How Can I Back out of Surgery and Get a Refund?

Question

My plastic surgeon ecommended silicone over saline. Trusting her advice, I paid in full ($6000) and scheduled my surgery for silicone implants in two weeks. I researched the pros. and cons of silicone vs saline. I called the very next day to ask the PS if it was too late to switch to saline. She said "NO" because she did not order the gel foams yet. I asked her if I would get a $1000 refund since saline was cheaper. Her response was "NO." I am so upset. Now I don't trust her and want a refund!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,

	I am sorry that you and your prospective surgeon have had this destructive conversation.  It really shouldn't have happened; I think she could have handled it better.  Check to see how much money is refundable and cancel your surgery.  You may be able to receive the non-refundable portion back, especially if it was not clearly marked in you financial quote.  If it is buried in the body of text in the paperwork and not clearly marked, you may be entitled to all of your money back.

	As for your decision to get saline, you should speak to a few other surgeons, preferably certified by the ABPS, and members of the ASAPS.  The FDA reissued its summary regarding testimony and scientific presentation during the 5 year follow up hearings in Washington DC last August. The FDA's scientific panel clearly indicated that silicone gel implants are as safe as saline.  Additionally, silicone gel implants are more durable, have less rippling, and are softer.

	Best of luck!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You should ask to,meet with the plastic surgeon in her office to review your surgical plans, and, hopefully, this is just a misunderstanding. There is no reason that you cannot change your mind and switch to saline. After all it's your body, your choice. If you cannot have a decent meeting of the minds,Younshould not proceed with the surgery, but something tells me this is just a misunderstanding and you should meet with the plastic surgeon in person to discuss it.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

My opinion only: The cost savings your surgeon realizes by your switch from more expensive gel implants should be passed on to you, and you are entitled to a refund of the cost difference. More importantly, the bond of trust between surgeon and patient has been injured even before your procedure! Sticky situation, you need to go with your gut on this one. Get more information about her office refund policy, speak truthfully with the surgeon and staff to get a sense of what you should do. Ask about revision policy also.

Richard H. Lee, MD · Answer

At this point, the best thing for you to do is to meet with your surgeon and have a face to face meeting with her. Explain the reasons you would like saline implants. I cannot imagine that your surgeon would force the issue on you and try to push for silicone implants. Also, explain to your surgeon your reservations about surgery with her because of your interactions about the matter. I hope things work our for the both of you.

Michel C. Samson, MD · Answer

The best thing to do is schedule an appointment to discuss this in the office with your surgeon. They most likely have a written policy regarding fees and refunds. In any case explain your concerns. Most surgeons want patients who are happy going in to the operation, and will try to help you out if it is reasonable. Good luck!

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

	Most businesses have a policy for refunds or cancellations.  I would look at your paperwork that you received since it should state something about this.  I do not see any reason why your plastic surgeon could not refund the difference between saline and silicone implants.  You should also be able to get a full refund for cancellation at 2 weeks however this will depend on your plastic surgeons policy as well.  Most plastic surgeons would be wise and reasonable enough to allow you to cancel with full refund at 2 weeks since there is an opportunity to fill that schedule position in that amount of time.  I agree with the idea of going back to the office and having a face to face talk.

	All the best,

	Dr Remus Repta

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

I have to say I agree with you. But your surgeon may have some policy regarding refunds. If so you should have been informed in writing of the policy and you should have been given a copy of that paper. It is quite possible the surgeon misunderstood your question. I think I would explain one more time that you want a different implant that costs less. It is hard for me to imagine the surgeon not refunding the difference in the implants. If the answer is still no you should find another doctor.

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