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Jury says surgeon must pay $51,600
Plastic surgery suit ends in favor of patient

by Jordan M. Doronila

A jury of six men and six women last week found a Danville plastic surgeon liable for inserting the wrong breast implants in his patient.

Brett Stompro, who has a practice in Blackhawk, must pay $51,600 in damages to Shannon Zien, a former swimsuit model who lives in San Ramon.

"Hopefully, I can get back to the old person who is outgoing and associates with nice people," Zien, 35, said. "I'm happy to move forward and leave this behind me."

"I'd love to educate people who want to get breast implants and what to look for in doctors," she added.

Her attorney Michael Treppa said that, in March 2002, Stompro tried inserting breast implants but when the procedure proved unsuccessful, he decided to use a different type that she had not OK'd.

Treppa said she underwent the surgery because she was having problems with her previous implants.

Zien said she had been convinced of Stompro's surgical ability in the beginning and requested a specific size. But as a result of the experience, Zien said she experienced psychological and emotional stress. She filed a civil lawsuit and spent four years dealing with the traumatic effects of the case, she said.

She also said her modeling career was ruined.

"It was a big letdown," she said. After the surgery, she said she was taking pain medications, dealing with digestive problems, and withdrawing from her friends.

"I thought I wasn't going to make it," she said. "It was a scary time in my life.

Everything spiraled downhill."

She said her family and God gave her strength to will herself through her struggles.

Despite the jury's decision, Stompro said Zien gave him consent to insert either set of implants. He said surgeons normally have available options during surgery. Stompro said that she filed suit because she was unhappy with the way she looked.

"People can claim anything when you are not happy," he said.

"I received a flood of calls from patients and doctors" in support of what he went through, he said.

Stompro said it's normal to spend two-and-a-half to four hours in a surgical procedure involving breast implants. He said the original implants she requested were too large.

"She woke up and wanted bigger implants," he said.

But Treppa said his claims were bogus.

"He still sticking with that story?" he asked. "The jury didn't believe his story. He didn't make it clear on what had to be done."

Treppa said if Stompra had expected to use alternative implants, he would have had them in the operating room but they were located in another room.

"He's trying to cover his tracks," he said.

Nonetheless, Stompro said he is going to appeal the court's decision.

Posted by ANNONYMOUS, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Sep 3, 2007 at 4:47 pm

I have had an extremely negative experience with breast implants and Dr. Stompro. Any one else out there please comment.

Perhaps we can help let other people know our stories.

Posted by Annonymous, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Sep 12, 2007 at 9:46 pm

I have heard nothing but great things about Dr. Stompro. As for the individual who sued him, well I've heard nothing but bad stories about her. So it is very hard for me to believe her story. She has avoided paying me for over 5 years now and comes up with every type of excuse. I am reading this article about her suing Dr. Strompo, has she bother paying me yet, nope, and I've contacted her plenty of times! As far as her modeling career goes if you want to call a couple of pages in a very small news letter modeling, o.k. then she was a model. Maybe prancing around at pool parties completely nude constitutes being a model? I think everything spiraled down hill for her when her well-to-do fiance dumped her for cheating on him and she was cut off! She'll go back to what she was alright...a gold digger.

Posted by Sincerely, a resident of another community, on Feb 11, 2008 at 12:38 pm

I only have nice things to say about Dr. Stompro. He gives excellent care and knows his job. I hate when other people have to resort to this.

Posted by A Stompro patient, a resident of another community, on Apr 30, 2008 at 9:48 am

Dr. Stompro's wife had breast cancer, and because of that he's breast specialist. I had a breast aug from him about 6 years ago, and I've had no problems. Since my surgery, I've had many people approach me to ask if I've had a breast aug because of how natural they look, and have referred tons of business to him. Unfortunately, there are people out there who try to find loop holes to get everything free.

Posted by Aquaintenance of Ms. Zien, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Jul 19, 2008 at 3:35 pm

It is very hard for me to believe anything out of this woman's mouth. If I had been reading this article with anyone else's name in it, I might believe half of it, as I do not know Dr. Stompro personally. What I have heard about him has all been positive and what I have heard and know about Ms. Zien is that she is shameless. She is a very pretty lady, but serious modeling career? When I meet her back in 2000, she already had implants and was suffering from an illness back then. She has tried many times to bring claims against honest people. She has expensive taste and is looking for someone to pay for it. She tried to sue John Brenden, Brenden Theatres, because he broke off their engagement and the fact that he had money!!!!! She should have stayed in his bed and not someone elses who like him had money too. Enough said...this is why I think this article is a bunch of bull. I am sure the money is long gone...so rich men beware, beauty on this one is only as deep as her make-up.

Posted by A Stompro Patient, a resident of the Diablo neighborhood, on Aug 12, 2008 at 9:53 am

Dr. Stompro is charismatic to meet with, but when you have surgery, and go through the entire process the initial meeting stands out as the best part. His follow-up and attention to detail really needs to be addressed. I would NEVER recommend him to anyone.

Posted by happy stompro patient, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Sep 29, 2008 at 7:13 pm

Dr. Stompro was my breast surgeon last year. He was amazing. Professional, sweet, and made me look amazing.

Posted by MMC, a resident of the San Ramon neighborhood, on Jan 21, 2009 at 7:56 pm

My breast aug from Dr. Stompro was horrible. I have complete numbness on both sides. I will never get the feeling back. I went in when I was 19 and he didnt give me the time of day, he was short and rude. I have had them re done since then and they are much better but, still numb. He is VERY over priced. I agree with you get what you pay for but, not with him. Good luck and I would pick a different surgeon. There are some amazing docs out there that dont charge outrageous prices and do an exceptional job.

M.M.C. R.N.

Posted by Calling Doctor Freud, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Jan 23, 2009 at 11:32 am

"I'm happy to move forward and leave this behind me." If he put 'em back there, then by all means I agree you have a case.

"Everything spiraled downhill." Welcome to middle age, darlin'.

Posted by a patient of dr. stompro, a resident of the Alamo neighborhood, on Feb 6, 2009 at 7:41 pm

Be careful! You won't be content with his half-hearted work.

Posted by Roosevelt Alumni, a resident of another community, on Mar 7, 2009 at 9:05 pm

I had surgery three years ago from Dr.Stompro. I'm extremely happy with the results and with the professionalism and friendly mannerism of Dr. Stompro and his staff. He is an expert in his field and it is very unfortunate this patient has tried to tarnish his excellent reputation.

Posted by annonymous, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on May 3, 2009 at 11:44 am

this women is a crinimal,she has a record in coco county where she lives for petty theft stealing frm nordstroms,she comes frm a stealing bkgrd w/a mother that has about 2 handfuls of petty theft the most recent being w/in the last couple of yrs her mother is like over 60yrs old And her mother Linda has swindled many old people out of there money because there too old to know. her mother is in the nurses aid career and can't keep a job cuz she goes to work and then has industrial injuries,she has many lawsuits out there envolving accidents in resturants where i personally wit. her pretended a booth we sat in was faulty and she would blame the resturant for a personal injury envolving her back claiming she got hurt in the booth. i personally know both parties shannon since she was 5yrs old and brett stompro since he was in 9th grade they acually lived across the st. frm each other and never knew it. shannon is on ssi not ssd theres a diffrance ssd you get frm working i don't think she's ever worked! So how dose a person on ssi walk into a dr's office and afford breast implants go figure! Now for the update.. heres the winner of all the stories (Sal frm new jersy) she's met a poor chiropracter working in S.L. ca his office is on 150th ave that was living a couple house down frm shannon on the same street in san ramon where she purposly got pregnant and now has a 2mo old son this poor guy was so mad she did this he still won't marry her but now he's stuck w/her and emotionally commited to his son,so there you have it folks she found another dr to sucker!

Posted by Tracy, a resident of another community, on May 22, 2009 at 7:57 pm

I have had Dr. Stompro do plastic surgery on me twice in the past 5 years. And because of his talent, compassion & integrity he's the only surgeon that I would ever use. I have recommended him to several friends and collegues. It's unfortunate about the lawsuit. But unfortunately we live in a sue happy society and these suits happen to exceptional doctors. Dr. Stompro is successful and talented in his field.

Posted by mz, a resident of another community, on May 27, 2009 at 11:39 pm

Dr Stompro did my breast aug in jan 2008. Prior to my surgery I did alot of research and had several consuls with different Doctors.I am so happy that I chose him to do my procedure.Dr Stompro and his staff are amazing. They went above and beyond my expectations. He has excellent patient care.I'm thrilled with my result.I have and will continue to recommend him to everyone.

Posted by anonymous, a resident of another community, on Aug 14, 2009 at 6:47 pm

Dr. Stompro performed extensive plastic surgery on me. At the consultation he was great. His follow-up care was awful and I ended up in the hospital. I was quite ill for several years because of him.

His post-surgical staff where I had to spend the night were very cold. All they wanted to do was eat and watch TV. I would never, ever refer any one to Dr. Stompro.

Posted by danville resident, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Oct 2, 2009 at 9:33 am

I have also received some plastic surgery from Stompro. The follow-up care was horrible! He was never there - always saw his so called nurse. Once you pay, the rest seems to be your own problem! Bad, bad, bad. Do your research - try another doctor.

Posted by Letdown, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Oct 12, 2009 at 6:12 pm

I have had surgery with Dr. Stompro 5 months ago. I had never heard nothing but great things about him prior to surgery. That has NOT been my experince thusfar..I had lipo on my chin, love it, lipo on my side, ok outcome, breat lift and aug..HATE IT! I have nothing but pain and issues since the surgery. Don't get me wrong I started off loveing the staff and Dr. but now that Im constantly calling and going in with concerns and complaints of my pain,now my thoughts have all changed. Not to mention I have issues with the billing and now am being harrased from a collection agency for over $6o,000 because of an error on the behalf of care credit and not much corrperation on the offices side until I had to get mad enough to have the office manager take over. I have now had two other cons with other doctors to help with decideing what to do. I have been telling Dr. Stompro of what I feel, he down talks me, makes me cry and feel Im just a hypo and concerns are non existant. The other doctors have made it clear on what needs to be done to correct my issue..go back in to surcialy have them correct, Dr. Stompro contiunes to tell me otherwise. Im lost, and so unhappy..I cont to be told I need to wait a year to 18 months/ I will go crazy if that happens..I need help and are not looking for much just to fix what is wrong and make it right. Look around, and do your homework before having anything done...ever.

Posted by Confused Prospect, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Dec 9, 2009 at 12:32 am

I am so confused to why I have only heard really good things about Dr Stompro. And this is the only website I have found bad reviews on him. I just don't understand why the people who aren't happy with their surgery haven't posted reviews on popular doctor review websites, or even yelp or yahoo? There is a risk for any surgery, and I am just not sure whether some of the patients were that small percentage of having a complication?

-Confused

Posted by Richard Hoofard, a resident of the Blackhawk neighborhood, on Apr 12, 2010 at 8:54 am

People get over it, it seems to me that the ones that have had problems with their bodies it isn't the docs fault, its what you were born with. It doesn't matter who you go to you well never be satisfied.You need to be seeing a shrink not a surgeon.Don't blame him.

Posted by Teressa Dallas, a resident of the Blackhawk neighborhood, on Apr 13, 2010 at 1:10 am

[Post removed due to same poster using multiple names]

Posted by M, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on May 6, 2010 at 2:16 pm

Dr. Stompro "did" my eyes in '96 when I was 47, and ever since I've been extremely glad I did this; I'm still "holding" naturally and nicely. (It's been awhile, so I'm thinking of calling him up! ) Anyway, I find him very easy to communicate with, and I believe his remarks are candid. So much of the outcome depends on our expectations and the condition of your skin, and your genes! And,a quick comment on implants: Personaly, I can only imagine that a foreign object "non self" implanted into one's breast is a likely source of scarring and pain, and maybe even an autoimmune reaction. After two big surgeries, I can tell you that opening up the body is not to be taken lightly. My scars from 04 and 06 still hurt at times. Get real, ladies, please! In the end, we must not be at war with our bodies. we must LOVE our bodies more or less as they are, as they are a part of the greater whole of us. with love

Posted by L, a resident of the San Ramon neighborhood, on Jun 11, 2010 at 1:31 am

Before having children, I had a great athletic J Lo build. After was a cometely different story!!! My six pack was covered with a loose pouch and stretchmarks. I interviewed many surgens, checked to make sure he was a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, spoke to others that has used him and Dr. Stopmro's bedside manner was remarkable and he made my husband and I very comfortable. Once I recovered from The result of the tummy tuck I joined 24 Hour, weight watchers, and 4 years later I went in to get the last and final thing I wanted to undo what pregnacy did to me, my breast!

Dr. Stompro is very caring a out all of his patients. I was stressed out about something minor that I thought was such an emergency but Dr. Stompro got on the phone and listened to my concerns, understood my anxiety, calmed me down and put me at ease. Dr. Stompro told me he would be in surgery the next day but wanted

me to see Morgan the next day, just to make me feel 100% at ease. Bright and early the next day, their office called me and I was in to see Morgan within an hour.

I love Dr. Stompro, he has taken me from expecting some improvements to looking better now at 40 than I did at 25!!!

How dare people try to utilize these greedy attorneys representing greedy "gold diggers" turning the good ones into doctors/business owners that HAVE to ways have their guards up. Shame on you!!!!

a quedtio. At 11:30 pm one evening

Posted by Concerned citizen, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Jul 8, 2010 at 9:58 am

Update:Shannon recently delivered an unnamed baby girl not able to Leave hosp. Due methadone addition for several mo's in which Shannon blames fault of her dr (of course)..she also won't name her due to wanting it named aftr her but the father refuses to name the baby in fear she'll comit more fraud since he won't marry her she might steal the childs name and say it's her name then it would have his last name she would also get a new ssi number ect... So baby went home w/o a name I'm sure she'll sneak and name it what she wants.. She's already plotting on how much money she can get out of child support cuz he won't marry her and she spent all this money she got for this case and her hse in forcloser soon..her baby daddy is another duped dr that met the gold digger I guess they don't teach that in med school! Lol

Posted by tracie kalama, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Feb 14, 2013 at 9:42 am

My mother an myself had dr stompro as our surg. And we both can say we had extreem surgery an we coukd not be happier....this is nonsence...she just wanted to be paid!!! He is an artist...my mother remembers him as a little boy sculpting teeth in his dads bak debtist offuce as a young boy..he IS A ARTIST!!!!

Posted by F, a resident of another community, on May 11, 2013 at 1:22 am

I would bet the ranch that all of these “people” on here posting in Stompro’s defense are not real patients but rather employee(s) of his or from an Internet Reputation Restoration company.

This is an old article yet former patients of his continue to coincidentally come across it and feel compelled to write raving testimonials about him yet terrible things about the women who won the lawsuit against him. I don’t think so!

I happen to know that his office, including both doctors, are very unethical from speaking to two of their former patients who wanted to sue them. Getting a lawyer to take a plastic surgery case is nearly impossible unless the patient dies. Their bad reviews always mysteriously disappear or are filtered. Beware!! don’t confuse these "doctors" with real doctors that are there to help you….these guys only want your money and only care about themselves. They are evil sharks that have no problem sleeping at night after ruining other people's lives.