Plastic Surgery: Who Pays For These Expensive Procedures?

Plastic surgery is an expensive procedure, with common procedures like breast augmentation, liposuction, and facelifts costing several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. As it is often an elective surgery, insurance rarely covers the cost, meaning patients must pay for it directly and in full. So, how do people pay for so much plastic surgery?

Financing options

Plastic surgery can be very expensive, with common procedures like breast augmentation, liposuction, and facelifts costing several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. As it is usually considered an elective surgery, insurance rarely covers the cost. This means that people often have to pay for it themselves, and financing has become a common and popular option.

• Medical credit cards: Cards like CareCredit® offer special financing options for various medical procedures, including plastic surgery. They allow patients to spread out the cost over time through structured payment plans. However, these cards have interest rates just like regular credit cards, and these may be higher than a standard credit card.
• Bank credit cards: Some patients use their own credit cards to finance their procedures. Many clinics accept most major credit cards, including VISA®, MasterCard®, Discover®, and American Express®.
• Cash: Paying in cash is always a smart way to pay for purchases. If you don't have the total amount readily available, you can set up a budget and put away a specified amount monthly until you have the entire amount saved up.
• Medical loans: Companies like ALPHAEON® Credit and Prosper® Healthcare Lending offer financing terms that can accommodate the budgets of most patients. They often offer promotional periods with low or zero interest rates.

Many clinics recognise the financial challenges faced by their patients and offer financing options to make procedures more affordable. These options allow patients to spread the cost of their treatment over time, making it easier to fit into their budgets.

Credit cards

However, it is important to keep in mind that credit cards typically come with high interest rates, which can add to the overall cost of the procedure. Additionally, some credit cards may offer promotional periods with low or zero interest rates, but it is essential to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions before signing up.

There are also medical credit cards specifically designed for financing medical procedures, such as CareCredit. These cards often offer attractive financing terms and structured payment plans, making plastic surgery more accessible to a broader range of people. However, it is worth noting that medical credit cards have interest rates just like regular credit cards, and these rates may differ from standard credit card rates.

Overall, while credit cards can be a useful tool for paying for plastic surgery, it is important to carefully consider the costs and potential risks involved before making any decisions.

Cash

Paying for plastic surgery with cash is always a smart way to pay for purchases. If you don’t have the total amount readily available, you can set up a budget and put away a specified amount monthly until you have the entire amount saved up. This way, you can avoid paying interest on credit cards or loans.

However, it is important to note that plastic surgery procedures can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Common procedures like breast augmentation, liposuction, and facelifts are expensive and may be out of reach for many people. While some people may be able to pay for these procedures with cash, it is not a feasible option for everyone.

Financing has become a common and popular option for patients who cannot afford to pay for plastic surgery upfront. Medical credit cards, such as CareCredit®, ALPHAEON® Credit, and Prosper® Healthcare Lending, offer attractive financing terms that can accommodate most patients' budgets. These companies often provide promotional periods with low or zero-interest rates, making it easier for people to afford plastic surgery.

Additionally, some patients use their bank credit cards to finance their procedures. Major credit cards, including VISA®, MasterCard®, Discover®, and American Express®, are often accepted by plastic surgery providers. This option allows patients to take advantage of the timeliness of financing, enabling them to undergo cosmetic surgery as soon as possible without waiting to save up the total cost.

While paying with cash is a wise financial decision, it may not be realistic for everyone. The high cost of plastic surgery can be a significant barrier for many individuals. As a result, financing options have become increasingly popular, providing alternative ways for people to afford these procedures.

Insurance

Plastic surgery is most often elective surgery, so insurance rarely covers the cost of the procedure. This means that patients are usually left to pay for the entire cost of their surgery out of pocket.

However, there are a few ways that patients can finance their plastic surgery procedures. Some patients use their own credit cards to finance their procedures, while others may take out loans or use medical credit cards like CareCredit, ALPHAEON Credit, and Prosper Healthcare Lending. These companies often offer promotional periods with low or zero-interest rates, making it easier for patients to afford the procedures.

Another option for patients is to pay for their procedures with cash. This can be a smart way to pay for purchases, as it avoids the accumulation of debt. Patients can set up a budget and put away a specified amount of money each month until they have saved up the entire amount needed for their surgery.

The cost of plastic surgery can vary depending on the surgeon's expertise and the region in which the surgery is performed. Surgeons with specific expertise often have higher fees, and the principle of supply and demand plays a crucial role in determining the cost of surgery. For example, a surgeon in high demand for a particular procedure will cost more as their demand outstrips their supply.

Financing options have made plastic surgery more accessible to a broader range of people. These options allow patients to spread out the cost of their treatment over time, making it easier to fit into their budgets. However, it is important to keep in mind that medical credit cards often have interest rates just like regular credit cards, and these interest rates may be different from standard credit card rates.

Budgeting

Plastic surgery can cost several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the procedure. As it is often elective surgery, insurance rarely covers the cost, so patients must pay out of pocket.

The first step in budgeting for plastic surgery is to research the cost of the specific procedure you are interested in. Prices can vary depending on the surgeon's expertise and the region in which you live. It is important to get a quote from the surgeon and ensure price transparency before scheduling the surgery to avoid surprises in your bill.

Once you know the cost of the procedure, you can start saving up for it. One option is to set up a monthly budget and put away a specified amount each month until you have saved the entire amount. This may involve cutting back on non-essential expenses or finding ways to increase your income, such as taking on extra work or selling unwanted items.

Another option is to use financing to spread the cost of the procedure over time. Some companies, such as CareCredit®, ALPHAEON® Credit, and Prosper® Healthcare Lending, offer attractive financing terms with low or zero-interest promotional periods. You can also use bank credit cards to finance the procedure, although it is important to keep in mind that these cards may have high-interest rates.

It is also worth considering the timing of your procedure. If you choose to save up for the entire amount, you may need to wait longer to schedule your surgery. However, if you use financing, you can undergo the procedure as soon as possible and pay for it over time.

Finally, it is important to be realistic about your budget and what you can afford. Plastic surgery can be a significant expense, and it is important to ensure that you are not taking on more debt than you can handle.

Frequently asked questions