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Ask Dr. Franklyn Elliott: How Expensive is Plastic Surgery?

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doctor-takes-notes“I’ve wanted plastic surgery for the longest time, but didn’t think that I could afford it.” This is something that any plastic surgeon has heard from patients over the years. I know that I have many times. Surgical costs are understandably one of the main concerns for many people interested in undergoing plastic surgery. However, in my personal experience, plastic surgery is often more affordable than most people realize, and almost always worth it according to my patients. Today I wanted to discuss a few things patients should know about their potential plastic surgery costs and answer a few helpful questions on the topic.

Question #1: What can I do to better understand my potential costs before my plastic surgery procedure?

There are things that any one concerned about the potential costs of plastic surgery can do to gather helpful information in-advance. I recommend:

  • Researching the average costs associated with your procedure just to get a rough idea of what to expect financially.
  • In cases of reconstructive procedures like breast reconstruction surgery, ask your health insurance provider if any part of your surgical costs will be covered by insurance.
  • See if you are eligible for any available payment plans or plastic surgery financing options.
  • Do not seek out a less reputable surgeon solely based on lower costs. There is no substitute for safety and quality in plastic surgery and the potential risk is not worth the miniscule short-term savings.

Question #2: Will I know exactly how much my surgery will cost in advance?

Here at my office, communication and transparency with our patients is something that is extremely important to me and my entire staff. One of the last things we want is for a patient’s plastic surgery experience to be soured by excessive or surprising costs that they were not anticipating or prepared for. This is why we discuss surgical costs at-length during plastic surgery consultations and offer resources like plastic surgery financing for eligible patients.

Question #3: Does plastic surgery financing work differently at other surgery practices?

It can, depending on the financing company that is used. At my office, we offer financing options through CareCredit®. We’ve had remarkable success helping our patients with this service, which serves as a credit card that can only be used to cover medical expenses like plastic surgery. Once approved by the CareCredit® system, patients can essentially benefit from 0% interest loans on their procedure, as long as their payments are made during the pre-agreed payment period. Payments can go out over multiple weeks, months, or even years depending on the needs and preferences of each patient.

While I understand from personal experience that surgical costs can be concerning, My team and I work hard to allay these concerns and ensure our patients feel comfortable and confident heading into all procedures in our office. For more information or to schedule your plastic surgery consultation today, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Don’t forget that you can also connect with me on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, videos, news, and more.

Ask Dr. Elliott: What to Know About Plastic Surgery Financing

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While not necessarily the number one concern, cost is understandably a major point of discussion for many prospective plastic surgery patients. Especially now with the uncertain state of the economy. It’s a fact that cosmetic procedures are almost always considered “elective” in nature, which means that plastic surgery costs will almost certainly not be covered by health insurance providers. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things patients can do to minimize their financial burden. Today I wanted to answer some common questions about plastic surgery financing and how it can help patients who are concerned about paying for their procedure.

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Question #1: How does plastic surgery financing work?

At my office, we offer financing options through CareCredit®. CareCredit® is essentially a credit card that works exclusively for medical expenses, including plastic surgery. Once a patient is approved to use CareCredit®, they will be able to take advantage of 0% interest loans, as long as their payments are made during the pre-agreed payment period. This way, patients can spread their payments out over multiple weeks, months, or even years depending on which payment plan fits best within their needs and not be penalized for it.

Question #2: What procedures can be financed using CareCredit®?

As long as the patient has been pre-approved to finance their procedure, my full selection of cosmetic surgery procedures and non-surgical cosmetic treatments can be paid for using financing. This includes body contouring procedures like breast augmentation, mommy makeover, and liposuction, facial procedures like a facelift and rhinoplasty, and cosmetic injectable treatments like Botox®.

Question #3: How can I know if I am eligible to use CareCredit®?

Like any other credit card, patients will need to apply for CareCredit® financing before their procedure to confirm that they will be approved to use this service. The first step for any patient interested will be to go to the CareCredit® website and apply to see if they prequalify for approval.

I know how important costs can be, which is why I always do my best to work with my patients and reassure them about any concerns they may have going into their procedure, including those pertaining to finances. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow along with me on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, and much more.