Patient Financing
Today more financing options are available than ever before, making cosmetic procedures affordable to those who might not have considered it an option.
Because most cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are not covered by health insurance, financing is often the only means by which someone can afford the more costly procedures.
Average Cost of Procedures
If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, cost should be one of the variables you’re weighing in your pursuit of ageless beauty.
The costs of plastic surgery vary greatly, depending on the type of procedure and your geographic location. Generally, the costs involved include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, operating room fee, and implant fee (if applicable).
According to figures available from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national averages for plastic surgeon fees are as follows:
Surgical Procedures | National Average |
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) | $5,381 |
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) | $2,717 |
Breast augmentation – silicone gel implants | $3,860 |
Breast augmentation – saline implants | $3,541 |
Breast lift | $4,414 |
Breast reduction (women) | $5,637 |
Buttock augmentation | $4,200 |
Buttock lift | $4,675 |
Cheek implants | $2,732 |
Chin augmentation | $2,269 |
Facelift | $6,881 |
Forehead lift | $3,276 |
Gynecomastia (male breast reduction) | $3,294 |
Hair transplantation | $5,218 |
Lip augmentation (other than injectable materials) | $2,017 |
Liposuction | $2,803 |
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction | $3,095 |
Lower body lift | $7,809 |
Otoplasty (ear tuck) | $3,104 |
Rhinoplasty (nose job) | $4,493 |
Thigh lift | $4,629 |
Upper arm lift | $3,878 |
Vaginal rejuvenation | $2,689 |
Nonsurgical Procedures | |
Botox injection | $397 |
Chemical peel | $719 |
Dermabrasion (does not include microdermabrasion) | $1,429 |
Fraxel | $1,337 |
IPL Laser Treatment | $477 |
Noninvasive Tightening | $1,131 |
Laser hair removal | $331 |
Laser skin resurfacing – Ablative | $2,424 |
Laser skin resurfacing – Nonablative | $1,030 |
Laser treatment of leg veins | $402 |
Microdermabrasion | $127 |
Sclerotherapy | $332 |
Soft Tissue Fillers: Autologous fat | $1,797 |
Poly-L-Lactic acid (Sculptra) | $1,071 |
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiance) | $680 |
Collagen, Bovine (includes Zyderm/Zyplast) | $467 |
Collagen, Human | $508 |
Hyaluronic Acid | $562 |
Polymethyl Methacrylate (Bellafill) | $1,253 |
Note: These plastic surgeon fees from ASAPS are national averages and may differ significantly from prevailing fees in your area. The figures represent physician/surgeon fees only and do not reflect additional fees for the surgical facility, anesthesia, medical tests, prescriptions, surgical garments, or other miscellaneous surgery-related costs.
Variables That May Affect Your Cost
When it comes to surgical procedures, there are different variables that can influence the cost of your procedures. Some of the top variables include:
- Surgeon’s Fee
- Type of Procedure(s)
- Extent of Procedure
- Anesthesia
- Surgical Facility
- Location
- Insurance
All fees are not applicable to all procedures, and there are some procedure-specific fees. For example, several non-surgical treatments such as the cost of laser hair removal do not include additional overhead fees for anesthesia or facilities because neither is required.
Available Financing and Payment Options
Many financing alternatives are available, from installment plans arranged through your surgeon’s in-house finance program, to credit obtained from outside finance companies that have partnered with your surgeon. The following are some financing and payment options to help make your treatment more affordable.
- Healthcare Financing Company: Many financing companies provide loans or credit specifically for cosmetic surgery procedures. They offer flexible repayment plans, often with low or no-interest options, making it easier to manage the cost over time.
- Personal Credit Card: A personal credit card with a sufficient credit limit and a low-interest rate may be an option to consider for financing your cosmetic surgery procedure. However, it’s important to be mindful of the interest rates and the potential for accumulating high-interest debt.
- Personal Loans: Obtaining a personal loan from a bank, credit union, or online lender is another option to finance your brow lift procedure. Personal loans typically have fixed interest rates and repayment terms, allowing you to budget for the monthly payments. Compare rates and terms from multiple lenders to find the most favorable loan terms.
- Employer Assistance: Some employers offer employee benefits that include medical financing assistance or discounts for cosmetic procedures. Explore your employee benefits package or speak with your human resources department to find out if such options are available to you.
- Negotiate a Discount: In some cases, plastic surgeons offer discounts for paying in full upfront or provide promotional offers for new patients. Ask about any available discounts or flexible payment arrangements to help make your surgery more affordable.
- Payment Plans: Many cosmetic practices offer payment plans or financing options themselves to help patients manage the cost. With a payment plan, you can spread out the cost of surgery into manageable monthly payments. Speak with your plastic surgeon about any available in-house payment plans and discuss the terms and conditions that best suit your budget.
- Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding platforms provide an opportunity to raise funds from family, friends, and even strangers who believe in your goals. Create a compelling campaign that explains your desire for cosmetic surgery and share it on social media or various crowdfunding websites.
The decision to finance your cosmetic surgery should be made with careful consideration and with the help of a professional financial advisor. Before moving forward with any financing option, meet with a certified financial planner who can help advise you on the best option that aligns with your current financial situation and long-term goals.
How to Choose Your Surgeon
Besides the cost, it’s important to choose a plastic surgeon based on qualifications. When looking for a surgeon, make sure they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or other established associations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).
Although membership in any society or board certification doesn’t guarantee a successful result, most certifying boards like these require extensive medical training, experience, and rigorous surgical education, which can ensure that the most appropriate techniques are used for your procedure while reducing the risk of complications.
Content written by Andrew Proulx, MD | Reviewed by EnhanceMyself Medical Team |Last updated 1/23/2024