Athenix Body Sculpting Institute

Went in for a consultation prior to a trip and was told I would be required to put $ 500 down, aside from what I already paid on groupon. Consultant never once informed me this charge was non-​refundable which I would not have done if I’d known. Also, told me I’d have enough time to heal from my procedure before my trip, what a lie that turned out to be! After talking to other people who have gotten this procedure done, as well as two other surgeons at different locations they said it was not enough time to heal, it would affect my results, and I would be in undue pain. All they see is money and not patients who are putting there wellbeing in their care, how can you possibly trust them?

Athenix has truly been a gem to me. Starting with my first interaction with Pat, my first velashape treatments with Ronnie last year, to my consultation with Melissa, to my surgery with Dr. Azad and my post-​ops with the nurses… I’ve had nothing but an excellent experience so far. The ladies who work here are friendly and honest, and are always willing to answer questions for you, no matter how ridiculous the question may seem to you. :)
I highly recommend them, and in particular Dr. Azad who COMPLETELY changed my life with my micro-​body contouring treatment! Thanks again for all your help, Athenix!

I went into the clinic and was met with a bright lovely smile by Vanessa! Love having my Vela Shape treatments. She is friendly, professional and great at what she does. Vanessa also does chemical peels and consults on Saturdays… go see Vanessa!

If you are fortunate enough to get booked with Vanessa for Vela Shape, you will be delighted by her engaging personality and sunny disposition. She is very knowledgable about what she does and takes an interest in you as a person! I find myself looking forward to my visits like I’m looking forward to a chat with a buddy. You won’t be disappointed! And the facility is beautiful and peaceful. A lot of Estrogen floating around! :))

The first time I came in for my appointment, they said I am not ever scheduled in their system! I showed them the confirmation email from them then they squeezed me in.
The 2^nd appointment, I was called one hour before to cancel my appointment but I did not know it till 30 min while I was on my way.
Today is my third appointment. When I came in, they said again I was not scheduled! I told them I was scheduled today at the front desk after last meeting. The girl told me she cannot see I have any appointment other than the last one. Yes I can get my parking fee back but who would reimburse me my 1 hour commute time and my baby sitter cost?!!

WORST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE! I’ve now had to go back in for THREE surgeries… same area! They just can’t
get it right. It’s been almost 2 years. The most frustrating aspect of this, besides the fact that it’s STILL NOT RIGHT, is the CONSTANT late cancellations, the doctor is ALWAYS running late, and there are always excuses. (Btw, I’ve had TWO different doctors because even the doctors won’t stick around!) GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! DO NOT GO HERE. This is a big corporation that really only cares about the bottom line… $$$$ Not the end result of your procedure! Once I’m done with the follow up appointments, I will NEVER be back. I suggest you go somewhere else too. Unless you enjoying torturing yourself.

I just love this place !!! What a great experience, I call to make an appt after I saw a groupon for Vela Shape (3 sessions package) they fit me in right away and then schedule my next 2 sessions for better results.
The funny thing is somehow I messed up my appt my time. But Vanessa fit me in and she was amazing! Made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. We talk about my trouble areas and what we can do. We used the Velashape for the back of my legs, and I’m starting to see the difference. I can’t wait to do more secession and see the final results.
If you are booking your Velashape make sure ask to for Vanessa !!

I started my vela shape treatment about a month ago and can see my cellulite has improved already. My technician is Vanessa. She’s very sweet and totally knows what she’s doing. She’s very careful to make sure my skin won’t get burn but still has the best effect. Pat at the front desk is also very polite and helpful with my appointment. If you have problem with your cellulite, I’ll totally recommend this place.

I first became aware of Athenix via a Groupon deal for VelaShape cellulite treatment ($ 99 for three treatments), I did my research on Vela and read the reviews and decided for $ 99 it was worth a try since the reviews sounded favorable and was close to home. At 54, very healthy and fit, going to the gym and yoga 3 days a week with a healthy diet, I just could not stop the onset of lumps, bumps and sagging skin. Non-​invasive Vela to the rescue!
I really enjoyed my first treatment and enjoy the very personable and competent technician, Vanessa. After my first visit I opted to purchase 9 more treatments in 2 areas (butt and back upper thighs), making quite a large investment in better looking butt and upper legs. I’ve had 5 treatments thus far and am already seeing results!
The treatment is warm and relaxing, the environment clean and comfortable. All my appointments have been on time, as scheduled. For each area it takes approximately 40 mins. Some people have complained of pain, but for me it’s like a warm rolling suction massage. The hotter the better! I walk away feeling like I could have gone longer, yet sleepy and recharged.

I was referred to Athenix by a friend and after my first visit I knew it was the only place I needed to see. My consultation was with Melissa and she was GREAT from the get-​go. My lipo procedure was done by Dr. Sherman almost a year ago and I am still AMAZED by the results!!! Lipo definitely jump-​started my weight loss journey– I lost a total of 50 lbs!
Because of my weight loss, I needed a breast lift so I went back to Dr. Sherman. I was adamant about keeping the same, pre-​lipo implant size but Dr. Sherman kept advising against it. He didn’t just say «yes» to my wish to remain at my pre-​lipo implant size just to keep me happy– he explained the pros and cons I would experience both aesthetically and medically. He was also emphatic about trying to keep me safe (I had a high risk of necrosis).
I am so happy I took his advice. I am very happy with the smaller breast size– my figure looks great and matches the look I wanted at the start of this journey. Thank you Dr. Sherman for knocking some sense into me and thank you Melissa for letting me bother you with every
concern I had while my body was healing. Also, I BIG thanks to the rest of the wonderful staff at Athenix (nurses, front desk, everyone!!!).

The two first things I noticed about Athenix, aside from being close to my home in Pasadena, was upon entering the office, the aesthetically pleasing and comfortable décor of the waiting room, and separate consultation rooms. The second thing I noticed, was the beautiful and cordial female staff. They are both friendly and diverse, which I would assume, would make most clientele comfortable about booking procedures, and comfortable in their own right, in their own skin, for planning whichever procedure they may choose at the time. Melissa, my consultation specialist, was not only beautiful herself, but has a way of instilling a level of confidence, in an honest way, that one needs to feel, before having any kind of cosmetic procedure performed.
I had been a client at Athenix a few times, for short spa procedures, since moving into the area a year and a half ago. All good!
The procedure I had fantasized about for almost two decades, (breast augmentation), was one of which some personal obligations seemed to get in the way of, in my past. Finally, my fantasy was brought to reality, in the Fall of 2015, at Athenix, by Dr. Rizvi and his staff. Dr. Rizvi listens, and cares about what it is that YOU want, with regards to results, and does not try to sell you on his own subjective view. His concerns are your wishes, and any health risks that could possibly occur. My downtime after the procedure, and pain management, was completely manageable, and I couldn’t be more happy with the results! I fully, and wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Rizvi and Athenix for any spa and cosmetic procedure that they offer!

The service is great, especially Ana. My husband bought me a Groupon for 3 sessions of body contouring and cellulite treatment. I am definitely coming back for more.

I’m giving my review on the initial consultation alone and has not performed any surgery yet. I I spoke with Ana, she was super nice and I enjoyed talking to her but was disappointed that I did not have my consultation with the actual surgeon who would perform the work to get my questions answered directly. This operation is a huge deal and I preferred to consult with the specialist directly. I wanted some work done, I was told it could not be done but I knew that’s not true as this is their specialty.

Went the other day to get a consultation. The office was clean and the girls at the front desk were friendly. Anna was SO helpful! She answered all my questions before I could even ask them. She’s very informative and knows her stuff! I will DEFINITELY be returning here to get my procedure just as soon as I save my money!!!

I first became aware of Athenix thru their TV commercial. When I saw that they were offering a Groupon deal on VelaShape cellulite treatment ($ 99 for three treatments), I decided to give it a try.
Making the appointments was easy. The receptionist, Pat, helped me planned them out so they were perfectly one week apart. The VelaShape technician was really knowledgeable and skillful. Each visit took only 20 – 30 minutes and the result was quite remarkable. It helped diminished the visibility of the lines and smoothed out my skin. At this price, I highly recommend it for cellulite.

I found this facility via Unilocal and decided to give it a try. 6 months ago I came in for a lipo procedure on my lower abdomen to get rid of the baby bump. Dr Odunze did a great job, I have no complaints.
The entire experience from start to finish was very professional. Deanna and Melissa did a great job addressing my concerns and made me feel at ease with the surgery.
The only downfall is there is a long wait for follow up appointments. However, it wasn’t enough to deter me from returning as I will be back soon for some additional procedures. Thank you ladies.

I have been wanting to write a review for the past few months — well here it is!
Last October 3, 2014 I had Micro-​Body Contouring with Dr. Millicent Odunze (called Dr. O) on my abdomen, flanks, lateral back and outer hips (Vaser Liposuction).
Dr. O did an amazing job in removing all my stubborn fat that just wouldn’t go away with normal diet and/​or exercise. I was so happy she was able to remove my so called «lovely lady lumps» from my hips! No more muffin tops and I can wear my jeans and or snug dresses with such confidence now!
I also had a breast reduction procedure in June 2015 and Dr. O also did yet another wonder surgery and can’t give her enough stars! I love my new smaller size C breasts!
Being 56 at the time of my micro body contouring and 57 for my breast reduction — I now feel and look like a more youthful woman — thanks to Dr. O!!! Love her!
I also want to thank all the beautiful ladies in the office! Deanna, Kelsey, Pat, Ana and all the rest of you girls! You ladies rock and are always so accommodating and funny when I arrive. Look forward to my next procedure in a couple years!!!

6 MONTH UPDATE: The areas I had done all look the same from when I went in (they said «the swelling would go down»). Spent money and time for literally NO REASON. I don’t have any proof that they actually even did anything.
My review would be several pages if I described the entire experience from Day 1 of even just booking an appt at Athenix, I really dont know where to begin, so here’s an overview…
1. DO NOT GET ANYTHING DONE HERE, YOU WILL SPEND MONEY WITHOUT ANY RESULTS AND PROBABLY HAVE A NIGHTMARE STORY LIKE MINE. READ THEIR REVIEWS.
2. This is the most unprofessional business I think I’ve ever been in and dealt with. They have no perception of customer service (except for Pat) the staff generally can’t answer basic questions about procedures that you need to know in order to have a procedure done. Even up to 2 days before a surgery which has been paid for, I had to cancel because they couldnt give me a straight answer on basics that would affect my body during the surgery which is insane. I actually found them online from a different, and more established business.
3.The actual surgery room is on the ground level which can be accessed by a door to the parking lot and street. The only other surgery I have had was in a secured building (as it should be) on an upper level with only minimal staff in a PRIVATE room. Not because I needed a luxurious private room, but privacy and security in itself are a basic necessity for SURGERY.
At Athenix, its quite public, you’ll be getting ready for it and share with others.
4. In the surgery area a UPS guy walked in right where patients were recovering. On a return visit, my boyfriend and I walked right in through the SURGERY AREA from the street. A lady said I dont know if you can come in that way and we said ok no problem but no one stopped us. Then a staff told us she could get fired for us walking through there, but literally anyone could do so and we didnt break in we literally walked right into an open door. How is this legal?
5. I signed for a set of areas to be treated and they didnt do one of them based their bad paperwork and staff. How do you «forget» an area? They refunded it but again, HOW do you pay for something and sign for it and go over it and then «forget» once someone is going to have a surgical procedure done, which is already a big deal and hard on the body in itself. Their answer to that once I called weeks later was oh ya we didnt do that sorry, come in this week to do it. I can’t say enough about the ridiculous experience here or understand how they stay in business.
6. They asked for a urine sample and told me to leave in their public bathroom. Excuse me? They said no worries no one will touch it. How is that sanitary or safe? Anyone could move it or get something on it its a RESTROOM. Yikes.
7. On a follow up visit, we were told to come 10 min early for a 10 min appt, we did. There wasn’t even a receptionist there until after us and she’s the one who told us to be there early, we waited 45 min to be seen for about 5 min. The other patients also waiting, were asking us if anyone was around. Of the 3 times I have been to this office it feels more like a high school than a medical facility. The staff can’t be found and are in their break room chatting it up instead of tending to patients.
8. Lastly, if you dont want to feel like you’re dealing with a car salesman right off the bat, dont come here. I went in to merely inquire about one procedure and was met with a list of prices to do several things. I wasnt even gven a chance to ask much or think about anything before I had an invoice in front of me for thousands of dollars in surgery. They would sell more if they learned how TO sell, or allowed a patient to be comfortable, ask questions and took GENUINE care of them as they should do being a medical facility.
9. All in all I would say go anywhere else but here for the procedures they offer, it’s not worth the headache, stress, and then not even getting what you asked for. There are plenty of Unilocal Reviews stating the same. After a lot of calls and what not, they refunded me a small portion of my payment because they finally understood that there is something wrong there and that they could be shut down just based on how accessible the surgery room is. I was offered free procedures as well but turned them down because no matter what they offer it is much too uncomfortable to deal with them much less ever let them take me into a surgery room. They said it would be a local anasthetic, it is not it is general.
I gave them several chances to fix and do the right thing but it was honestly never ending issues from Day 1 to the follow up day. I hope this is helpful, Id have wanted to know beforehand, and wouldn’t have come in if I did. It’s a major discomfort to have the answer to questions that deal with a surgery you are going to have constantly be, «I dont know».

«An Angel in Disguise!»
I have heard this referenced to Nurses many times. All my life I have struggled with the appearance of my stomach and for the the life of me, and no matter how many squats, I could never get a «booty!» After hearing about Athenix on T.V. and seeing pictures of how my stomach and inner thighs «could» look, I decided to go for a consultation. Once I left, I was elated at the idea that finally, my stomach would be «summer ready,» look, and feel how I’ve always wanted it! On December 9^th I decided to go undergo fat transfer, liposuction, and body contouring by Dr. Odunze. Well exactly 3 months later, my results have been about ⁵⁰⁄₅₀. While I am absolutely in love with the fat transfer, the liposuction and body contouring turned out not at all what I expected! A bad case of «results not typical.» After 2 weeks I knew my results were not going to be what I wanted– at all. Dr. Odunze, the MAs, the RNs, kept telling me, «its only been this long (1, 2, 3 weeks, etc), give it time,» but I knew it wasn’t going to get better. Sometimes you just know!
My stomach looks worse than before I even had the procedure and will probably no longer be able to wear a 2 piece or have that «summer ready» stomach I’ve always wanted. My daughter who doesn’t have any idea about cosmetic surgery, but obviously noticed something different about my appearance (for the worse) asked me, «why does your stomach look like that?“I was crushed! Because not only was I completely disappointed and having ”buyers remorse,» my own child pointed out that her mommy didn’t look the same and had something physically «wrong.»
I went for my 6 week follow up where Dr. Odunze offered to give me 3 VelaShape treatments. The first treatment was supposed to be done by Roni, but was told she was not available. So not only did I not notice a difference with the first treatment, but I also left with burn marks. My experience every time I walked thru that door just kept getting worse and worse.
I had already given up so much hope and confidence because of my experience that I didn’t even know why I went back. I went for my 2^nd Velashape treatment and it was there that I met an «angel.» As an Oncology Nurse I know how important emotional support is and can be. I’ve had many patients tell me how «grateful» they are, how they appreciate what I did/​done for them, and how I’ve explained «more to them» than the Doctor (s). When I receive compliments and listen to my patients’ speak about their appreciation to and for me, that is just what I do. I love what I do and love helping and being there for my patients.
Roni, MY Nurse, my «angel,» gave me more than a «treatment!» For a moment she was the nurse and I was THAT patient. The one who had tears in her eyes on the table during her VelaShape treatment because of the lack of confidence and disappointment of how it all turned out and the money spent and how this summer, as I walked through the bathing suit aisles, I won’t be wearing one. Feeling as if I’ve had nothing but false reassurance and passive answers to make me feel better. Roni gave me the «breakdown» of what was going on with my body (and yes I’m a Nurse but plastics is not my specialty), the emotional support, and so much confidence in just an hour; a moments time. I had such a deep appreciation for her, nursing, my patients who say the same about me because now I know what they meant, a changed mindset about me, my experience, and Athenix. She helped me get 3 more treatments and has not burned me once. I heard that there was another Nurse at my job who already had an appointment set here and planned on telling her, «DON’T DO IT» based on my experience. But after meeting Roni, I couldn’t! Although I know I’m going to have to get a revision, I told her to go for it! And that everyone recovers and responds differently. Not only did Roni give me something that money can’t buy, she did all that SHE could do (extra velashape treatments) to help me. I hope my results don’t happen to my coworker, but I also hope that Athenix will do what’s necessary to make things right with and for me. I have many coworkers and friends that ask so many questions and have considered what I’ve done. As I go for my last, number 6, «vela» treatment tomorrow, I will miss Roni. I do still give some mixed reviews but because of Roni, because of ONE person, one «angel,» it’s hard for me to really say anything negative.
P. S. I can’t forget to thank Pat for all her help and patience with me and my off work orders and disability papers and requests… Thanks Pat!

I came in for a VELA treatment, which let me tell you… HURTS…be warned. My TATTOOS hurt less than this! But nonetheless, we shall see the results in a few weeks. They offer other minimal surgeries and some outpatient cosmetic ones as well. None of which I tried, so I cannot report to you, sorry.
The place is clean and professional, the décor is harmonizing and the staff is friendly and sweet.