200 S. Orange Center Rd. | Orange CT 06477 »

Paying for Plastic Surgery

Financing Plastic Surgery SmallThinking about paying for plastic surgery, but not sure what options are available?

While cosmetic procedures are a significant investment, they can also pay off in dividends both personally and professionally.

It’s estimated that over 15 million people undergo cosmetic procedures annually, spending over $12 billion.  And it’s no wonder: when people find a way to restore, refine or enhance their appearance, it enables them to engage life more fully, with renewed confidence and zest.

Far from being a superficial pursuit, it often changes the way people feel about themselves and how they relate to the people around them.   But unlike other major financial decisions like financing a vehicle, paying for higher education, or buying a home, paying for plastic surgery isn’t something that people often talk about openly.

In rare situations, like reconstructive surgery after an accident or illness, or for people who require surgery for health-related reasons (e.g. a breast reduction to address back pain), insurance companies will occasionally foot the bill.  For everyone else, plastic surgery is considered elective surgery, and is therefore not covered by health insurance.

Watch this Plastic Surgery Channel Video About Ways to Pay

Here are six payment methods for plastic surgery worth exploring:

Medical credit cards: Medical or health credit cards only cover medical expenses and are often offered as the preferred financing option to cosmetic surgery patients. Since they are limited to medical expenses, they prevent the temptation to overspend on unrelated purchases, like new clothes and cosmetics, using your new line of credit. Many health care credit cards come with attractive zero percent promotions, and some can have reasonable interest rates and payment plans. CareCredit.com is one of the most popular options. We work with them to provide 6, 12, and 36-month payment plans.

Home equity loans and lines of credit: For homeowners, this is an easy and affordable option. Loans are provided against the equity of your home, and interest is based on current mortgage rates; which, in our current economy are historically low. Additionally, you can write off interest on home loans, making a home equity loan an ideal way to finance plastic surgery.

Regular credit cards: Many patients apply for a new low-APR credit card with a zero percent introductory period, and some will even get approved for a card that offers a rewards program or cash back options. This is a great option if you have good credit and you’re committed to making regular monthly payments so that the balance is paid off before, or shortly after, the introductory rate expires. The added bonus is this can help you build your credit and you might even earn enough bonus rewards to treat yourself to a new fashion or beauty products to enhance your post-surgical look. Here’s a site with the Best Current Credit Card Offers for patients with good credit.

Gifts & Go Fund Me Support: Countless patients receive gift certificates for procedures, and some also set up a special account where friends and family can contribute towards surgery. You can choose to disclose what the funds are for, or be vague (e.g. “It’s my birthday, but instead of gifts I’m saving up to treat myself to something really special”).  Many times, a romantic partner or a loved one is happy to contribute towards the procedure that they know will enhance your sense of confidence and well-being.  A lot of patients are also able to rally support from family and friends by simply explaining how they expect surgery will change their lives both personally and professionally.  Some even create elaborate social media campaigns to tell their story and solicit support.

Cash savings: An ideal way to pay for surgery is simply to save monthly until you have enough to cover the cost. The biggest challenge with this strategy is how tempting it might be to spend the money on other things. Also, waiting for the surgery and corresponding physical pay-off can be challenging.  However, for patients wanting to expedite the savings process, it’s not uncommon to take on a part-time job on nights or weekends; it reduces the time it takes to squirrel money away for surgery without affecting their regular take-home pay or monthly budget.  Some even keep the job post-surgery for other discretionary self-care spending. Another option for paying with cash is to plan plastic surgery around an income tax refund.

Loans from family and friends: Borrowing from friends and family is increasingly common; and oftentimes, people you’re close to will lend you money at low interest or even no interest. Friend and family are usually more flexible with repayment terms and may even consider allowing you to work off the loan some other way. Can you house-sit? Provide companion care? Barter professional skills? Act as a personal assistant? Ultimately, you might find a win-win scenario in which you’re both better off. The important thing is to put the relationship first and to put the terms of the loan in writing so that both parties’ interests are secure.

At Restifo Plastic Surgery, we are happy to accept different types of payment for the same surgery. Many of our patients put some cash down, finance a portion, and use a credit card for other fees. When you come in for a consultation, we can review these options with you.

Plastic Surgery as an Investment

Regardless of how a patient decides to pay for plastic surgery, it’s important that they have fully weighed the value of what they’ll receive against the bottom line cost. If paying with savings is not an option, it goes without saying that it’s prudent to shop around for the best financing terms.

That said, shopping around for the “best deal” with regard to surgery is another story altogether.  When it comes to choosing your surgeon, remember that you will probably get what you pay for.

Although even the best surgeons may offer special pricing at certain times of the year, beware of surgical practices that offer too-good-to-be-true deals; or doctors who claim to “specialize” in every conceivable procedure.  The last thing you need is to find yourself budgeting for a second “revision” surgery because you discount-shopped on the first.

Why Board-Certification Matters When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

Seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in performing the specific procedure(s) that you’re interested in. To understand the important difference between doctors who market themselves as cosmetic surgeons versus plastic surgeons, read this.

Choose someone who understands your goals and has the proven experience to achieve great results.  Educate yourself through credible professional websites like ASPS and ASAPS. Read reviews. Schedule a consultation. Then make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Still have questions? Ask Our Team.

Tagged with: , ,

Posted in: plastic surgery financing

Leave a response

Ask Our Team

marie

If you’re considering surgery, looking to schedule your consultation, or have any questions about our office, ask our team now! Text or call 203-772-1444 or fill out the form below.

Quick Contact

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
* All indicated fields must be completed.
Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.
*Do not use special characters in the comment/message box
I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored.*
This form collects information we will use to send you updates and special offers. We won’t share or sell your personal information. You can unsubscribe at any time.*
Do you agree for Restifo Plastic Surgery & Mao Facial Plastics to contact you?*
Texting is now available! Do you consent to receiving text messages?*
Although we use a HIPAA-compliant platform, text messages may not be secure on your carrier.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


Locate Our Office

200 S. Orange Center Rd. | Orange, CT 06477
Get DirectionsTel: 203.772.1444
Fax: 203.907.0503

Location Map:

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Member of American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Fellow American College of Surgeons
Harvard Medical School
Castle Connolly Top Doctors
Best Doctors