Question:
Has anyone's plastic surgeon offered financing? How does it work?

I'm in the Philadelphia area and I know I'm going to be needing plastic surgery soon but really don't know if I can afford it. I didn't come this far to not be able to put on a bathing suit.    — Cindi S. (posted on July 10, 2003)

July 10, 2003
We're all in the same boat. I went to a plastic surgeon last week to see how much it would cost, etc. I have hernias that need to be repaired & I thought (HA!) that it would be automatically (ha!) covered since I was already open & "out" because no one ever mentioned that the hernia is covered, but the tummy tuck isn't. However, they told me that when it is self-pay that the hospital and the doctor usually offer big discounts and the hospital won't charge $10 for a box of kleenex or a bandaid, etc. because they want your business. The dr. also gave me a document on a lender and he also takes credit cards. They all want the money up front. I think it is almost extra depressing for us to be depressed because of our weight problem -- get that fixed and then not be able to get a tummy & other tucks and we have to drag around the extra skin that we previously had. I I just do not understand. Also, read posts from yesterday.
   — Betty Todd

July 10, 2003
I have had a breast lift and I had it done in the doctors surgery room in his office. It was just like a regular operating room with nurses and someone to put me to sleep. Because it was done this way I did not have to pay a hospital. The total cost was $4000.00 and the doctor had financing for that. I'm going to have a tummy tuck the same way and it will be another $4000.00 and that covers everthing. Check with Doctors in your area to see if they have their own operating room. Most plastic surgeons do these days.Also if I had paid cash the doctor would have given me 15% off.Always ask for a discount for cash. Best wishes
   — myra J.

July 10, 2003
My surgeon does NOT offer financing. My only concern with financing through the surgeon is the interest rate. Since surgeons aren't in the banking business they may not offer the best rates. I shopped around a bit and got a 36 month loan with a 3.99% interest rate(Dexsta), which is EXCELLENT! I'm scheduled for an abdominoplasty and mastopexy with inplants mid sept. In case anyone is curious my total out of pocket will be approx. 5300.00 after what insurance will cover(panni only). Best wishes! -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -145(ish)
   — KimBo36