Written By : Dr Ruby Shah (Last Updated on November 29, 2022)
We live in a world where a fine-tuned body is part of the definition of being beautiful.
Working out and dieting tends to be the way forward to having a fine-tuned body.
However, even exercise may at times not be good enough in dealing with stubborn fat.
Well, if this is the case, getting a perfect body may require you to treat yourself to laser liposuction1.
But, your biggest worry maybe not knowing the best surgeon for cosmetic surgery.
At the end of the day, you need to trust the best with your body.
Sono Bello claims to offer quality cosmetic surgery practices including laser-assisted body contouring and non-invasive cosmetic procedures.
Additionally, on their website, they claim to be ‘America’s top cosmetic surgery specialist.’
Our team sought to find out more about how their board-certified doctors achieve individuals’ beauty goals.
Read more in our Sono Bello reviews below.
What Is Sono Bello?
Sono Bello is a company that specializes in cosmetic procedures with more than 100 board-certified plastic surgeons in over 50 locations in the United States.
These surgeons use power laser-assisted and advanced micro laser liposuction equipment in addition to various invasive and non-invasive sculpting techniques to remove excessive fat.
The company claims its procedures not only remove fat but also stimulate collagen for a youthful look.
They are headquartered in Kirkland, Washington.
SonoBello was founded by Dr. Tom Garrison, an emergency medicine physician, in 2008.
He worked as an air force surgeon for half a decade and in emergency medicine for two decades.
He has a lot of experience in laser aesthetics.
Sono Bello Procedures
Sono Bello offers the following main procedures that help in body contouring and skin collagen formation.
TriSculpt (Micro-Laser Lipo)
TriSculpt involves three stages:
- Localized awake anesthesia
Patients remain awake during the procedures and received anesthesia only in the areas of treatment. This allows better positioning and communication with the patient.
- Power-assisted liposuction
Plastic surgeons then use power-assisted technologies with micro cannulas and gentle suction to remove excess fat mainly from large areas of the body.
- Micro-laser assisted liposuction
Micro-laser assisted equipment is used for final touches and smoothening areas worked on by power-assisted micro cannulas and activates the formation of collagen for skin firmness and smooth appearance.
It is ideal for contouring smaller areas including under the chin and upper arms
Venus Treatments
Sono Bello offers two cellulite reduction processes:
- Venus Freeze
- Venus Legacy
These are non-invasive procedures that use Magnetic Pulses and Radio Frequency technologies to shape, tighten, remove cellulite and trim areas of concern in about 5 sessions.
TriSculpt E/X (Micro-Sculpting)
This procedure is a combination of TriSculpt microlaser lipo fat removal and post-procedure excess skin removal.
It involves removal of the remaining sagging and loose lower abdominal skin after fat is removed.
How Does Sono Bello Work
Sono Bello claims to offer highly advanced and customized body contouring services that help to remove unwanted fat, more so, stubborn fat using the above procedures.
Additionally, they help to tighten skin and stimulate the production of collagen giving it a smooth appearance.
SonoBello promises a face to face personalized approach with a surgeon to create a plan that works for each individual.
Here are some benefits:
- Weight loss without diet or exercise.
- Some procedures remove fat in a single day.
- Procedures lead to faster results.
- Successful procedures enhance self-confidence.
- The surgical procedures provide total transformation.
- Full anesthesia is not required.
What Are The Sono Bello Side Effects?
There are very few reported side effects or risks associated with Sono Bello procedures such as pain and marks after the procedure.
Mark K reported dark marks on her skin.
She wrote on Highya:
I scheduled another 3 area procedure to be done […] I was left with dark quarter sides marks on the back of both thighs. On the inside of my thighs a long dark crease, with an indentation along with it. I went back for them to fix the problem but they could not get it done.
Nevertheless, just like any other surgery, cosmetic surgeries too have risks.
Some complications associated with surgical procedures include
- Anesthesia complications such as blood clots and even death
- Infection, especially at the incision site
- Tingling due to nerve damage
- Mild bleeding
- Dark marks
Individuals with a medical history of diabetes and cardiovascular conditions2 should first seek advice before any invasive procedures.
We, however, noted that Sono Bello was sued in 2009 after a woman in Bellevue died from acute lidocaine intoxication following her treatment at the local Sono Bello clinic.
This resulted in SonoBello paying $1.8 million to settle the lawsuit.
Sono Bello Reviews & Complaints
Sono Bello has received mixed reactions online.
On HighYa, it has 189 customer reviews with 61% reporting that they would recommend it.
It has an overall rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars.
Let’s see what some customers had to say.
Here are the positive reviews.
Kevin S. wrote this on HighYa:
I truly enjoyed the experience with SonoBello and thought of it as a way to jump-start and reignite my fitness journey. […] I am down over 25 pounds since my surgery, and I feel stronger and more confident to do more things and work towards a happier and healthier self!
More users liked the quality of service offered and their new look as seen from Dawn T.
He states this on BirdEye:
At age 65 I decided to do something about the part of my body I had long been unhappy with. My experience at Sono Bello has been amazing and the results just even into a week recovery I am ecstatic with.
The entire staff at Sono Bello has been very professional and Dr. Okapku is absolutely wonderful […] I had 4 areas around my abdomen done with the extra skin tightening and I am 100 percent happy and even have more time to see more results yet!
However, some customers had unfavorable things to say.
Jeniffer had a bad experience at SonoBello.
She writes on HighYa:
My incisions are in the middle of my thighs. We’re told prior to the procedure they would be hidden in my groin. Terrible uneven appearance. Needs to be redone, but I’m afraid it will have a worse appearance than they have now. Very painful.
Some users complained about poor customer service by the company as seen through Barbara’s statement on HighYa.
I came to Sono Bello with high hopes. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed at every turn. These “awake” procedures are VERY, VERY painful! The doctor and the nurse did nothing to help me while I sobbed through this whole nightmare.
[…] There was NO follow up when I was so ill at my one-week check-up, I asked the front desk to schedule something and call me. This was because I felt so crummy I couldn’t stand up. Nurse Aletha even asked them to schedule a telephone follow-up call and let me know. THEY DID NEITHER!
Sono Bello Results & Before And After Photos (Taken From The Official Website)
How Much Does SonoBello Cost?
Sono Bello states that their services are affordable and customized thus no fixed prices. However, there is no price information on their website apart from a starting average cost of $1349 per area of treatment when at least 3 areas are treated.
Surgery fee applies.
They offer a free consultation to discuss the best procedures and design a customized plan for each person.
The company works with reputable financial companies to offer a variety of payment options including
- No interest if paid in full within 6 months
- No interest if paid in full within 12 months
- 16.90% APR and Fixed monthly payments within 24,36,48 or 60 month- period
Currently (at the date of writing), they are offering a discount of $250.
Is There A Refund Policy?
SonoBello does not offer a money back guarantee.
Sono Bello Pros & Cons
Sono Bello Review: Final Words
After reading all the reviews online on this cosmetic center, we are a bit skeptical.
The price is overly high and again, the first initial consultation seems to be done by salespersons instead of a physician.
Customers were concerned that the sales team seemed to be more interested in an individual making a deposit instead of attending to their questions. But, we are yet to confirm this concern
Nevertheless, there have been genuine users who stated that their procedures worked perfectly.
Also, they reported that the physicians were supportive and professional.
The website also showcases photos of before and after the procedures, portraying remarkable change.
As with every surgery, make sure to do background checks on the surgeons’ accreditation and experience before making that deposit.
Remember, they do not have a refund.
We laid out the facts, will you try Sono Bello? Comment below and tell us what you think!
I am having serious thoughts of trying Sono Bello, I have met with the Sales Consultant and discussed the areas I want to change. I have emailed twice now, the first time was to express some concern over some of the reviews I have read which she lightly discounted and sent me reviews from patients in another state. My second Email was to start the steps to schedule a Pre Op, I did express concern and asked if there was a limit in how much fat the Dr was allowed to remove during the procedure (which I read in a review) and the reply was just to let me know I need to provide a deposit to secure the post op appointment, nothing was said in regards to my question about fat removal. I’m still undecided so I will resend my question.
I had the procedure done last week. I was on the table for five long hours and awake the entire time. The procedure is painful but after the procedure I am extremely sore and my body is swollen. I’m in my binder which will help with the swelling. The physicians can remove up to 5 liters of fat in one setting and the doc and nurse work together to determine the correct amount so as not to go over. I have to return for the front bra roll since I almost reached my 5. I need some time to heal before I return. They prescribed Norcos but have not taken any of my script. In my option, the pain is doable. Drinking lots of water and eating right. Hope results are positive????????????????
Hi Terry,
Did you go back for your other procedure, if yes, how did it go for you?
Are you satisfied with the end result? I have been considering this for a while now
but, with so many questionable reviews I am a little Iffy.
I hope to hear from you soon.
I had this procedure 3 months ago. The procedure itself was not bad, some pain in some areas but not long lasting. The days after the pain was bad and I had to sleep in a recliner for 2 weeks as I could not tolerate the bed. I have seen a reduction in inches but not in weight so far. Everyone is different on how they do and results. I’ve done the Venus treatments on the areas to help smooth the fat deposit lumps that they say will go away in time – I hope so, not a healthy look yet. Found the lack of follow up with the doctor lacking, I’ve not seen or heard from my surgeon since day of procedure. Do your research on the recovery process as they do not tell you everything you need to do or know. For the amount of money spent I expected a lot better customer service. Still keeping fingers crossed for smoothing if lumps on my stomach.
Thank you Charlotte, I reached a decision based on the article and the reviews posted here. I’m out. I want one on one discussion re: medications nevermind surgery! I love my body I just wanted to move better and breathe better a little faster 🙂 I’ll wait and work it out.
Salespeople in all fields unfortunately irk me. They make anything bright shiny and wondrous and only when forced tell you anything that may be a side effect:-) thank the Higher Powers and the internet creators for a social media Network that we can share with each other where “they” won’t -so less people get caught up are trapped and Thank you.
Sincerely, reader 1st consumer 2nd.
Head over to Sono Bello on the BBB complaints website. Says it all!
I am not so sure that I will be trying this. Why? The reviews are almost evenly split between those who had success and those who felt as if they had been ripped off.
When I travel to Philadelphia later this year, I intend to ask my trusted plastic surgeon what he thinks about it.
If he says no—then I will accept his opinion.
I am 64 years old in pretty good shape, work out 4-5days a week and eat right. I like a lot of women as they age was getting the “belly” that I hated. I decided a year and a half ago to go to Sono Bello. I too was pressured to schedule a date for surgery and was also given a 2 for 1 to have my arms tightened up if I set a date at that time. I went ahead and scheduled the procedure of both areas.
The procedure was fairly painless and the recovery pretty easy. I did it in the winter where I could cover my arms and wear clothing that wasn’t form fitting. After the first 6 weeks, I looked GREAT!!!! I was excited to wear a bikini at my age again and my husband told me I looked awesome in it. I even gave Sono Bello a rave review! I did get some lumps on my stomach ( wasn’t expecting those)however when I complained, they did 3 complementary Venus procedures to help with this. I was assured these would do the trick.
It didn’t work. Unfortunately you could see ( and still can) the lumps when I wear a form fitting shirt or dress. I continued complaining about this, and they agreed to “fix’ the area, but I had to have it done before my year anniversary. That would have been this past January. I was very skeptical!
Doing it in January was not possible as I was going to be on vacation in the Bahamas in February and March for my son’s wedding and would not be able to wear the binder and such. They never told me that they would honor the offer after the year.
I am now 18 months post surgery and I look terrible!!!!! My stomach is large again with more additional lumps, and my arms are back to there original size. And no, I have not gained any weight. I am so sad and look horrible in a swimsuit now. All the new bikinis I bought are now in the back of the closet. Even wearing a one piece suit, the lumps are visible. Very embarrassing when in public. I now wear cover-ups when around others. I also think my breast have increase in size. Wasn’t expecting that, nor did I want it. Really disappointed!!!!
I wish they would publish what patients look like a year or so out. This information would be helpful. I hope mine is helpful to others.
All Lipo grow back with loss of definition and especially in the upper body. Deep dark secret. Dr’s never admit it…nurses do behind closed doors. Had a similar horrible long term result with cool sculpting. After 2 years the fat grew back in my upper abdomen And body, arms and around my organs. DON’T do ANY KIND of Lipo. After 2 years it turns BAD.
Shame on this company! Thank all of you that left reviews! I pray that all of you find peace somehow! I am out!
Wow! Sounds frightful. I was amusing myself thinking about it, but not now. If I ever decided to do it, I would go to a plastic cosmetic surgeon. No thank you.
I was seriously considering the procedure but after reading the reviews I decided not to do it.
I am 60 years old in good health but with a bit of tummy that can go away with a good spanks.
I wanted to make the tummy go away but no results with all the walking, running, sit ups etc!
I thought about a tummy tuck but I don’t want to take narcotics after the procedure.
My issue is more so in the summer where the tummy is more visible when I wear white pants.