Paying for elective plastic surgery: What to know before you budget
Key takeaways
- Most elective cosmetic procedures aren't covered by insurance, so it's important to plan your payment approach early.
- Compare financing options and terms (rates/fees/promo deadlines) to keep total costs down.
- The CareCredit credit card can help you finance elective plastic surgery procedures and pay over time with convenient monthly payments.*
Considering a cosmetic procedure? You're not alone. More than 30 million procedures across cosmetic surgical, minimally invasive and reconstructive categories were performed in the United States in 2024.1 While certain procedures may be covered by insurance when they're reconstructive or medically necessary, most elective cosmetic procedures are optional and typically not covered – meaning the cost is often the patient's responsibility.
If you're planning an elective plastic surgery procedure, it helps to think through how you'll pay for it before you commit to a date. Below are common payment options, along with considerations that can help you compare them.
What is elective plastic surgery?
Elective plastic surgery generally refers to a procedure you choose to have – often to enhance or change your appearance – rather than one that a healthcare professional considers medically necessary.
Ways to pay for elective plastic surgery
When insurance doesn't apply, patients often weigh several alternatives: paying upfront, using credit or financing over time. Each approach has benefits and trade-offs.
Paying with cash
Paying out of pocket could be the most cost-effective option overall because you avoid interest charges and financing fees. Some practices may also offer a discount when the full cost is paid upfront.
The drawback is timing. Building up enough savings can take time, and if you prefer not to delay your procedure, you may want to explore financing options.
Using a credit card
A general-purpose credit card can be convenient if you have a sufficient credit limit and a plan to repay quickly. However, credit cards could carry relatively high interest rates. If you pay the balance over time, the total cost can add up.
Also note that applying for a new credit card generally results in a hard inquiry, which can affect credit scores and may remain on your credit report for up to two years even if you aren't approved.
Taking out a personal loan
Unsecured personal loans are offered by many online lenders and traditional banks. They often come with fixed interest rates and a set repayment schedule, so you'll know your monthly payment and payoff timeline upfront.
Some lenders allow you to see whether you may qualify through preapproval or prequalification using a soft credit inquiry (which typically doesn't affect your scores). If you accept an offer upon approval after reviewing the loan terms and rate, the lender may deposit funds into your bank account.
Potential downsides: Approval, rates and terms depend on creditworthiness.2 Some lenders charge an origination fee that's deducted from the loan proceeds.3 For example, if you borrow $10,000 with a 10% origination fee, you may receive $9,000 but repay $10,000 plus interest.
In-house financing
Some practices may offer in-house financing, including loans, lines of credit or payment plans. However, many providers prefer not to manage financing payment processing on their own, so they partner with third-party lenders instead.
If your surgeon's office offers financing, compare the terms (rate, fees, length of repayment and total cost) with other options you may qualify for elsewhere.
Using the CareCredit credit card
The CareCredit credit card is designed for health and wellness expenses and may be used at enrolled provider locations within the CareCredit network.* Having a dedicated card for a procedure can also make it easier to track healthcare-related spending separately from everyday purchases.
Depending on your purchase amount and the provider you choose, you may qualify for promotional financing on eligible charges. You can check whether you prequalify for the CareCredit credit card online without impacting your credit score. Apply now.
A quick comparison: common financing options
| Type | Potential extra costs | Prequalification available? | How quickly funds may be available |
| Cash | None | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| General-purpose credit card | Possible annual fee; possible interest if carrying a balance | Sometimes | May need to wait for the card to arrive |
| Personal loan | Possible origination fee; interest | Sometimes | May take several business days |
| In-house financing | Possible origination fee; possible interest if carrying a balance | Sometimes | Often available immediately |
| CareCredit credit card | No annual fee**; possible interest if carrying a balance | Yes | Immediately if approved |
Four tips to help finance a cosmetic procedure
The cost of a cosmetic procedure is an important factor to consider before moving forward. Taking time to plan, compare options and understand financing terms can help you make informed decisions that fit your budget and goals. Here are four tips to help you prepare:
Plan ahead when you can
The earlier you start planning, the more flexibility you may have to save, compare providers and evaluate financing offers without pressure.
Ask about packages or bundles
If you're considering more than one procedure – or a treatment that requires multiple sessions – ask whether the practice offers package pricing.
Consider paying part upfront
Putting some money down can reduce what you need to finance. Borrowing less may also improve your approval odds and can lower total fees and interest.
If you use promotional financing, map out the payoff
Before accepting a promotional offer, make sure you understand how it works – especially deadlines and payment requirements. Even if only a minimum payment is required, you will want to pay the full promotional balance by the end of the promotional period.
Make a confident plan to pay for your procedure
Budgeting for elective plastic surgery comes down to understanding the full cost and choosing a payment option that fits your timeline and finances. Whether you pay upfront, use a credit card, take out a personal loan or explore provider financing, it's worth comparing rates, fees and promotional terms so you know what you'll pay overall.
*Subject to credit approval.
**For new accounts: Purchase APR 29.99% as of February 1, 2024. Minimum interest charge is $2.00.
Author bio
Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 20 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.
Sources
1 Alhotan, Saleh. "Minimally Invasive Procedures Dominate American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)-Reported Procedural Volume in 2024: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Analysis," Cureus. March 202, 2026. Retrieved from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13092329/
2 "What is a personal installment loan?" Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. August 30, 2024. Retrieved from: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-personal-installment-loan-en-2114/
3 "Do personal installment loans have fees?" Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. August 30, 2024. Retrieved from: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/do-personal-installment-loans-have-fees-en-2120/
The information, opinions and recommendations expressed in the article are for informational purposes only. Information has been obtained from sources generally believed to be reliable. However, because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by our sources or any other, Synchrony and any of its affiliates, including CareCredit (collectively, "Synchrony"), do not provide any warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of any information for its intended purpose or any results obtained from the use of such information. The data presented in the article was current as of the time of writing. Please consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented.
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