How To Pay for Cosmetic Surgery: 8 Financing Options

A cosmetic surgery loan can be used to pay for elective procedures like rhinoplasty, liposuction or laser hair removal. Because cosmetic surgery usually isn't covered by insurance, many people use personal loans, medical financing plans or credit cards to spread out the cost over time.

Here's how cosmetic surgery financing works, how much common procedures cost and which payment option may make the most sense for your budget.

MoneyLion

People think it’s rude to talk about money. Should they?

Yes, it makes people uncomfortableNo, talking about money can build better habitsYes, save that chat for a financial advisorYes, people will judge you

91

Key Takeaways

• Cosmetic surgery loans let you spread the cost of elective procedures over time. They're usually unsecured personal loans paid back in fixed monthly installments, since insurance rarely covers cosmetic work.

• Match the financing method to the size of your procedure. A 0% card or buy now, pay later (BNPL) service can fit small treatments, while personal loans suit larger surgeries.

• Watch deferred interest closely on medical credit cards. Cards like CareCredit charge a 32.99% standard annual percentage rate (APR) retroactively on the full balance if you miss the promo deadline.

• Cover your bases before you borrow for elective surgery. Get an all-in estimate, check health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) eligibility and make sure the monthly payment fits your budget.

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

Quick Take

• Small procedure → 0% card or BNPL service

• Medium procedure → Personal loan or savings

• Large procedure → Personal loan

How Much Does Plastic Surgery Cost?

Plastic surgery costs can vary depending on the procedure, the surgeon’s experience and where you live. Some common cosmetic procedure prices include:

• Rhinoplasty: Costs an average of $7,637

• Liposuction: Costs roughly $4,711 per treatment area

• Laser hair removal: Costs an average of $697

Keep in mind: Surgeon fees are only part of the total cost. Anesthesia and facility fees can add thousands of dollars to your final bill.

Should You Finance Plastic Surgery?

When deciding whether to finance plastic surgery, it can help to examine the pros and cons.

Here's a quick example of a $25,000 procedure:

Personal Loan

• Rate and length: 12.27% over 60 months

• Monthly payment: $559

• Total interest paid: $8,540

• Total price: $33,540

0% APR Credit Card

• Rate and length: 0% if paid in 18 months

• Monthly payment: $1,389

• Total interest paid: $0

• Total price: $25,000

8 Ways To Pay for Plastic Surgery

Here are eight common ways people pay for plastic surgery procedures.

Personal Loans

• Risk level: Moderate due to fixed rates and predictable terms

• Best for: Borrowers with good credit

Personal loans are a type of unsecured loan that grants you a lump sum of money that can be used for almost any personal purpose. They can be a good option for costly medical procedures, especially if you have good credit.

The best interest rates and terms go to those with credit scores of 670 or above. That said, some lenders will still work with you if your credit score is under 580, but it will be harder to qualify.

Just pay attention to interest rates. Some lenders may offer rates as low as 6.25%, which makes them a less expensive alternative to credit cards. But other lenders could charge as much as 36% interest, which can significantly add to the cost of your cosmetic procedure.

0% APR Credit Cards

• Risk level: Moderate to high, depending on when balance is paid off

• Best for: Borrowers with good to excellent credit

For smaller procedures, such as laser hair removal, a 0% APR credit card may provide a convenient option. To qualify for a zero-interest credit card, you’ll need a good to excellent credit score — between 670 and 850 — with a higher credit score giving you the best chance for a higher limit.

You can spend up to your credit limit and simply repay the balance over time. If you can pay off your procedure within the promotional period, you’ll avoid owing interest.

MoneyLion can help you explore a wide variety of credit card options tailored to different needs and preferences.

Medical Credit Cards

• Risk level: Moderate to high due to deferred interest and high APRs

• Best for: People who can pay off the balance before the promotional period ends

Some medical credit cards offer 0% promotional interest offers. However, once the promotional period ends, the interest rates can increase significantly, sometimes becoming higher than typical credit card rates of around 22%.

For example, while CareCredit and Alphaeon offer promotional rates, their regular financing rate is 32.99% APR.

Qualifying for a medical credit card may be easier than qualifying for a zero-interest credit card. You’ll typically need at least a fair score of 650 or higher.

In-House Financing

• Risk level: Moderate to high due to varying terms and possibly high interest

• Best for: Those who aren’t eligible for lower-cost financing

Your provider may offer in-house financing, which can be a flexible option for cosmetic surgery patients. There’s usually a credit check required, but individual practices can set their own interest rates, loan terms and eligibility requirements to assist their patients.

Some medical loans may include deferred interest and require a down payment or nonrefundable fee. Deferred interest plans should be paid off before the promotional period ends to avoid retroactive interest.

Savings — The Cheapest Option

• Risk level: Low

• Best for: Those with available cash

When cosmetic surgery is a priority, you could always tap into your personal savings account. Going this route eliminates the need for third-party lenders, credit checks or repayment plans.

While this option will deplete your savings a bit, it can, depending on the nature of the procedure, help you avoid any interest charges or other fees in the long run.

Insurance

• Risk level: Low

• Best for: Medically necessary procedures

Medical insurance can be an ideal choice for those pursuing reconstructive surgeries or other procedures that are deemed medically necessary. For example, if your cosmetic procedure is designed to restore your normal appearance after a car accident or cancer, your provider may cover it.

To get medical insurance, you’ll have to undergo an application process, after which you’ll likely pay for monthly premiums and an annual deductible before your insurance kicks in.

BNPL

• Risk level: High

• Best for: Short-term costs

BNPL services are a good option for those who want to split up the costs of their medical procedure. You won’t have to pay an exorbitant amount of interest if you’re able to make your payments on time. However, if you miss payments, the loan becomes more expensive.

HSA or FSA

• Risk level: Low

• Best for: Qualified medical expenses

If you have money saved in your HSA or FSA, you can use it for qualified medical expenses. It’s a reasonable way to spend your medical funds as long as your plastic surgery procedure qualifies.

How To Choose the Best Way To Pay

The best financing option depends on the size of your procedure, your credit profile and how quickly you can repay the balance.

Choose Savings If

• You can pay without draining your emergency fund.

• You want to avoid interest and monthly payments.

Choose a Personal Loan If

• You're financing a larger procedure.

• You have good credit and qualify for a competitive APR.

• You want fixed monthly payments.

Choose a 0% APR Credit Card If

• Your procedure is relatively inexpensive.

• You can pay the balance before the promotional period ends.

Choose a Medical Credit Card If

• You qualify for promotional financing.

• You're confident you'll pay the balance before deferred interest kicks in.

Consider BNPL If

• The procedure is small.

• You can comfortably make the scheduled payments.

Before Choosing Any Financing Option

• Get a detailed estimate, including surgeon, anesthesia and facility fees.

• Check whether insurance, an HSA or an FSA will cover any portion.

• Compare interest rates, fees and repayment terms.

• Make sure the monthly payment fits comfortably within your budget.

Mistakes That Can Make Plastic Surgery More Expensive

Even good financing options can become costly if you overlook these common mistakes.

• Focusing only on promotional rates instead of when they expire

• Draining your emergency savings

• Financing plastic surgery while carrying high-interest debt

• Not understanding the difference between 0% APR and deferred interest

PRO TIP! MoneyLion offers a convenient marketplace to compare high-yield savings accounts from our trusted partners that could help grow your money.

Plastic Surgery Financing FAQs

Before choosing a payment method, review these common questions about plastic surgery costs and financing.

What credit score do I need to get a loan for plastic surgery?

Different types of financing require different credit scores. However, the best rates and terms will be offered to people with good to excellent credit scores of 670 or higher.

Is financing plastic surgery a bad idea?

It depends. If you get a low rate and pay off the balance before any promotional APR or deferred interest expires, financing plastic surgery is not a bad idea. However, if you are already carrying a large amount of high-interest debt, taking on more debt may not be a wise idea.

Can I get a cosmetic surgery loan with bad credit?

Yes, you can still get a loan with bad credit. However, bad credit dramatically reduces your options for loans. Be prepared for lower loan limits, higher APRs and stricter terms.

Does financing cosmetic surgery hurt your credit?

It may hurt your credit. Lenders often do a hard inquiry, which can knock up to five points off your score for up to 12 months. Additionally, if the lender or credit card company reports to the credit bureaus, your score can also change based on your payment history.

Is CareCredit a good option for plastic surgery financing?

CareCredit can be a good option if you can pay off the balance before the promo period ends. CareCredit offers interest-free financing for short periods, such as six, 12, 18 or 24 months.

Can I use a personal loan?

Yes. A personal loan can be used to pay for plastic surgery. Look for one with a lower rate, minimal fees and repayment terms that fit your budget.

Key Terms

• Cosmetic surgery loan: Usually an unsecured personal loan used to pay for elective procedures, repaid in fixed monthly installments after you receive a lump sum.

• APR: The yearly cost of borrowing, including interest and certain fees, expressed as a percentage.

• Deferred interest: A promotional feature where interest quietly accrues during the promo period and is charged retroactively on the full original balance if you don't pay it off in time.

• Medical credit card: A card for healthcare costs that often offers a 0% promo period but carries a high standard APR.

• Unsecured loan: A loan that isn't backed by collateral and is approved based on your creditworthiness.

• HSA or FSA: Tax-advantaged accounts that let you spend pre-tax dollars on qualified medical expenses, usable for cosmetic procedures only if the procedure qualifies.

• BNPL: A short-term installment plan that splits a purchase into smaller payments, often four or fewer, with fees or interest if you miss a payment.

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors

Sources

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "How much does rhinoplasty cost?"

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "How much does laser hair removal cost?"

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "How much does liposuction cost?"

Sarah Edwards and Rudri Patel contributed to the reporting for this article.