Trouble Getting Deposit Back from Cosmetic Surgeon Who Isn't Qualified, What Should I Do?

asked 9 months ago by ash288 in Tucson, Az
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 392 times
Tags: board certification, costs

In March I was scheduled for a tummy tuck with a cosmetic surgeon (I was told by him that a cosmetic surgeon was just as qualified as a plastic surgeon)I found really bad reviews on him & asked for my deposit back. Since March his receptionist has been back and forth with me. I told them I would complain to Bomex because I went to other plastic surgeons and they told me I don't even have enough skin for a full tummy tuck. I'm not sure how I should deal with this. any advice would be appreciated.

11 answers to Trouble Getting Deposit Back from Cosmetic Surgeon Who Isn't Qualified, What Should I Do?

Refund from"Cosmetic Surgeon"

Unfortunately, there is not much to do but write a letter explaining the situation. I have found that many of these “cosmetic surgeons” realize that they are better off providing the refund than having you complain to the medical board that you were misled. In the big picture, I am glad you avoided surgery with this position; the deposit may be a small price to pay for an important " lesson”. Best wishes. see video

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Refund...

I am glad that you have now done your homework and have realized there is a big difference betwen a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and a Cosmetic Surgeon. The difference in the training is remarkable. I would read the fine print to see what their refund policy actually states if you signed a cosmetic cost sheet. They may be justified in keeping the deposit if you were informed of their refund policy. What I do not think is justified are physicians who pass themselves off as... more

Robert Heck, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

Getting Deposit Back From Unqualified Surgeon

You hit on a very important point. Anyone can call themselves a plastic or cosmetic surgeon and claim to be board-certified. Make sure that your surgeon is certified by the AMer. Board of Plastic Surgery and also that he/she has hospital privileges to perform the surgical procedure that you have chosen. Your county or state medical society or state licensure board should be able to assist you in obtaining your refund.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Deposit refund

Your situation is one that I have heard over and over again during my years of practice. Many plastic surgeons and those calling them plastic surgeons, try to pressure a patient to leave a nonrefundable deposit at the time of the initial consult because they know if you do you are less likely to cancel your surgery. The best chance of getting your money back is to call or write them a letter requesting the return of your deposit, your reasons for requesting it, and that you intend to... more

Ronald J. Edelson, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Buyer Beware

Did you sign a document agreeing to a non refundable deposit? It is unfortunate that you did not check out your surgeons qualifications. I agree this is a legal question.

Richard Linderman, MD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

Cosmetic Surgeon "fool me once.... shame on me!"

It may difficult to obtain a refund without going through small claims court. That process may cost you more than the deposit you placed with the doctor in question. You may have to consider it a "life" lesson and be thankful that your intuition kicked in before you had an operation by this doctor. Sorry this the best advice I have. Good luck

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Unscrupulous doctor won't return patient's deposit

I would send a certified letter to this physician demanding your money back and giving a specific time frame, say 2 weeks. You should also include in your letter that you will file a complaint either with BOMEX (the Arizona Medical Board) or the Osteopathic Board if he is an osteopath (DO) if he doesn't comply. BOMEX in particular is very aggressive in pursuing actions against Arizona doctors. Unfortunately, the Osteopathic Board is very lax and it may take some more aggressive actions... more

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

Trouble Getting Money Back From A Cosmetic Surgeon Who Isnt Qualified

This is an important example of the need for patients to do their research before scheduling cosmetic surgery. Board Certification in plastic surgery is essential. You said that this doctor isn't qualified... your state's medical board should be notified immediately. The medical board may be able to assist you with this problem.

Elizabeth S. Harris, MD
San Antonio Plastic Surgeon

www.eharrismd.com

Check with your state

All physicians are licensed in the states in which they practice. There are usually rules that they have to follow. In New York we have the Office of Professional Medical Conduct which can investigate physicians for unethical practices. See what exists in your state and complain to them. Also you can sue the physician in small claims court. Good luck

William B. Rosenblatt, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Refunding deposit

Hello, A doctors office is just like any business in terms of having office policies that describe how and when a deposit is refunded. They should have provided this for you when you gave them your deposit and you can simply refer to that when discussing the issue with them. I would hope that they honor that portion of their contract with you. All the best, Dr Repta

Remus Repta, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

Deposit

This may be a difficult predicament. The advice you seek is more legal than medical. If you do not have a copy of any documents that you signed, you should request them. You may also seek assistance from the local Better Business Bureau or your state medical board. If you are unable to find answers with either of these entities, you could consider formal legal advice. Good luck.