Cosmetic surgery is less taboo these days. Women are talking about their Botox days over brunch, sharing their recovery on TikTok, and swapping plastic surgery before and after photos in group chats. Procedures that were once considered secretive are now openly discussed as part of beauty culture, self-confidence, anti-aging, and self-expression.
However, there’s one topic that tends to surprisingly sneak under the conversation radar: how people are paying for it.
As plastic surgery normalizes, patients are becoming increasingly open about what it’s like to finance elective procedures and the various pros and cons of their payment options. Whether considering surgery for the first time or discussing costs with a friend, many women want to know:
- How much should I save up?
- Is financing a good idea?
- What’s the difference between financing companies?
Why Are People More Open About Cosmetic Procedures?
Beauty culture has changed. In many ways, the way women talk about cosmetics, plastic surgery, and self-improvement has become more nuanced.
Surgeries that were once perceived as taboo are now considered by many to be another tool for women to feel confident in their skin. Cosmetic procedures are largely framed as a personal decision with some even considering them similar to beauty treatments, wellness investments, and routine doctor’s appointments.
That doesn’t mean everyone is comfortable with the idea of plastic surgery. But it does mean that more patients are opening up about their decisions and seeking transparency from providers about what procedures can do.
Why Do Patients Feel Intimidated By Cosmetic Surgery Cost?
Cosmetic surgery is pricey. For many patients, the financial commitment can feel overwhelming.
Because cosmetic procedures are considered elective, most insurance plans will not cover treatment. That means that patients are typically responsible for paying surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility costs, and follow-up care.
Depending on the procedure, patients can spend anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars on surgery.
These costs aren’t always easy to fit into monthly budgets. Many women are already juggling housing costs, student loans, childcare, travel, retirement, and monthly bills. Adding tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses can seem impossible.
Should I Save Up Cash Before Surgery?
For some surgeries, yes. If you have the ability to pay for your procedure upfront, it could save you money in the long-run. Most financing programs will charge interest on your balance or require minimum monthly payments. Paying upfront allows you to avoid interest charges and could lower the overall cost of your procedure.
However, not everyone has that kind of money just sitting around, especially if they are seeking a breast augmentation.
Some patients prefer to avoid debt, but not by drawing from their emergency funds or investment portfolios. Others may simply feel more comfortable spreading costs over time or like the option of predictable monthly payments. That’s why financing is so popular.
How Does Plastic Surgery Financing Work?
Thanks to recent innovation in healthcare financing, plastic surgery financing has changed a lot over the last decade.
In the past, patients often relied on traditional credit cards or personal loans. Today, several companies offer financing options specifically for cosmetic procedures and elective healthcare.
Lenders allow patients to apply online, get decisions quickly, and select repayment plans that suit their budget. Plastic surgery financing programs are becoming more popular than ever.
These days, patients are rarely limited to just one or two financing options.
Different providers offer different benefits. Some have faster approval times, others have lower interest rates. It’s important to understand the differences between financing providers before committing to a program.
What Plastic Surgery Financing Options Should I Consider?
CareCredit, Alphaeon, and Cherry are some of the most well-known financing companies for plastic surgery.
Cherry offers flexible financing options for patients that qualify. Learn more about Cherry’s plastic surgery financing options here, but patients can apply before their procedure, decide quickly, and choose repayment plans that work with their budget.
CareCredit is similar to a credit card specifically for medical, dental, and wellness expenses. CareCredit allows patients to enroll in monthly payment programs and offers promotional financing for qualifying customers.
Alphaeon accepts applications from patients looking to finance healthcare-related expenses. Compared to credit cards or traditional bank loans, Alphaeon is tailored to cosmetic procedures and elective healthcare.
These are just a few of the companies offering financing for plastic surgery. As more innovative solutions enter the market, patients will be able to find programs that fit their budgets and banking preferences.
Will My Credit Be Checked If I Finance Surgery?
With most financing companies, yes. When you apply for CareCredit, Alphaeon, or Cherry, that company will run your credit.
However, many newer financing options do not require credit checks to approve your application. These options typically rely on income verification instead of traditional credit scores.
Is Plastic Surgery Financing A Safe Option?
That depends on who you ask. Financial security looks different for every person. Instead of wondering if financing is safe, consider whether it’s a good fit for your budget and financial goals.
For many patients, financing provides a secure solution that allows them to pay for their procedures over time. If you’re comfortable with monthly payments and can fit surgery into your budget, financing could be right for you.
For others, financing feels too similar to debt. If you prefer to avoid monthly payments or interest charges, you may want to consider paying for your procedure without a financing program.
Will Cosmetic Surgery Always Cost This Much?
Probably not. Medical financing is becoming more innovative by the day. As new companies make it into the industry, we’ll likely see more options available than ever before. Increased competition helps patients by driving down interest rates and inspiring more transparent pricing models.
We also hope to see more flexibility in pricing across the industry. Cosmetic surgery should be comfortable and accessible for patients of all budgets. More transparent conversations about price could help normalize plastic surgery and allow patients to budget responsibly.
How Common Is Surgery Financing?
Financing a procedure is pretty common.These days, there are so many options for financing cosmetic surgery that patients are often able to find programs that let them pay little to no interest. Over time, we hope to see more transparency around the cost of cosmetic surgery and treatment financing.
How Else Can Patients Feel Empowered?
Asking questions is the first step. Your provider should never make you feel uncomfortable asking about the cost of your procedure or financing options.
Women should feel empowered to make whatever decision is right for their bodies and their budgets. Cosmetic surgery is an investment, and like any other investment you should feel confident in your decision before you commit.
