Since most health insurance providers don’t cover the costs of elective surgery, your cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure may be financed out of your own pocket. Still, saving money for your treatment isn’t the only way to manage cosmetic or plastic surgery costs; financing plans, credit cards and personal loans can help you get the procedure you need without overextending your monthly budget. 

Consider these six ways to pay for cosmetic surgery so you can pursue your ideal treatment with peace of mind:  

Patient Financing and Cosmetic Surgery Loans

Patient financing programs are unsecured personal loans, which means you don’t need to provide collateral upfront in order to qualify. However, you will need a high credit score and strong credit history to qualify for the best financing programs. Most patient financing programs offer low-interest loans and flexible payment plans so you can select something that fits right into your monthly budget.  

Payment Plans at the Doctor’s Office

Many cosmetic surgeons now offer private payment plans that simply break down your total bill into more convenient segments. Some of these may even end up costing you less than paying with a credit card, so learning about your options during your consultation can help you with your decision.  

Personal Savings

Putting a few dollars away into savings each month can help you manage the costs of surgery, but even if you don’t have enough at the end of your savings stretch, you can use the money as a partial payment towards treatment. Some doctors will accept a partial cash payment and then help you cover the costs of cosmetic surgery with patient financing or payment plans if needed. Cash payments in the form of a check, debit card or cash may require payment in full before your surgery.  

Personal Credit Cards

If you have low-interest credit cards with an open balance, paying for plastic surgery and then paying a set amount (higher than your monthly payment) can help you cover the costs with ease. Most cosmetic surgeons accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express.; while you will be paying some interest with these payment option, credit cards can be a better choice than not having the procedure at all.  

Online Credit Card Options

Applying for a new credit card may be a better alternative to using existing credit cards, especially if most of your personal credit cards have high APRs. Online credit card companies have become increasingly competitive in recent years, offering 0% interest terms and higher approval rates for less-than-stellar credit. Do some research for rewards cards and credit cards with flexible terms and convenient financing plans.  

Personal Loans

Secured loans from a bank, credit union or other loan provider is another way to manage the costs of elective surgery. A secured loan will require collateral upfront – your car, boat, or other asset will be used to support the loan, but this strategy can help you get the amount you need, at a competitive rate.  

Researching your procedure and choosing a surgeon are just a part of your decision process; finding a way to fund your ideal procedure may take some time, but you have several options to choose from.  

Learn more about patient financing in our information guide, or meet with a doctor in your area to learn about doctor financing and cosmetic loans that can cover the costs of surgery - without putting a strain on your personal budget.