Terrible Experience with Dr Olver

I first reached out to Dr. Olver on 10 September as I was interested in treatment(s) to tighten my face and address my main concern of malar bags/festoons and lax skin around my eyes. After researching the London area, I chose Dr. Olver due to her expertise as an oculoplastic surgeon, particularly with malar bags.

My initial treatment was a laser therapy session, which I was informed would help with the rosacea on my face. This treatment cost £650, but unfortunately, I did not notice any improvement in the redness or rosacea. I was then told that multiple treatments would be necessary to see results!! Additionally, I did not receive any aftercare advice following the laser treatment.

I was advised that Sculptra/PLLA and Ultherapy would greatly benefit my face and eye area. I scheduled these treatments a few days after the laser session. Following the laser treatment, I contacted Dr. Olver by email with photos showing swelling under my eyes, asking if this was normal and if I should proceed with the other planned treatments. She assured me that it was fine to continue with the treatments.

After undergoing Ultherapy and Sculptra, my face became quite swollen. I was only instructed to apply aloe vera to my skin and given two cold packs immediately after to use as compresses. I was then left alone outside the treatment room, with no one checking on me or providing any further aftercare advice. I left the clinic feeling very uncomfortable and concerned.

Over the next few days, my face remained extremely puffy. I had specifically asked Dr. Olver if there would be any swelling, and she assured me that any swelling would be minimal and would subside within a few days. This was important as I had planned to travel to Spain for a birthday celebration. Four days after the treatment, I contacted Dr. Olver, expressing my disappointment and concern about the severe swelling. She then mentioned that I should have been massaging the treated areas five times a day for five days post-treatment. This crucial aftercare information was not provided to me initially, and I believe the lack of proper aftercare may have hampered my recovery and contributed to the prolonged swelling.

I formally complained to Dr. Olver 2.5 weeks after the treatments. She suggested I schedule an appointment with her, which I did. During the appointment, she acknowledged that it was unusual to still have swelling 2.5 weeks post-treatment but advised me to wait 6-8 weeks for the final results. However, she did not address the fact that I had been experiencing swelling and puffiness for three weeks and continued to do so.

Currently, Dr. Olver appears unconcerned and has referred me to her clinic administrator, who has opened an investigation. I have provided all necessary evidence to demonstrate that no aftercare was given for any of the treatments. I believe this internal investigation is merely stalling for time.

Given my experience, I would strongly discourage anyone from booking treatments with Dr. Olver. I intend to escalate this matter to the General Medical Council, where Dr. Olver is registered, to seek compensation or a refund for the treatments.