Cosmetic surgery financing
Cosmetic procedures are elective, so they're paid out of pocket — but you don't have to pay it all at once. Here are the main ways to finance a procedure, what each really costs, and when it makes sense.
CareCredit and similar — often 0% promo periods at participating surgeons. Watch deferred interest.
Cherry, PatientFi and others offer fixed monthly plans, often with a soft-check pre-qualification.
Unsecured, fixed term, funds fast. Doesn't touch your home; rate depends on credit.
Some practices offer in-house installments. Ask what it costs versus outside financing.
Free if you clear the balance before the promo ends — good for smaller procedures.
Cut the price itself 50–70% overseas, then finance a smaller amount if needed.
Which one should you use?
- Good credit, can repay in a year: a 0% promo medical card or credit card is cheapest — if you clear it in time.
- Bigger procedure over a few years: a fixed-rate patient loan gives predictable payments.
- Want the lowest total cost: lower the price itself by going abroad, then finance the remainder.
- Always: read the fine print on deferred interest, and get real quotes before borrowing.
Cosmetic financing — FAQ
How do most people pay for cosmetic surgery?
Because cosmetic procedures are elective and rarely covered by insurance, most people pay out of pocket, use a payment plan, or finance the cost. Common routes are medical credit cards, patient-financing lenders, personal loans, and in-house surgeon plans.
What is CareCredit?
CareCredit is a medical credit card widely accepted by cosmetic surgeons. It often offers promotional 0% interest for a set period — but if you don't clear the balance before the promo ends, deferred interest can be charged back to the original amount, so read the terms.
What credit score do you need to finance cosmetic surgery?
It varies by lender. Patient-financing companies serve a range of scores, with better rates for higher scores; some approve fair-credit borrowers at higher APRs. A soft-check pre-qualification lets you see your rate without affecting your score.
Is it cheaper to finance or go abroad?
They solve different problems. Financing spreads a US price over time (you still pay it, plus interest). Going abroad lowers the price itself, often by 50–70% — but adds travel, risk and follow-up considerations. Some people do both: travel to cut the price, then finance the rest.
General information only — not financial or medical advice. Rates and terms vary and depend on your situation; confirm the details with the lender before you borrow.