I've been considering a breast augmentation for years now. Last year, I consulted other doctors in…read morethe area, but they didn't feel right. I thought I had found my doctor after reading the raving reviews and looking at the before and after gallery. When I initially called to make an appointment, Espirt's phones were down. I filled out an online form on their website and got a call back later that day. The woman on the phone was pleasant and scheduled me in. All was good until she asked for the $200 consultation fee - the most expensive fee of any of the other doctors I researched and consulted.
The day of my consultation I get a phone call from the receptionist informing me that their 3D imaging is down and I could either reschedule or come in regardless and not get the imaging. I wanted to get the imaging, especially at the $200 consultation fee price, so I rescheduled.
The day of my rescheduled consultation I get another phone call from the receptionist saying again that their 3d imaging is down and I can reschedule or come in. I'm a busy mom of two young kids, as any mother knows, it's tough enough to schedule appointments yet alone rescheduling. I decided to keep the appointment and meet with Dr. Connall.
Day of my consultation I was greeted by a friendly receptionist. I filled out some paperwork and a nurse brought me back to the consultation room. The nurse was very warm and pleasant (the best interaction I had that day). Dr. Connall was professional and thorough during the consultation and answered my questions however, of all the doctors I've seen he was the only one that recommended a small implant with fat grafting - the cost of two procedures instead of one. Additionally, said I could come in again a year down the road and increase my breast size with another procedure. So, instead of one standard breast augmentation I was looking at 3 to get my desired results. Initially, I liked the idea of fat grafting as I do have some fat tissue to lose, but hindsight I feel like it was an up-sale tactic with the 3 procedures.
After the consultation, I was brought into the scheduling room to book surgery. I was interested in getting on the schedule to then go home and talk it over with my husband. I was not told there was a $250 surgery scheduling fee, as my card was charged that same day. So now I'm 450 with Espirt with no 3d imaging and a procedure I didn't intend on getting.
I decided to continue with the surgery, as i was excited to finally get my breasts done. On the day of the pre op appointment, I met with a nurse first and as she was going over my notes, she stated I was getting implants and liposuction (not fat grafting). I corrected her and said Dr Connall wanted to do fat grafting in addition to the implant. Another red flag that my surgery was incorrectly written in my file. This led to me having to now get a mammogram because of my age - this was NOT mentioned to me during the consultation by Dr Connall, the nurse or the scheduling secretary. Because of my age, my insurance won't cover a mammogram and it would be an additional 300-500 out of pocket. At this point, I get a huge rush of anxiety. I would not have scheduled the surgery had I'd known I'd have to get a mammogram.
There were too many red flags, too chaotic, unorganized, non transparent and sneaky that I decided not to move forward with the surgery. Ultimately, I want to feel safe with the doctor and staff when I'm going under on anesthesia. I want to feel confident that I'm safe, I'll attain my desired results and I want to feel more than I'm just a monetary value. Due to my concerns listed above, we asked for at least my $250, as there was no way I felt safe or valued to go under the knife with them. Dr. Connall refused to refund the $250. He offered to pay for the mammogram, but we explained to him all the red flags and he didn't budge. Dr. Connall refusing to at least refund the $250 is so telling of his character and the Espirt practice.
I wouldn't recommend Espirt or Dr. Connall and staff to anyone. I would run far in another direction, as there are competent and compassionate surgeons in the area. Save yourself the $200 consultation fee and just cross this doctor off your list.
Best of luck to you reading this review in search of a plastic surgeon!