My experience with Dr. Julia Stevenson and Cardinal Plastic Surgery was a complete and utter…read moredisaster, and I urge anyone, especially women of color, to seek care elsewhere. As a Black woman, I felt deeply let down and mistreated by this practice.
After my daughter had a breast reduction here (with mixed results, it went well, but her breast was not the B cup she requested), I decided to undergo a breast reduction with nipple graft myself, emphasizing to Dr. Stevenson right before my $20,000 surgery that symmetry and size (A cup) were my top priorities. What followed was a nightmare!
Despite diligently following all post-operative instructions, I experienced severe bleeding and delayed wound healing. The nipple graft was an absolute catastrophe. I was left with severely scarred, unevenly sized, and horrifically discolored breasts. What was briefly mentioned as a potential for hyperpigmentation turned into a disfiguring reality.
When the discoloration failed to resolve after several months, I contacted Dr. Stevenson's office. This is where the unprofessionalism truly began. I was subjected to at least THREE separate, billable VIRTUAL appointments to address concerns that should have been handled without additional fees.
During an in-office consultation, Dr. Stevenson led me to believe that insurance approval for a revision surgery was a sure thing, promising a correction of the damage and a boost to my self-esteem. This turned out to be a cruel charade. After initial confusion and misinformation from her (now former) administrative assistant, it became clear that Tricare had denied the request, initially approving only injections that should have been administered immediately after the initial surgery.
Another billable virtual appointment with Dr. Stevenson led to a plan to resubmit the request after a 90-day waiting period. When I asked about alternative options, she suggested plastic surgery to "fill in the discolored areas" or a procedure to "cut out the discolored areas" in her office, and then had the audacity to charge me for the latter, claiming it wasn't "minor."
Skeptical that Tricare would approve a second breast reduction so soon after the first, I reluctantly waited. Her office failed to follow up, forcing me to initiate contact in early May. After further delays and lack of communication from her staff, a new administrative assistant submitted the request, which was ultimately denied by Tricare.
On June 10th, I received a call informing me of the denial (days after I received a letter from Tricare). I requested a self-pay quote for the revision surgery, and as of today, June 18th, I am still waiting.
From my perspective, Dr. Stevenson and her staff displayed a shocking lack of care and professionalism. Once they had my/insurance company $20,000, I felt completely devalued as a patient. This experience has been deeply traumatic, and I cannot stress enough how strongly I recommend seeking plastic surgery care elsewhere. Do not trust Dr. Julia Stevenson/Cardinal Plastic Surgery with your health or your money.
