Question:
Self pay for plastic surgery

I have been approved by my insurance for the Tummy Tuck, but as expected denied for my arms, which bother more than my stomach. For those of you that paid on your own, did the Dr want the money up front, or could you make payments. Also I hope to schedule both for the same day, that way I should save some money, I am already there. I can't come up with $5000 for my arms.    — Gail O. (posted on April 11, 2004)

April 11, 2004
In answer to your question. Yes they want there money up front.I had to pay the day I went for pre-ops. Good Luck,,,,,,,,,,Jane
   — Jane T.

April 11, 2004
There are a number of finance companies that are now providing payment plans for plastic surgery. Typically, these companies contract with the surgeons to provide loans to their patients, although the loan is to the patient from the company. It might be worthwhile to do a yahoo search and then provide the names of some of these companies to your surgeon to see if she'll be willing to work with them.
   — SteveColarossi

April 11, 2004
I self paid for my arms. It was $3600 for the surgeon's fee and I had to pay 2 weeks prior to the surgery. The hospital and anesthesiologist will also ask for payment prior to the surgery since the insurance won't cover it. The doctor should be able to do both your tt and arms in the same operating session unless your having a very extensive tt. My arms and tt took about 3 1/2 hours.
   — Patty H.

April 12, 2004
I'm self-paying for a LBL this summer, and yep, it's a pay-up-front deal.
   — Suzy C.

April 12, 2004
Yes, they generally want the money UP FRONT. No payment plans. However, there are companies that finance this stuff. On another note...$5000 for your arms, when you'll already be under and in surgery? That seems like ALOT. Can't your PS do any better than that? I'm in CT, and PS here tends towards the expensive side. My good friend just had her arms done and they were $2000 each, in their own surgery, not combined at all. Anyway, whatever you decide, good luck to you! I'm sure you'll feel like a new person!
   — LMCLILLY

April 12, 2004
I am also going to self pay for my arms and thigh/butt lift, ins. payed for my TT. My Surgeon takes payments, but I have to pay it off 2 wks. before scheduled surgery. I have looked into the financing for PS and the fees are crazy! I decided I can take the time to make the payments to the Doctor instead of paying almost double to a 3rd party. Good luck!
   — Sandy M.

April 12, 2004
Gail, I am self paying, I think $5K is WAY EXPENSIVE for you arms. I am in Manhattan and for me to get my arms done in addition to my Lower Body Lift, its only an extra $2K!
   — heathercross

April 12, 2004
a doc at my hospital is giving me a hefty discount and it is $4500 all inclusive. surgeon, anesthesia, out patient surgery center.
   — **willow**