the fat cells are heated to target the treatment temperature. She was there monitoring my comfort, and talking to me to help distract my pain. After 25 minutes, we switched to the left flank. I must admit that there was more pain on this side than the right side. She explained that it was common in most people to have one side more tolerable than the other. My pain level through the entire procedure was tolerable, except for only one time on my left side. It was very very hot!!! She immediately gave me a burst of cool air, which was soooo welcoming. I am home resting and drinking plenty of water. I’ll start massaging this evening for ten minutes on each side. She said that the rules have changed, and if I don’t develop any nodules, I can have my second session in 4 weeks!I will post pictures of my procedure tomorrow, only because my technician took them on her camera. She’s emailing them to me later!I’m looking forward to my next session, and anxiously seeing my pretty new flanks!! Updated on 19 Jul 2018: Aside from the nauseous feeling from the intense heat on my flanks, I’m feeling just fine! I did sleep like a baby, and did not experience any tenderness or swelling at all. This morning I examined the areas and it looked ok. I’m gently massaging the areas twice a day for 10 minutes. Water is now my best friend ! I’ve never been to the bathroom this much. lol. The technician advised me to walk and resume my daily activities. I’m planning on taking a walk this afternoon and will hop on my spinning bike today, as well. I’m still waiting for my pix from the lovely technician who took numerous photos of my flanks, and promised to send them to me!I’ll keep you all updated with my SculpSure treatment! Updated on 20 Jul 2018: I just received my pre-procedure photos that were taken by my technician, Kasey. I will post my next group of photos after session #2. Updated on 15 Aug 2018: My second session was definitely met with less pain. I’m assuming that it was the fact that I knew what I was in store for. Kasey, my lovely tech, took pictures of me to compare my flanks to what they looked like before session #1. We both definitely noticed a subtle change in the flank area , and are very optimistic that session #2 will be the icing on the cake (flank) She kept the settings exactly the same as my previous appointment. The hour went by very quickly, as we chatted about all the procedures that she provided at this spa. I am returning in 6 weeks, and she will take comparison photos to share with Realself I will post today’s pictures when my technician sends them to me. I’m home now, drinking a fair amount of water, and massaging my flank area. There is no discomfort at all, and I don’t have any nodules as of now. Updated on 23 Aug 2018: Updated on 5 Oct 2018: It’s been two months since my Sculptsure treatment, and I can honestly say that it’s a subtle difference on my flanks, but definitely less of a “muffin top” when I’m wearing pants! I feel that my issue is not fat, it’s more lax skin. And, Sculptsure doesn’t melt lax skin. I will say, though, that I’m very pleased with the small changes it has brought to me. Sculptsure is a great procedure with no downtime, and relatively affordable. I’m very thankful for RealFriends for generously offering me this great opportunity!! Updated on 19 Dec 2018: I am very grateful that I was given the opportunity to have two Sculpture treatments, which were given to me by the Realfriend Community. I am very upfront and transparent with my results. I felt that this procedure did not really make much of an improvement in my flanks. I think in my situation this was not the “fix” for me. I had excess skin in my flanks, not fat. Sculpture is not a procedure for skin removal, or shrinking the skin. I want to personally thank Dr. Fagman for this wonderful pro bono offer that I received!!