Paying for a Plastic Surgeon: Your Best Options

Paying for a plastic surgeon isn’t going to be easy for everyone. Cosmetic surgery can cost into the many thousands of dollars, which isn’t a sum that many people have lying around in their slush fund. Of course, many would argue that such procedures are of a luxury nature and if you can’t afford them, then you certainly have no right to them. While this is undeniably true, it misses the point. Many people are as bothered by their aesthetic problems as they would be if they had something medically wrong with them. Low self esteem, lack of confidence, and depression are common traits for those unhappy with their appearance. If you want to have a procedure, here are some ways you can pay for it.

Health Insurance
In most cases, health insurance will not pay for a plastic surgeon. These procedures are qualified as “elective surgery” and the insurance companies see no need to cover them in the cost of doing business. However, this is not always the case. For instance, if you have a procedure that will help you both aesthetically and medically, there may be a chance that your insurance company will pay for at least part of the cost, given proper documentation. Breast implants following a mastectomy, for instance, or a nose job that is being done to correct breathing problems. Some women have had their breast reductions covered as well, after proof was submitted regarding back problems. 

Specials and Discounts
When it comes to shopping around for the best price on a plastic surgeon, it gets into a tricky area. The last thing you want to do is go searching for the cheapest guy on the block. Bargain basement prices rarely mean anything good for the procedure. Remember, you’re shopping for an (often invasive) operation, not a new pair of shoes. Keep your health and safety at the forefront of your decisions. Having said that, it’s certainly okay to take advantage of any specials and discounts a reputable office is offering to get patients through the doors. 

Financing
If you have been unable to save the money in advance, financing could be your best bet. Sometimes, a plastic surgeon will actually offer financing directly through their practice. You won’t necessarily get better rates this way than going through your bank, but it could be the most convenient option. Talk to your doctor about the financing aspect of the procedure and see if there is anything they can do to help you out. If not, go to your bank and see if taking out a personal loan would be feasible. Often, you won’t even have to give a reason for the loan if it is under a certain figure. If all else fails, you could use a credit card for the operation.