Surgeon offered to reimburse his rhinoplasty fee as long as I say he is not liable for anything. Is this normal?

Surgery of the nose is very technically challenging and meeting cosmetic expectations is even more so.  Even when the surgery is performed perfectly, there are so many other variables such as the healing process that is not controllable by the surgeon.  This surgeon is being VERY reasonable in my opinion.  You had a safe surgery but are not happy with the cosmetic outcome.  This is not medical negligence.  Take the generous offer and sign the release.  Good luck and be safe.John T. Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Your narrative does not address why you are dissatisfied with your result. If you or your surgeon is no longer comfortable continuing the physician-patient relationship, severing this relationship with a refund may be something for you to consider especially if you will require further cosmetic nasal surgery. I'm sorry that you are dissatisfied. I hope this note will be helpful for you.Dr. Joseph

Rhinoplasty is considered the most complex cosmetic procedure. Even in the best hands, revisions or touch ups are occasionally necessary.  

I can assure you this is much easier than the legal route which can be very long and drawn out and make things worse. I would take his offer and sign the papers since it sounds like the issue is a cosmetic one of dissatisfaction with appearance and not a medical liability one. Some surgeons would not even offer what he has. With any cosmetic procedure there are no guarantees and always a possibility your aesthetic ideal may not be achieved. Hopefully your next experience will be better.

Always a difficult situation.  I would tell you that his offer to return $3200 is VERY generous and he obviously is compassionate and wants to help you.  Yes, if you are lucky to have this type of surgeon then part amicably and get the help you need.  Surgery is not manufacturing, it is an art and even when the result is technically good, there may be a gap in communication or you may have helped in a way that does not give you the result you desired.  In any case, I would accept the offer and sign and move on.