I just saw on the news that Fig LipoDissolve just filed bankruptcy and abruptly went out of business. The company, previously known as Advanced LipoDissolve, had clinics here in Las Vegas, as well as 12 other locations in St. Louis, Kansas City, Scottsdale, Houston, Atlanta, Dallas and Orange County. Once they changed their name from Advanced to Fig a few months ago, I had a feeling it was only a matter of time that they’d pull the plug on the business. That was just my hunch, based on nothing more than speculation. Plus I thought Fig was a ridiculous name for a company, since who’d want to go to a place named after a boring fruit. Turns out Fig is short for Figure. Go figure.
LipoDissolve
I haven’t yet talked about LipoDissolve here on the site, but have been meaning to do so. We offered LipoDissolve at the Medical Spa I worked at, but we called it LipoSolution, due to trademark issues. Also, it is sometimes called Mesotherapy, but the two treatments are actually different. We actually offered Mesotherapy first, and then switched to LipoDissolve. Both LipoDissolve and Mesotherapy are tiny injections made into areas of your body that you want to make slimmer (abdomen, inner and outer thighs, love handles, back, etc.) Mesotherapy is more for reducing cellulite (which I doubt works) and it’s also been used in France for over 50 years to treat all sorts of ailments, while LipoDissolve is a non-surgical version of Liposuction, and it’s supposed to reduce fat in your “problem areas”. The two treatments differ in how the injections are made, and what substance is actually being injected.
I’ve been told that LipoDissolve either breaks up the fat cells and kills them, or that it breaks up the fat in the fat cells, but the cells remain intact. It’s hard to find a definite answer of exactly how LipoDissolve works, which is a bit scary. Like Liposuction, LipoDissolve is intended for people that are already at their target weight, but despite a proper diet and exercise regimen, they still have “problem areas” that won’t go away. It is not a weight loss treatment. Results are measured in inches, not pounds.
Mesotherapy and LipoDissolve results from my Medical Spa
When we were offering Mesotherapy at my Medical Spa, I didn’t hear about any clients that saw results from their treatments. They were sold the Mesotherapy for fat reduction, but didn’t see any changes in their treated areas. Later LipoDissolve was used instead, which is supposed to be much more effective for fat reduction. You are supposed to do a series of treatments - at least 4 to 10 treatments, every two weeks. One of our clients did claim that she saw good results after her treatments, and said that she lost a few inches, after only a few treatments. I didn’t hear any other clients say that they saw good results, but most had only had a handful of treatments. Several of my co-workers got the treatments, and I don’t believe any of them saw results, but again they had only done the treatments a few times before I left the company.
LipoDissolve treatment and side effects
Unlike Botox, which I could visually see offered great results, I didn’t see any conclusive evidence that LipoDissolve did anything, so I refused to try it, even though I could have done it for free. I would have been a perfect candidate because I am thin, but in a perfect world would want smaller love handles and thighs. After the treatments, people are extremely swollen, and everyone that had their stomach treated said they felt like they were 5 months pregnant for a week afterwards. For a few days after treatments, you are supposed to wear a girdle. From what I’ve been told, the treatments are pretty painful, although tolerable. A topical lidocaine is used first to numb the area. One of my co-workers was still swollen two weeks after her treatment, and she said her stomach was incredibly sore and it felt hard as a rock (but not in a good way) when I felt it. She hated the side effects and said she was mad she ever did it, even though it was free!
Why I’m not surprised Fig LipoDissolve went out of business
If you read reviews of LipoDissolve on RealSelf.com you’ll see the reviews are quite mixed, and currently 58% of people say their treatments were not worth it. What I’m guessing happened at Fig is that a ton of people got through with their treatments, saw no results, and asked for refunds. Maybe there were even lawsuits, which wouldn’t be surprising. It’s hard to sell a service when it doesn’t work for a lot of people, plus it has bad side effects. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Fig was selling packages to overweight clients, and promising them weight reduction. Even though doctors and Medical Spas only pay $30 for a vial of LipoDissolve solution, they are selling treatments for thousands of dollars! I’m not saying Fig was out to rip anyone off, but I bet they sold as many treatment packages as they could before filing bankruptcy.
In my Guide to Medical Spas post, I caution you that Medical Spas (and LipoDissolve clinics) can be here one day and gone the next. When you buy a package of treatments, you are taking a risk that the company will go out of business before your treatments are done. I suggest paying for treatments one at a time, if possible, and using a credit card for payment. If you are unhappy with treatments and can’t get a refund, you may be able to chargeback the service on your credit card. However, if a company goes out of business, I don’t know if the credit card will be able to refund your money or not, so you’re probably screwed.
Final Thoughts
I’m not totally against LipoDissolve, but haven’t personally seen good results with it yet. For the amount of pain, discomfort, and cost, it’s not something I’d want to try. I’d rather go to the gym, and live with my imperfections. As afraid as I am of LipoDissolve, I am petrified of the idea of Liposuction, since I’m super scared of surgery. Anyway, for someone with a lot of disposable income, a tolerance for pain, and a willingness to experiment for the sake of a better body, maybe LipoDissolve can be an option to try. Just make sure to research it A LOT first! Try to find recommendations from happy clients (if there are any), and read up further on its potential risks and side effects! And if you are a current Fig customer, then I’m truly sorry about the whole situation, because it’s horrible to lose money this way, and I do hope you can recover your money.
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December 9th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
I am 6 months into my treatments. I think it might be working, not real sure. However I have paid them $2400.00 and know they are shut down. Does any one know if there is going to be legal action taken to get the rest of our money back for the services we are not getting that we pre paid?
Tracy
December 10th, 2007 at 7:08 am
I have had 6 treatments and lost 2 inches from my waist, so it was working. I also paid $2400.00 in advance and had probably 3-4 more treatments to get to my goal. I would like a refund on the un-used amount or get those last treatments.
December 10th, 2007 at 10:56 am
I am 2 and a half months into treatment. I really went for the weight loss management with their Medifast diet. I lost 20 lbs and liked the people. I had the Lipodissolve for the area under my chin and saw results. I was scheduled for one more treatment in two weeks. I even had my appoint on the morning they closed. I would really like to know if I can get at least some of my money back also. I paid $2400 for a series of 3 treatments (got 1) and $600 for 6 months of weight management.
December 10th, 2007 at 11:03 am
I have the same question Tracy,
I purchased two packages: upper and lower abs and am four treatments in. I paid upfront and need to know what the ramifactions are of a chapter 11 bankruptcy. I don’t know if I need to be apart of a lawsuit or what
December 10th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Go Fig! HAHA! I always thought their name was stupid also, but I wanted to go there. LOL! I would love to have LipoDisolve on my waist, but I’ve heard the same stories that it doesn’t work as well as just having Lipo. Something I haven’t ruled out yet ;)
December 10th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Look into one of their chief investors, Rob Semaan. He has guided 3 bankrupt companies, in the past 5 years, originating out of St. Louis, Missouri (Access US, 321 Studios and now Fig).
I wonder what is happening to the money because like a nightmare he keeps coming back. His private jet has left Chesterfield Airport for Australia as of last week so I think he took his gold with him (or even had it shipped ahead of him?)….
CROOK !!!
December 10th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
If proof is needed…
Disclaimer: He took my wife’s company down this time; this is the 2nd bankruptcy I have witnessed in 3 years, the third I had no knowledge of. Time to revoke passports?
December 10th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
I’m not sure about legal action the news here said contact the BBB.
December 10th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
I do feel bad for all those in the middle of their treatments. I can say with 100% honesty that NONE of the employees in the centers knew of this until 4PM or later on Friday. So, on behalf of the company I do apologize.
However, this was not just a surprise to you. I no longer have a job. I worked an ENTIRE work week that I am told I will NOT get paid for. Nor do we get any type pf severance package becuase the company filed for bankrupcy.
Just know you weren’t the only ones hurt by this sudden closing.
December 10th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Thanks for the link to our Lipodissolve reviews. We have a really really long thread about Fig refunds. Hope this can offer some assistance:
http://www.realself.com/forum/lipodissolve-forum/lipodissolve-fig-refund.html
December 10th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
i have been going to lipo center for a year and a half and very upset that not only i but everyone else lost money , time and a whole lot more. im owed about 12 to 15 hundred. even though i did see some results. the moring on the 10 th for my treatment i and everyone that was there was lost and dismayed.i hope everyone can recover something and don,t worry he,ll have to answer to God for this one.i still think everyone involed needs to make a complaint one way or the other and let our voices be heard !!!!!and just maybe he,ll get what he deserves. good luck to everyone!!! and God bless everyone!!!!!
December 10th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
WOW, I too am a former employee of Fig. I feel really bad for those out there that have been scammed. I DID receive multiple treatments on multiple areas and DID get great results. The treatments aren’t a scam, you just need to be willing to keep with the program and realize that no pain, no gain. You just can’t snap your finger and expect miracles. BUT I really feel the employees and public were scammed when they had to have known what was coming. This could have been prevented. I also know what big bucks upper management made, so I don’t doubt that this DID fill their pockets. They pushed us to SELL SELL SELL and we sold to a lot of inappropriate clients and gave them unreal expectations. THATs why I left. I’m a nurse to help others but not when we can’t be honest. I am embarrassed now that I worked for them (although glad about my results!!).
December 11th, 2007 at 6:09 am
I started treatments in September and felt the staff was pleasant and professional. As I just started I saw no improvement which I was told before I started that it could take 4-6 treatments before you could see some benefits. I went for my 4th treatment yesterday and to my surprise the doors were locked and a sign directed me to the website for further info. No further info, left messages at all numbers I could find and even faxed a note requesting info. I am out way to much money and feel foolish for the sake of vanity.
December 11th, 2007 at 7:03 am
I just noticed on the http://www.fig.com website that it now states this:
“We are sorry to report that, due to economic conditions beyond our control, fig. ceased operations on December 7, 2007. The company closed the doors of 17 of its 18 centers around the country. The only center that will remain open is the Costa Mesa, CA facility, which is an independently owned and operated center.
The company is currently consulting with counsel and will likely seek legal relief under the bankruptcy code to ensure it preserves all options including the ability to reorganize and continue operations.
Current patients undergoing treatment will be contacted by the company regarding continued treatment options or making a refund claim. Please check this web site for the latest information.”
December 11th, 2007 at 7:23 am
Hi
I had an appointment for my 8th treatment on my upper and lower abs. Started in August and lost 3 inches upper abs and 3 inches lower abs. It was really working for me. I’m totally bummed about it closing, i was so close to a flat tummy.
If you paid with a credit card, contact them and they will assist you in trying to get a refund. I didn’t have to disput charges the credit company told me we did not have to make payments until they figure out a course of action.
Thanks
December 11th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
It’s a mere shame! If you are in OC, please reply as we will work with you by finishing treatments on the Dermawave machine, needleless mesotherapy. No pain, no needles and no downtime from work. It’s a half hour session and one of the most prestigious Med Spas in OC, Ergonique, is the only one that has it. It targets unwanted fat and cellulite. We will finish out your 10 treatment package from Lippodissolve.
December 11th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Everyone in the Sugarland area used CareCredit. They had us fill out paperwork to put the payment on this credit card. CareCredit then gave them the $3000 payment and I’m paying the credit card. We all called CareCredit last night and they are freezing our account and going to try and get Fig to give the money back. No, I really don’t think it will be this easy. I had 4 treatments and my thighs were smoother, I was really excited about getting through my 6th treatment. I’m not going to find a plastic surgeon that does this, I really want to finish treatments.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
I was out of town preparing for my 3rd treatment and was shocked to receive their email yesterday morning about closing the doors on December 7, 2007. I was lucky enough have one of the girls’ cell phone number that worked at the Atlanta facility and she told me that they were just as shocked Friday evening and had only an hour notice to pack their personal belongings and get out. Seriously, can you imagine the thoughs racing through their heads?
I feel sick inside and embarrassed for myself for being so vain in trying to correct a lumpy liposuction procedure from 4 years ago. And I hope that I’m not completely out of the $4800.00, total cost for this procedure, $3400.00 which was financed through Care Credit. Like others, I called Care Credit this morning and was told that “no one else called regarding the bankruptcy” but they noted my account and told me to not make any more payments until the dispute was resolved. After Care Credit receives my written dispute (a form that they will mail to you), a resolution of the dispute should take about 60-90 days. This should be interesting…. I’ve never experienced anything like this before. Live and learn!
As for the treatments, I only had 2 treatments so far and started to see slight results. I was excited about finishing the treatments (6 total) for these 2 areas and was contemplating on another area if all went well. I wouldn’t mind finishing the treatments because I really do think it works. Also, I know for a fact that the Atlanta facility was very adamant about being within your correct BMI. If you didn’t meet that criteria, they turned you away because you wouldn’t be a good candidate. They stressed many times that this procedure was not used for weight loss. I truly feel that the Atlanta facility was staffed with highly knowledgable and honest nurses who really cared about the patients and wanted to help you achieve your desired body shape and goals.
Further, whoever is behind this scam and took millions of our hard earned money, they will have to answer to God one day. Shame on them, not us! There is nothing wrong with cosmetic surgery and wanting to look and feel good about yourself.
But my heart really goes out to all of the staff members that worked at Fig. I met so many nice people who are now without jobs, especially at this time of year. Yes, we are all hopeful in that we will be refunded and not responsible for paying creditors for treatments that we’re obviously not going to get to finish, but please keep in mind all of our friends at the Fig facilities. They are without jobs, without pay for the last week of work, and no severance package. It’s unbelievable how many people are affected because of this “bankruptcy”. Please keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
I hope all involved who were hurt by this situation find resolution. May God bless each and every one of you and I wish you and your families a peaceful and safe holiday season.
December 12th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
I am a reporter working on a story about fig and hoping to speak with former customers and employees, particularly in the St. Louis area.
Please call me at 314-340-8129 or email bbernhard@post-dispatch.com
Thank you,
Blythe Bernhard
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
December 13th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
I too want to apologize to all of fig’s former patients. I am so sorry that you signed up with us only to not be able to receive all of your treatments or your weight loss counseling because we closed. We loved our patients, and not only do I regret that they have lost their money, I also will miss them as well as my coworkers.
I have no idea what will happen with refunds, but I believe that there is no money to be had. No only did we not get paid for our last week of work, but our final paychecks were actually reversed out of our bank accounts this morning. We worked for over three weeks for free, and all the time thinking that we were offering our patients a valuable and wonderful service. I feel like I’ve had my guts wrenched out for the disservice done to our patients, my coworkers, and myself.
I hold Rob Semaan personally responsible for this debacle. I hope he is enjoying his Christmas in Australia on his private jet, while I rob from Peter to pay Paul so I can make my house payment this month.
December 13th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
This company is totally bogus! I just checked out a web site - http://www.figattorney.com. You might do the same.
December 13th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
I was in one of the Atlanta offices last Friday at around 5:30 PM. Right before my 6th treatment the nurse was told there was an emergency. She left the treatment room and returned telling me their systems were down and to call back Monday to reschdule. I didn’t receive treatment and found it odd they locked the door after I walked out and everyone gathered in the waiting area. I called numerous times Monday December 10th both to the local and main offices. Needless to say I only got the anwering machine. I paid for both my lower and upper abs but had only received treatment on the lower. I’ve lost an inch. I’m just hoping the credit card company will refund paidment for an incomplete service. I do feel for the employees. They were always nice and professional.
December 14th, 2007 at 4:54 am
As a former employee with the company that worked at the corporate headquarters. Well trust me we are going through hoops with them. Our paychecks bounced to not one but ALL EMPLOYEES of the company across the nation. This is bad timing right before the holidays some of us have overdraft fees and bills that can’t be paid now. I will keep everyone posted on what is happening.
December 14th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
I too bought a package - 6000, and only have received 5 sets of shots. I am scared, as I already paid off my Care Credit care. I just thought this was going to be a fight. But, now after reading about all the employees being screw….this will be a struggle for everyone. What a total bummer.
I don’t know if they were working for me, I have no problem in paying for the shots already received, but I shelled out alot and didn’t receive that much yet. I am sad for the headache to come.
December 14th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
I too was a victim of this horrible scam..only i was on my 5th treatment on my lower abs with absolutly NO RESULTS WHATSOEVER!! I feel royally f****d, and they didnt even kiss me first. I wasnt planning on finishing my treatments anyway…after 5 months of driving 2and a half hours to get to the nearest clinic and recieve 40 shots in my stomach..then driving all the way home in agonizing pain..THEN finding out that it was all a scam anyway…it would be an understatment to say im pissed. Maybe it wouldnt be so bad if my stomach was flat..then maybe my 2400 bucks would be well spent…but all it bought me was an extremely tender fat stomach that feels like hamburger meat..bald spots in my hair..and im actually bigger now than when i started the treatments…and another thing that the doctors at the lipo clinic were stupified with, besides the random hives that i broke out with all over my stomach, the treatments actually stopped my period for the 5 months i recieved treatments and another 3 months after i just stopped going…now what the hell would do that and why would that happen? The fig. Dr.s couldnt tell me. Large amounts of Estrogen perhaps? I wish somebody knew what was going on, how do i get a refund? Who can i talk to? What about the Carecredit Card bill im still paying? Somebody help me!!!
December 15th, 2007 at 8:02 am
This is just great, I have paid the full amount through there credit card agency, Care Credit at the very beginning 1 year ago and also feel betrayed, what can I do to recover any funds from CareCredit since I paid in full
December 16th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
I worked at Fig (when it was LipoDissolve) from August 2006-October 2006 in the technology department at thecororate office. During the interview process it seemed like a great growth opportunity. But from the moment I got there, I could tell this place was a sham.
The business pratices were unethical and the business model was doomed to fail. A majority of the executives at the company had been part of a previous failed business called 321 Studios along with many of the employees in thetechnology area.
I could see the writing on the wall and knew that the company would ultimately fail, thus I left about 6 weeks after starting.
December 17th, 2007 at 12:10 am
i to was recieving the treatments from FIG with about four or five treatments in i was pleased with my results and would have liked to compleate the program i also had the carecredit and had made my payments every mouth faithly so whats next for us this is a very sad situation for a lot of hard working people and if we all take a stand agaist this we can get some justic It’s not fair that this RoB SEMAAN is living large of our hardache and pain. respond back to me at tedwardsheim@gmail.com location, dallas texas
December 17th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
Being a former employee in the atlanta area, first and foremost my heart goes out to ALL my patients and those nationwide. As someone else stated on here, all the employees were paid our final paychecks then 4 days later had the money EXTRACTED from our bank accounts. We are all set up on direct deposit….well to talk to the bank they say by signing up for direct deposit, we are giving Fig access to our accounts. HARDLY! If I give my friend some cash and a deposit slip, that doesn’t give them grounds to withdraw money from my acct. Only DEPOSIT. This is the third company Rob Semaan has filed bankruptcy on. Coincidence? I think not. Of course when the employees were brought on board we were sold this fairy tale company and business. The BS oooozed from that point on. For those of you who are wondering, this was a MULTI MILLION $ company. One location in atlanta alone was bringing in close to a million in revenue a month. There are several news stations who are trying to get the inside scoop, is it ironic that FIG has threatened to sue any former employees who talk to the media? They gonna sue us for the money THEY owe US? But wait, if they are no longer existent…..what would they be suing for?
Yea, we’re all pissed.
December 18th, 2007 at 8:48 am
If you’re investigating, you need to investigate the following..
1. What happened to Victor Ojeda, the original Director of PR? Why was he
abruptly fired on the eve of the rebranding & launch of the company’s new name?
2. Why were they dumping millions into a celebrity spokesperson then abruptly
stop using her? What was she not willing to do for the money she was paid?
4. Speaking of the PR guy, Victor, what was he not willing to do which caused
his abrupt termination. Why was Jean Shephered fired as the Director of
Marketing yet kept on as Director of PR when Victor Ojeda got fired? Also,
someone needs to investigate who Katie Rees is and her qualifications. She
was lead into the role of “Public Relations” after Jean Shephered was fired or
as Fig. does…asked to leave abruptly. Littke Katie Rees was a receptionist
before she was a Marketing person, by several months. She has the fastest
advancement of anyone I’ve seen at Fig…
5. The company declined after Robert Moore became ill, Robert Seemann has tanked 3 companies to date.
6. You need to take a very strong look at the corporate structure, the
people who were hired to consult: Patrick Davis Group, Craig Barnes, Jeff Dowdle
to name a few…
7. How many lawsuits are pending against Fig.? Including by patients who
got free treatments and other perks for their role in promoting ALDC/Fig. You
need to see if any of them have had long term problems that are being
covered up…as in can’t wear a bathing suit covered up too…
If you want a good story, there’s a hell of a lot more to a simple running out
of money…
December 18th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
I was a patient of lipodissolve I pay in front also for teatments on my chin and upper abdomen,very bad results my stomaque feel as a rock a lot of noots, I spoke with curtis one of the persons from the main corporation on september they suppost reimbust my money not all only $1000 now ehy are close I dont received any money and on tap of that they start debit money from my account I really need assistance is unbeliable this happen ad nobody want to do anything.
December 18th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Very interesting the comments that have been left on this page. Is anyone else reading all this? If you don’t read anything else, please read comment #30 from Flyonthewall…and if you happen to read this Fly, please, don’t keep the info to yourself…I think the world at large can benefit from a little less ignorance about those around us who would do us harm. Rob Semaan by all published accounts is either a very bad businessman who got a degree from Northwestern and thought he knew something, or a shameless criminal who not only managed to embezzle money from the droves of weary-eyed women, desperate to retain that which gives them secretly the most pride: their natural beauty. How about the many employees who signed up for what they thought was a new life helping to bring joy to the many women of the world with a much less invasive procedure? He has also managed to rob the public of the science. Thinking on this, even now, I should not be surprised- the man is no more than a common thief. I guess we can officially rule out the bad businessman idea (not that I was really counting it anyway…) I have been left without a job right in the middle of the holiday, and for what? I get on the net to find out, and I start reading about all these other companies this guy crashed into the ground. In FIVE FREAKIN’ YEARS?! WTF?! If only we had known…you know, that thing about hindsight- in the end, you’re left looking at your ass. I hope we can all unite and demand justice here. The voice of the people must be heard. We do have extradition with Australia, so if it is indeed provable he committed a business crime as relates to the law of the land, I would very much like to see him yanked back across the Pacific to answer some questions and then spend about five to seven on a block somewhere between two guys who think his smile is kinda purdy…
December 20th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
I would like to follow-up on what a few others have said. First, to Sleuths in Tx: I have seen other reports that Rob (wow…the name says it all) Semaan did not leave the country, although I don’t know which story is true. Second, to Fly on the wall: I agree wholeheartedly on all counts. I also found it very interesting to see how many folks at fig. corporate had the last name of Semaan. I bet they all got severance packages.
December 23rd, 2007 at 9:54 am
I have been through half of my treatments and lost 40lbs with this, but i was not finished withmy treatments. is the attorney generals office of consumer fraud involved on this ??? can any one tell me?????
December 23rd, 2007 at 11:09 pm
the more comments i read from all of the women involved just gets me pissed. Is there some kind of way to get these stories to the press and get some attention on the matter. We should all come together and get our stories heard and to the former imployees of FIG. You have every right to speak and be heard in this matter and for the company to threatened to sue former employees is just a way to keep their dirt from being exsposed . All of us are wittnases to a crime and the crimanal is trying to silence us to keep the truth from getting out. contact me at any time on my e-mail
December 24th, 2007 at 11:39 am
I am from the Sugarland area myself paid in full with Credit Care also had treatments left. This treatment is very painfull what you see on TV is not true it do hurt really bad no results unless it’s face or legs and you already have a flat stomach, I would love to be refunded I had ask to be refunded along time ago my nurse said do all your treatments first no results at all and than apply to get your money back, now I am stuck with the 3000 dollar bill and stomach the same, I want my money back this
fig mess is a mind thing it only work cause you lose weight so of course you think it work, like the old saying 911 is a joke in your town no fig is a joke in our mind. This one was a real get rich ideal how can you go broke when all services are paid in full or as you go notthing was done for free thats another reason they would not take insurance this been a joke and we went for it, FIG need to pay for this.
December 26th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
I too went to fig, after 9 mo.”s of treatment, I only lost 1/4 of a inch. The day of my next treatment I drove 20 miles to find the door”s locked and no sign on the window as to why. We went for the carecredit to be paid in 1 year, that’s starts in Feb. 2008. Now what happen’s? Do I start to pay or not? I have recieved no notifacation from the company. Ido not want to start paying for something that did not work, and got no result”s from?
December 26th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
I just got back from driving all the way to my appointment that was this afternoon. I was very upset to see that it has closed. I was more upset that I was not informed of any of this. The program worked great for me. I lost over 20 pounds in the past two months! I know that I better receice some of my $2500 back. I’m not rich and had to put all this on credit which I will have to continue to pay on for ablut a year and a half. Is legal action going to be required?
December 28th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
i feel absolutely sick to my stomach when I hear the word fig. I worked for fig. indirectly and devoted a lot of time and stress to help accomplish their rediculous marketing strategies. I’d like to add that Rob Semaan made it known that he was a strict mormon and a “religious person.” What a bunch of bull. I hope he thinks twice about who he is and his morals when he sits in the pew at church. What he has done to his employees and fig. patients is shameful…you know he knew the company was going under a long time before it happened, and kept opening up new locations regardless because it was a quick way to make lots of money, take it out of the corporation, and put it right into his “swiss” bank account. The American dream and capitalist system we have here in America sure has benefitted one particular non-American who was eduacted at an Ivy League school and learned how to abuse and cheat the system in corporate America. Dispicable.
December 28th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
I was surprised that fig. went belly up excuse the pun but I had my lower part of my stomach done and it worked great on me I lost 3 pant sizes. I did 6 treatments and I was on my 12 week stop period but had signed up for my love handles to be done starting in Jan. then I heard of the closure. I called card credit and told them that I didn’t receive my treatments and they sent me a form to fill out and to return it back to them now i’m waiting. The credit dept. told me that I wasn’t the only one that had the same problem with the fig. closure and they gave me the impression that I won’t have any problem getting my money back, So we’ll see but I’m not paying the credit b/c I didn’t receive the product and that’;s the insurnance from the credit card company gives you when you sign up with them
December 30th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
I’m out $6,000 and Rob is probably spending it as I sit here and type. Just remember karma…. in the end, it will all come back to him…. ten fold.
January 4th, 2008 at 9:03 am
I too have paid 6000.00 for lower, upper, and loves. I have 5 treatments on lower, 3 on upper and 2 on loves. I too have filed a dispute to get my money back b/c I have seen no results yet. Please keep updating this post for all of us to keep each other informed on the money back situation. Another thing I noticed is Care Credit has gotten tight lipped now with everyone disputing the matter. Does anyone know how this stuff works, if we used Care Credit are we entitled to some of our money back for the services that weren’t rendered? Please let me know. Thanks and God bless everyone.
January 4th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Where do I go from here? I was due a refund of $6,000 and have been waiting. Please tell me I can still get it back?
January 4th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Rob S. (chief executive officer) is a dead man walking !!!
If me and my baby don’t get our money back ! ! ! !
I am pissed, it was all a S C A M ! ! ! !
and they kept stringing us along when we inquired about a refund ! ! !
January 4th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
That is too bad for all these innocent people. I went in for their complimentary consultation and was refused because I needed to lose about 40 lbs before they considered me as a patient, I guess because I told them I could not afford their Medifast diet with 5 kids, Lucky me
January 15th, 2008 at 11:37 am
In response to: Fly on the wall
1. What happened to Victor Ojeda, the original Director of PR? Why was he
abruptly fired on the eve of the rebranding & launch of the company’s new name?
A: Victor was fired due to internet policies, surfing for porn all day. Which he was warned on may different times.
So all of the questions pertaining to Victor Ojeda, should be addressed to his character.
xfig
January 15th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I’m so lost about what to do. i had no idea fig closed. I paid in check and credit card, so I guess i’m screwed out of 1400 bucks (only had 3 treatments) I’m bitter
January 16th, 2008 at 4:40 am
On the news here in Vegas they were saying that Fig is supposed to be contacting all of its customers this week (or actually it might have been last week). If you haven’t heard from them, the http://www.fig.com website has some brief updated info on it.
If you paid with a credit card, or a Care Credit credit card, make sure to contact them to see if you can do a dispute, and at least get the money back for the treatments you didn’t receive.
If you paid by check or cash, you will need proof of what you paid, and then you will need to file a claim with the Fig bankruptcy attorney. I’m not sure if you can do it yet, but once you hear from them, they will supply you with the details. I don’t really know how Chapter 11 (bankruptcy) works, but I just hope you guys are able to get your money back eventually.
January 16th, 2008 at 6:52 am
I am pretty sure that all of the money is LONG gone OUT OF THE STATES.
Rob Semaan is relaxing in his home in Fiji, spending everyones hard earned money.
xfig
January 16th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Vegas- I’d finally recieved a letter offering my partial refund- $4500 of $9000 -end of November. I’d been trying to get a downgrade refund since end of May. I’d gained weight since I started treatments. Figured I’d finish the 1st round and go from there. The end of July- I quit treatments 5-6 in. I was getting the runaround on my refund. In October- I got the BBB & Attorney General- (they sent me to NV Consumer Affairs) involved!! Yah- I was feeling victorious for a whole week or so!! Now- I feel like the biggest loser!!!
January 16th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Xfig you are so full of sh#t its not even funny. The real reason was he wouldn’t lie for Fig.
January 17th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Started treatment in 2/06. After 8 treatments, no results. Recommended to treat adjacent areas to optimize results. After 12 treatments on abs and 10 treatments to love handles, still no results. Final consultation and pictures taken. After 9 weeks, was offered 1/3 of my money back, which I took as them telling me I recieved 2/3 results, which I did not! Contacted company for over a week with no one returning my messages. Businesses and the professionals they hire should be held accountable, as I am a medical professional and am held accountable in my job. This is fraud, a felony. All I’m asking for is a refund on the total amount I paid. But if this continues, they are forcing my hand to seek damages along with my refund. I am not giving up. They did not stand behind their “results guaranteed or your money refunded” policy.
January 18th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
In response to Fly on the wall:
I know for a FACT that he was surfing sites & download videos & photos that were not G-rated. I can still provide you the logs of the information if you wish to review it.
So get all of your facts straight before to call me full of s#it.
xfig
January 18th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
how do i file a bankruptcy claim? I went to a center in GA.
January 19th, 2008 at 9:28 am
xFig you’re still full of s#it. He was fired for something he said to KSDK.
January 20th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
response: Fly on the wall:
hehehe ok… victor.. is god.. I guess and cant do anything wrong.
xfig
January 21st, 2008 at 10:19 am
I just want tosay that I had just joined Fig 4 weeks efore they closed. I was going for the Body Management program and had paid $900 in advanced for those services. On the day of my 4th weigh-in/consultation, I arrived at the Fig office and the doors were locked and the building was totally empty. I tried to call all numbers available to me, and all were unsuccessful. They were nice enough to leave a recording, barley explaining the situation, but promisng to contact all patients about either recieving refunds or continuing on with treatments. Well, sorry to say, they have yet to contact anyone, I know they have yet to contact me. Besides, who in their right mind will want to continue service with a company that goes bankrupt and doesn’t have the heart to contact their patients immediatly following the situation at hand. I think I would have been able to respect them just a little more if that would have been the case. I feel like this was truly a scam, and I want my damn money back. For all of this, I could have stuck with my first mind and went through with the lipo-suction procedure I had scheduled prior to joining Fig. If there will be any action taken against fir now or in the future, I hope it is posted near and far for all of us to see, because I would love to hit them where it hurts. No one should ever have to experience being scammed. I wish everyonr the best. God Bless
January 27th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I’m actually looking to add a nurse to my staff in Frisco, TX. We have assumed some of the FIG clients who lost their money and have given them discounts on services at Sona Medspa. If there are any former FIG nurses out there who are looking for work, please contact me via tonyfortner@tx.rr.com. Maybe we can help each other out.
February 8th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
If Rob Semaan is an example of what the famous Kellog school produces, they need to rethink the ciriculum. Someone mentioned revoking his passport, don’t do that, just flag it so when he enters the country he can be arrested. Ask him why 321 Studios didn’t file bankruptcy and hired a bankruptcy trustee instead? Kept the IRS out of his dirty laundry is why, he left alot of honest vendors hanging out to dry, and he has left alot of good customers and some dedicated employees out to dry this time. There were some great folks working at Fig, neither they nor the customers who spent hard earned money deserved this when it was so unavoidable with a little practical common business sense. Greed is what rules Rob Semaans life. Thats too bad.
February 17th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
I too feel very stupid to have fallen for the Fig scam. My first treatment was on 9-17-07 and was very painful, contrary to the rep stating it would only be sting. Two weeks later, I went back for the second treatment which also was very painful. I became sick after the second treatment and started experiencing problems with my heart. After two months of not feeling well, I learned the offices closed.
I received information in the mail in January regarding Fig’s Bankruptcy and how to file a claim. I financed my treatments ($6,000) with Care Credit. I contacted Care Credit and explained that I only had 2 treatments and questioned if I would be responsible for paying the balance on the account for services not received. The gentleman I spoke to on the telephone was very helpful and they sent me a form to dispute the charges. We’ll see what happens next!
March 4th, 2008 at 11:12 am
I submitted my dispute with Fig to Care Credit in December. Didn’t receive a full refund but I no longer have to pay. Care Credit dropped my credit care balance in February.
April 8th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Von,
What did you submit to Care Credit to get them to drop you card balance? I did not receive all of my treatments and was wondering what I need to do to hopefully not have to pay the remainder of my credit card balance. Any info you can provide would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Sharon
April 26th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
63. I will share my story of fig. I, too was a patient and was into my 1st evaluation after 4 treatments when I recieved an e-mail from fig not to make my Saturday morning appointment. The reasons stated was they were filing for Chapter 11 bankrupt. I immediately got on the phone and called GE Money which was the establishment who financed my $6,000 and told them I wanted out of the contract, I no longer trusted fig and did I need to get an attorney? A form came through the mail which had a bankrupt deadline on it. I immediately completed the form, attached my contract, receipt where I financed the $6,000, along with a letter and sent everything back to the bankrupt attorney for fig. In a few weeks, I received a credit from GE Money for $6,000.00 stating my account was paid in full! I probably got my money back because I acted so quickly to the situation and got everything in before the deadline. I am very sad for all of you who are stuck in this situation. However, this has taught me a lifelong lesson, I was one of the lucky ones and I will never fall for anything that sounds too good to be true again.
June 2nd, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Just a note of humor… Kim Alexis, the former under-utilized spokesperson for Fig. for about a month now has her own reality show starting soon… Its like Jane Dickson Modeling Agency show but with older models..
As someone who was in the know with her demise as spokesperson, I find this kind of funny.
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:23 pm
does any body have costa mesa for number for fig?