Robert M Lowen, MD

I had breast augmentation twice by Dr. Lowen and now I have to re-​do the procedure a 3^rd time.
The first time after 8 years the silicone implant ruptured for no reason. I had to pay another $ 8,000.00 for me to change out the implant to saline. After 7 yrs the saline implants are now saggy looking breast. I will not be coming back to him. I am scheduled for round #3 at another office and of course I’m out of pocket again.

Well I’m writing this review 19 years late! I went in to Dr Lowen at age 19 to get a breast augmentation! He was very professional and did a fabulous job! I have not had them replaced because they are still perfect 19 years later at age 38! I’m still perky! I am now pregnant with my 2^nd child so most likely will get some work done after I’m done breast feeding! I live in Napa but it would be worth the drive to have my 2^nd set done by Dr Lowen.

I had a Cellulaze procedure performed by Dr Lowen. Even though he markets himself as the first one in the area to perform them and highly experienced, the reality is that the results from the procedure he performed are not evident.
During two extensive pre-​consultations, given my request to get a real and realistic assessment of the results I should expect, he had shown a number of «actual» pictures that purported to provide a true representation of the results based on his review of my case.
After the procedure, he tried to convince me that there was much improvement, in spite of the obvious lack of any visible indications. Once it became all too clear that I showed no improvement (really 0) Dr Lowen confessed that those before-​after pictures actually included «other» procedures as well, all necessary in order to achieve the promised results. This was all so terribly dishonest and very upsetting.
I should point out that I am supposed to be the «ideal» candidate: low BMI, stable on-​target weight, great health and just a few localized dimples to address. I have sought out other doctor’s assessments since then, and they agree that this was a badly performed procedure.
The comments from other reviewers about Dr Lowen’s treatment of clients are also true. Dr Lowen was seemingly pleasant and explained technical details at length about lasers, giving a false sense of confidence during consultations. On the day of the procedure however, his mood was changed, he was short and rather unpleasant, which probably impacted the outcome of his work as well.

Dr Lowen is fantastic! I had always wanted bigger boobs and after the breastfeeding 2 babies the ‘girls’ were sadly deflated. I have been researching breast augmentation for years and when I read some of Dr Lowen’s professional responses on
I booked an appointment for a consultation.
When I first met with him, he was warm, professional and answered all my questions in as much detail as I wanted. He didn’t try to convince me to go a particular size and he helped me gain a realistic understanding of what my results would be. When I found out that he used to be a hand surgeon before moving into plastic surgery I knew he would have the expertise, experience and attention to detail to be the right doctor for me.
He uses a 3D simulation program to give you an idea of what your final result might look like to help you figure out what size to choose. My results looked exactly like the 3D simulation! He explained the entire pre-​op and post-​op procedure to me. His surgery staff are wonderful and all met with me prior to surgery so I felt like I was in the best hands. His office staff are professional, organized and happy to answer any questions you have.
My surgery was drain-​less and I was pain free and back to doing most normal activities in less than a week. My boobs are fabulous! He delivered exactly what I asked for. They look like very natural, feel great and I’m more confident in myself. If you’re considering plastic surgery you owe it to yourself to meet Dr Lowen!

I’m a patient with Dr. Lowen since the beginning of this year, not long but long enough for me to say that he’s one of the best doctors I’ve known. He has great and friendly stuff in the office too!
I definitely feel it’s unfair and wrong about some complain and low rated reviews about him since every time I go to his office I’ve been treated really nice. You definitely get the work for what you pay for.
Actually, I was recommended by my coworkers, how people gonna recommend to their friends if they don’t like the place?!
The first time I was in the office for consultation was with my friend, I knew what I want to get but they still really professionally go through everything.
I will recommend Dr. Lowen and his stuff to all my good friends!

I’ve been seeing Dr. Lowen off and on for 10 years (2 or 3 times a year for a laser facial, mystery mole/​bump removal. sheer vanity). I was introduced by a work colleague Meredith, we were in the legal department together. She went to him for acne. She complained bitterly that Dr. Lowen and his staff constantly tried to up sell their skin care products that they buy. Kinda like a doctor peddling pills on the side that they make a margin on. [Is this ethical?]
I went to him inspite of this, she said: Look he’s licensed and it’s convenient to where we live. Just don’t buy anything/​products from him and make sure you know exactly what you want him to do for skin care, he’s not a dermatologist you know (so lazy and slightly embarrassed about going to get anything cosmetic done, I started seeing him).
I know. lame but true. Am a bit shy to call up a doctor and ask about zapping that mhmm hair, mole or whatever?
Over the years, I’d see him if I couldn’t get into seeing my top 2 doctors’ appointment calendar for minor stuff.
First, I do echo the other comments written on Unilocal,he lacks any time of bed side manners.
He is in fact, down right rude. Is this relevant? Yes:
Because he’ll drop the drug he’s using on your face (is this good? can’t be); or Botox in your eye (will I go blind or what?). He’s callous. Forget the rude remarks «you don’t need any topical anesthesia do you»; then he will stick the needle in and say «wow, I just changed the needle; you must have thick skin». There is no ice pack unless you ask for it.
Second, skills: Is he good? Good meaning knows what he does. Well, don’t go see him for procedures he’s learning or new equipment he just bought. You will be the guinea pig. First hand experience. He bought a new laser and I wanted to try a bikini hair removal. Skin scarred for life. Ouch and took another doctor to help me remedy that.
So: Ask how many procedures he’s done with this machine, who does it, before/​after pictures. Do your research.
He tries different drug suppliers (ask for expiration dates on the drugs he uses — he’ll push his old stuff out on you first). He’ll also push different brands Dysport versus Botox if he’s over supplied. Each of us are different. If you’re used to Botox go with that, but he’ll push another. The result not so good if you aren’t used to Dysport.
In other words, his commercial side takes over his medical ethical side.
Anything major, I go to my favorite doctor: When I had a benign tumor and needed the scar removed from the surgery, I went elsewhere.
Now, his staff: He’s had staff issues as long as I’ve been going until a year ago. He hired this lady, Shalena. She pushes aggressively his products. He likes that. She’ll also make errors on your bill. You need to look at the math on your bill.
Dr. Lowen has birthday discounts (nominal, but heck it’s a discount): Sometimes she gives it and sometimes not. Shalena will also say she’s signed you up for a manufacturer or some club discount. You’ll get your rebate in the mail. I’ve never gotten mine.
Shalena is a passive aggressive one. Scary. Relevance to you? She will screw around with your appointment time. She’ll even cancel it without telling you and cover up by saying she never got your email to confirm. Why? Another procedure with another patient maybe more lucrative for her or she wants to go home early or take a longer lunch break.
How do I know? I asked what happened.
She’s a divorced Mom and the stories she tells you about tough love on her kid Nurse Ratched is an angel. Just look at the gleam in her eyes and blinks her weird eyelashes (she uses this product — she will push it on you, don’t worry — unfortunately, it’s not the best product on the market). Pity the X who splits the cost and time with their kid.
Long and short, is he a quack, no. Is he easy to deal with, no. Does his office push products on you yes. Will he take advantage of commercial interests over you? Yes.
Will you turn out looking like a pumpkin? Maybe.
I would recommend going elsewhere. Why?
First you ask me why did I stick it out so long? Laziness, I think it’s also the devil you know. Now, I’ve left this practice completely. I’ve realized I’m less anxious when I go get a laser facial, pimple lanced, mystery mole removed, a little botox on the brow before a big meeting.
I thought I just hated getting this stuff done. No, it’s this practice. So, I decided to put my 2 cents in. Save someone else from this self hate, guilt for spending money on your appearances.
You don’t have to suffer to look good.
Second, life and cosmetic procedures — less fretful: I don’t feel when I leave the doctor’s office that I just got ripped off, sucking up to a receptionist for an appointment and wondering if it gets cancelled or putting up with a 5 feet 2 sadist. Life’s short. Goand enjoy it. you won’t with Dr. Lowen and Shalena.

I’ve been to Dr. Lowen for one major procedure, one moderate procedure, and a set of laser treatments, and I am extremely happy with my results. He is a gifted surgeon with the perfect combination of perfectionism and artistry. His office is very well-​run and professional, plenty of information, and excellent follow-​up. I love his new patient coordinator, Shalena. Yeah, he is not the warm fuzzy type, but I enjoy his dry sense of humor, and his work is simply the best.

Its been 10 days since I had a bi-​lateral brachioplasty to repair a very disappointing lipo job by another surgeon, back in November. I had a number of concerns following the lipo; level of pain, scarring, firmness of skin afterwards etc, but Dr Lowen and his assistant, took a great deal of time to explain my options available; the procedure itself, once I’d made a decision, and showed me lots of photos of previous surgeries of this type that Dr Lowen has performed.
I must say, at this early stage, I’m blown away by the results. My suture line is perfect; my bruising has been almost non-​existent, and there’s been no icky draining or even so much as a speck of blood since the dressings were removed 3 days after surgery.
I felt in very good hands from the get go. Everyone was so thorough in their pre-​op consultations too, and the Advanced Surgical Center — where I had my operation — were outstanding.
I never dreamed I’d need corrective surgery, but I’m soooo glad I found Dr Lowen. My only regret is that I spent a ton of money with another surgeon first, and went through so much pain having lipo.
I’m not at all fussed about having a warm fuzzies doctor; Dr Lowen takes immense pride in the work he does, and thats all that matters to me.
I’m looking forward to wearing sleeveless dresses and shirts with confidence — something I’ve never, ever been able to do in the past :-)
I urge anyone thinking of having cosmetic surgery to consider Dr Lowen :-)

It has been three months since my surgery, so I now feel it necessary to write my complete review.
1) From the first visit, staff, and doctor all very informative, professional, compassionate, and organized. Doctor is a perfectionist at minimal.
2) Pre-​op visits/​questions all questions answered. I emailed, and called, and I always got an answer.
3) Operation went smooth, I was up walking around, hardly any pain, and I didnt feel super drugged up from the Anastasia. The surgical staff are friendly, funny, comforting, informative, also compassionate, concerned with my concerns (my friend just passed away from a surgery) it was almost like I was at home.
4) Recover was a lot easier than I expected. My out come after three months has been nothing but amazing! I could not be happier with my results. My scars are small thin, and i have to point them out to see.
Dr. Lowen has serious skills in field of work, he does not rush, he takes his time, I think he has your results come out the way he would want his results… PERFECT. I could not be happier.
Low pain, easy recovery, friendly staff, amazing doctor, amazing results.
after baby B to a D no lift needed.

I’ve been to Dr. Lowen’s office many times for laser tattoo and hair removal. I also once had a consultation for surgery that I did not end up getting. I want to address several of the the other reviewer’s complaints as well as share my personal experiences.
Dr. Lowen’s bedside manner: I agree that Dr. Lowen isn’t the warm fuzzy type. He is rather dry and has a dry sense of humor but he this is simply his personality and he is like this to EVERYONE. It’s not out of malice so you shouldn’t take it personally. You will miss out on his expertise if you expect to get showered with warmth by him.
Yes, laser hair removal is NOT permanent. I used to get treatments for it but soon realized that laser hair removal is not a permanent hair removal technique… this is why it is universally advertized as leading to «permanent hair REDUCTION,» not removal. What does «reduction» mean? This means that over the long term process of your hair removal, some hair follicles will be permanently destroyed thereby leading to a reduction in your overall hair amount, but most will not. This is why I quit laser hair removal and instead opted for electrolysis which is the ONLY permanent hair removal method. The FDA currently allows the term «permanent hair removal» for electrolysis only. I was pleased to have the laser sessions that I didn’t use up be refunded to me by the staff — bonus! The fact that laser hair removal is not very effective is NOT the Dr’s fault — you will have the same result regardless of who you go to.
Yes his prices are higher, but you get what you pay for. Dr. Lowen is a member of the The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which is the highest caliber of plastic surgeon you can get. Additionally, Dr. Lowen stays with the cutting edge and employs all of the latest and newest techniques and laser machines. Those machines are EXPENSIVE.
My tattoo removal was very successful. I had a poor permanent makeup result removed (eyebrows). It took approx 6 sessions to remove everything. Dr. Lowen insisted that the nurses use local anesthesia for me, which was great on his part, because the nurses almost went without it (ouch!!).
I had a consultation for a procedure but didn’t end up doing it because bad timing + prohibitive cost at the time. The staff member who assisted with the consultation went into very great detail explaining the procedure as well as how Dr. Lowen’s techniques differ and excel most run-​of-​the-​mill techniques. I was sold and I thoroughly plan to have him do my «mommy makeover» when the time is right!
All in all, he is an excellent doctor with a great staff and I can’t wait for my mommy makeover!

I recently visited Dr. Lowen in July 2012 for a free consultation for a tummy tuck and breast aug. I must say his front office staff is great… but Dr. Lowen does have a very rude personality. He was rude to his staff and rude to me. He did not answer all of my questions nor did he make me feel comfortable. After trying on my implants to see which size I wanted he suddenly got up and stormed out of the room while mumbling «I’ll be right back .’ After a 30 min wait Dr. Lowen never came back. But most importantly he is VERY rough! When I left I felt a stinging feeling on my stomach. So I checked and I noticed that he TORE open some stretch marks that I had on my stomach while he was trying to show me where he was gonna make my incision. So I will not be going to this doc again.

This man is a genius! Cant do any wrong! I completely disagree with all of these negative reviews. Dr. Lowen is smart, honest and knows exactly what he is doing. I love him!

The doctor has an attitude. I had a VI peel. I refused to take picture, the assistant said I don’t need to take picture before treatment if I decline, but the doctor came in to the room w/​camera in his hands and started taking pictures of me after mumbling ‘we have to take pictures for record’. He acted against patient’s will and was blunt and showed no respect.
It was the 2^nd VI Peel I had there, I was a returned client just because they gave me a deep discount for the treatment and my dermatologist asked me to stay w/​the same peel if it did not have side effect. I paid $ 450 for my first peel, and $ 240 for my 2^nd. They seemed to offer good price to non-​returning clients only.

I have nothing but spectacular things to say about my experience with Dr. Lowen & his wonderful staff! Sydney and Kimberly (office staff) are incredibly sweet women. I initially saw Dr. Lowen the beginning of the year — amongst other concerns, we discussed veins on my right hip. He immediately referred me to a vascular surgeon (Dr. Shaheen, who I also had a great experience with). Kimberly followed up with me 2x’s to see how the surgery on my hip went, etc.
I recently attended his April Open House and met several of his other potential clients and clients. I had a really great evening and made some new friends — which was nice since I’m new to the area.
Dr. Lowen is definitely ONE OF THE BEST in his profession and takes much pride and precision in his work. If you have any additional questions feel free to contact me to further discuss my experience/​procedure with Dr. Lowen.

Got a breast augmentation from Dr. Lowen. He did an awesome job and my recovery was so quick I was back to work in a couple of days. Virtually no pain, even without meds.

I had a 5 session laser hair removal treatment at Dr Lowen’s office 2 – 3 years ago. Initially I only used to work with one nurse and after she left the practice, everytime I had a different nurse.
The treatment went smoothly. There was initial hair reduction, no spots, no burns etc… all in all the nurses did a decent job. I had never seen Dr Lowen during all the 5 treatments.
Fast forward 3 years… the hair is back and pretty nasty. I schedule a touch-​up appointment and to my delight my technician/​doctor for the treatment is Dr Lowen himself:). According to him, he was looking to hire a nurse. He started treating the same area… but it hurt a lot lot more the the previous 5 times. I asked him to reduce the intensity and continue.
After he reduced the intensity, it hurt less.
He engaged me in talk and in the end told me that he had lost my chart:(.
So all the laser settings which he used were just on a trial-​and-​error basis. I left after the treatment (without checking a mirror) and went back to work.
To my surprise, everyone stared at me at work like crazy and asked me what happened. I rushed to the ladies room and to my horror I had more than 12 huge burn marks on my neck! I also found a small metal part (like a pencil butt) on the neck inside a bruised burn.
I immediately called the doctor’s office and asked to be seen again the next day. The Dr just said he was sorry and the laser setting was «too high» and it burnt my skin. He said the spots will go away in 8 weeks. He did give me a bunch of cremes and assured me they would go away. I asked. him what do i tell people who ask me bout the marks… he said just tell them «the laser setting was too high».
Here i am, 5 months later… still diligently applying the cremes and the burn spots are still there and needless to say the hair of course grew back:(
I do not know what to do:(

I just came from his office. Dr. Lowen not only has an attitude, he has bad judgement as well. He told us what the end result should or might look like. We agreed on that with the price. Now 6 months has gone and we went back for check up. The result is the same as it was before surgery. He has the stomuch to say that he ONLY dose the job and he never, ever garantess the work he dose. It’s up to each patient to take the risk.
What kind of argument is that. Like you go to dentist with tooth pain and after treatment, you come home and find out that you still have pain but doctor is not taking any responsibility. Still he offered to re-​do the surgery for additional money.
What a joker…

Okay, I do agree that Dr. Lowen doesn’t have that «warm & fuzzy» personality. He sort of reminds me of Woody Allen. Bit corky but excellent at his job…
I got my breast augmentation from him many years ago. At the time, I interviewed and did tons of research on different plastic surgeons. I decided to go with him because I can tell right away he was a perfectionist. After the surgery, I developed some scar tissue under my arm where the stitches were. He fix them right away and now it’s barely visible.
I’m not sure why people complaint about his personality. So what if he is bit dry, he is not a therapist. You want someone like Dr. Lowen who is very meticulous and does a great job.
Three of my girlfriends have gone to him and they are all very happy with their result. I would go back to him in a heart beat if I ever needed any work done.
So if you are looking for a Dr. Personality, Dr. Lowen is not that person. However, if you want someone who is good at what he does and who is a perfectionist then he worth checking out.

I read the reviews for Dr. Lowen and was very surprised. I had gone to see him about the same time; Spring and early Summer of 2009.
I had interviewed many, *many* doctors to perform my breast reduction surgery. My husband and I’s business was struggling financially (as was every business owner) so cost was a deciding factor during my search. Here is what I used as my criteria:
–Cost (out of my pocket)
–Accepted my insurance (Blue Shield)
–The doctor had to have «before» and «after» pictures of actual patients they performed the same surgery on, and available for me to view.
The variation of the «after» pictures amongst the different doctors surprised me. I was also shocked at what some women were allegedly happy to settle for. I was so mortified with one doctor’s portfolio, that I asked her pointedly if her clients were happy with the results she had achieved for them. She said that they were. Hmm. She also said that the surgery would take about 2 – 3 hours. Double hmm.
After interviewing about 5 doctors in person (I did phone interviews and also web research), I had selected Dr. Lowen to perform my surgery. Here is why:
I could see immediately that he was meticulous. When I reviewed his portfolio with him, he could recount in fantastic detail each one of his surgeries. I remember remarking on one patient’s results as «incredible», as it was obvious that she was suffering considerably from the size of her breasts in the «before» photo. He agreed on the medical points, but he immediately noted how many cc’s he removed from each breast during the procedure and how many cc’s he would like to have taken out, and how it would have effected the contouring of her breasts. These are details that I would have not noticed, but that he saw with crystal clarity. I asked when he performed the surgery, expecting that it was within the last few years. It was over 10 years ago! He was just as meticulous with each photo I subsequently asked about.
I remember telling him that he was probably born an accountant, but that he grew up to be a plastic surgeon. :)
In the end, it was the financing that kept me from having him perform my procedure. It wasn’t for lack of trying however. He saw me for 2 or 3 appointments after that, on his own time, to file my paperwork and photos to my insurance company. When they wouldn’t budge after a couple of rounds, he suggested a loan. When I was denied for the medical loan, he followed up with the loan company to try and persuade them. This is when I decided it was not going to work.
Through this whole process, I learned a lot about how doctors outside of the HMOs and PPOs work. The doctors that I would trust, like Dr. Lowen, choose to work on their own so that they can do business their own way. The PPO doctor I interviewed (and was recommended to me, BTW), spent 2 – 3 hours on her procedure; Dr. Lowen spends a minimum of 5 and an average of 6 hours on the same procedure.
The 1^st doctor *has* to spend 2 – 3 hours on the procedure; that’s all everyone is going to get paid for from the insurance company. «Everyone» is: the doctor, the nurses, the surgery room, the anesthesiologist, etc.
Dr. Lowen rents a nice office, but he still has to rent the surgery facility, pay the nurse (s), pay the anesthesiologist, etc. Not much «wiggle room» for his fees.
Other doctors that had wiggle room in their fees owned their own surgery facility, had a diversified practice, etc. Factors that allowed them to spread «costs», ie, losses, over a larger spread.
In Summary:
If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon, if you care as much about the aesthetics as you do the medical reasons and you can afford today’s healthcare costs, please give Dr. Lowen a call. He’s a good surgeon and seems to be a very nice gentleman. I hope that he can weather the economic climate, as I would hate to think that the community could lose such a talent.

Goal was to remove a 1 by 2 inch red tattoo on forearm.
I’ve used this doctor for 2 laser tattoo removal sessions & was thrilled how quickly the tattoo faded. After 1 treatment the results were evident, of course to completely fade away I would need to have a number of treatments, spread over a year or two. I’m now about to have a 3^rd a session which should wrap it up.
Also to clear up any misconception about pain, you will literally feel nothing more than a needle like pressing down (not a severe as a tattoo gun). You should relax and not feel any anxiety, because you’ve felt more pain stubbing your toe or biting your tongue. The laser is programmed to seek certain ink colors. so it only contacts pigmented areas. There is a slight burning of skin. and you will smell a burning hair smell. nothing to worry about.
I was impressed by advanced tools, the professionalism & friendliness of the staff & pleasant bed side manner of the doctor. The ease of re-​scheduling and billing process couldn’t be easier.