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NBC 6 Responds Helps Woman Get Partial Refund for Canceled Plastic Surgery

Lali Argandona likes the slimmer self she sees in the mirror, but wanted just a little more.

"I was a 2X before, now I’m down to a large," Argandona said.  "I just want my clothes to fit better."

So the 61-year-old went shopping for a plastic surgeon and found Dr. Carlos Spera. Argandona chose him to perform the tummy tuck and liposuction she wanted. She signed a contract and paid $6,900.

But then her cardiologist sent her a letter saying "recent tests came back abnormal and put her at a high risk for plastic surgery." Unable to get the required medical clearance, Argandona asked for a full refund.

"It’s not recommended by my doctors and without the clearance we don’t have any surgery," Argandona said.

She called NBC 6 Responds after she says she had trouble getting all of her money back.

"It’s not $6.90 that I put out, it’s $6,900," she said.

Dr. Spera declined an on-camera interview, but an officer manager said they are willing to return most of the $6,900 Argandona paid – minus a $1,000 non-refundable deposit listed in the contract and credit card fees.

They said: "Any patient that would be determined to have a cardiac problem would be returned their money." But they add that the letter and stress test results Argandona provided don’t show she has a "heart problem."

"I don’t think it’s fair," Argandona said.

Argandona wanted all of her money refunded, but decided to accept what they’re offering. She says she’s learned a lesson to get her doctor’s approval before handing over any money.

"That was very stupid," she said. "That’s the way I feel."

Dr. Spera’s office says they had to cancel two scheduled appointments while waiting for Argandona’s medical clearance and that its customary for them to use the deposit to help cover expenses from scheduling the staff needed for the procedure.

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