Financing Your Cosmetic Surgery

Everyone knows that cosmetic surgery is expensive and typically not covered by health insurance. Yet each year, more and more people are having cosmetic surgery. What expenses can you expect? Can you afford to have a specific procedure? These facts will help you decide.

A survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that in 2006, average surgeon fees for cosmetic procedures were:

Botox                                                $ 492             

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)       $ 2,877

Cheek implants                                $ 1,764                       

Face lift (rhytidectomy)                    $ 4,856

Chemical peel                                  $ 686             

Forehead/brow lift                            $ 2,846

Chin implant                                     $ 1,910                      

Laser skin resurfacing                     $ 2,160

Collagen injection                            $ 390             

Lip augmentation                             $ 1,603

Dermabrasion                                 $ 264              

Nose surgery (rhinoplasty)              $ 3,841

There are additional costs. You must add in fees for anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses. The total bill can be 50% to 100% higher than the surgeon fees above.

Financing Your Cosmetic Surgery Procedure

How does the average person handle these expenses if they don’t have the cash? Here are some options to investigate:

• Insurance.  In some cases, health insurance may cover some of the costs of cosmetic surgery. For example, if nose surgery can also correct breathing problems, your insurer may cover the hospital and anesthesia fees -- leaving you to pay only the cosmetic surgeon’s fee. Also, if droopy eyelids interfere with your vision, some insurance companies will cover the cost of upper eyelid surgery.
• Discounts.  If you want to have several procedures, having them all done on the same day will save you money. Most surgeons offer significant discounts for second, third, and fourth procedures.
• Financing.  In addition to your credit card or a loan from your local bank, there are a number of financial institutions that offer loans for cosmetic surgery. Look for these programs online. Also, talk to your surgeon.
• Gift.  Perhaps someone special will pay for your cosmetic surgery -- making it a very nice gift for you! A cosmetic surgery "gift" is becoming a popular trend.

Most fees are paid in advance of surgery. However, talk to your surgeon about procedures for handling unexpected results or complications . Most surgeons will not charge for follow-up "repair" surgeries within a year of your surgery. However, you will be responsible for hospital and anesthesia fees. Some complications may be covered by your health insurance. Check with your insurance company for details.