Do Plastic Surgeons Do Payment Plans for Patients?

Most board-certified plastic surgeons offer payment plans. These financing options transform life-changing procedures from distant dreams into manageable monthly payments. Like a bridge spanning a financial gap, payment plans connect patients to the procedures they desire without demanding full payment upfront.

How Payment Plans Actually Work

The process flows smoother than many expect. Patients typically apply for financing before their consultation. Approval can arrive within minutes, sometimes seconds. Once approved, patients receive a credit line up to a predetermined amount—often ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 depending on the lender and credit profile.

The surgeon performs the procedure as scheduled. Afterward, the financing company pays the surgeon directly. Patients then repay the financing company through fixed monthly installments. Terms stretch from 6 weeks to 60 months, with some plans offering promotional 0% interest periods if paid within a specific timeframe.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Types of Financing Options Available

Patients choose from a menu of financing paths, each with distinct flavors of flexibility and cost.

Medical credit cards like CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit dominate the market. These healthcare-specific cards offer promotional financing—sometimes 0% interest for 6-18 months if balances clear within the promotional window. After promotions, APRs typically range from 0% to 30%.

In-house payment plans through clinics provide personalized alternatives. Companies like PatientFi and Cherry specialize in cosmetic procedure financing with no hard credit checks and higher approval rates for patients with less-than-perfect credit. These plans often feature flexible terms up to $40,000-$50,000.

Traditional personal loans from banks or online lenders offer fixed interest rates and predictable monthly payments. Interest rates vary widely—from 6% to 36% APR—depending heavily on credit score and loan term.

What Procedures Actually Cost

Prices swing dramatically based on procedure complexity, surgeon expertise, and geographic location. In India, costs range from ₹33,250 to ₹3,00,000 (approximately $400 to $3,600 USD). Minor treatments like Botox or fillers run ₹10,000 to ₹50,000, while major surgeries like rhinoplasty or liposuction land between ₹80,000 and ₹3,00,000.

In the United States, average surgeon fees tell a different story:

Note: These figures represent surgeon fees only and exclude facility and anesthesia costs.

Qualifying for Financing: Credit Score Reality

Credit scores act as financial report cards, but perfection isn’t mandatory. Most lenders prefer scores of 600 or above for favorable terms. Some medical credit cards accept scores as low as 560, though interest rates climb accordingly.

The financing landscape splits into two camps: traditional lenders and patient-friendly alternatives. Traditional routes—banks and standard medical credit cards—scrutinize credit history closely. Patient-focused companies like PatientFi and Cherry use soft credit inquiries that don’t impact credit scores and approve patients who might face rejection elsewhere.

Approval Factors Beyond Credit Score

Lenders examine holistic financial health:

• Income stability and debt-to-income ratio
• Employment history consistency
• Previous medical financing experience
• Overall payment history across all accounts

Denefits, a specialized cosmetic surgery financing platform, advertises no minimum credit score requirement and a no credit check policy, opening doors for patients with challenged credit.

Benefits and Drawbacks: The Full Picture

Benefits shine like beacons for prospective patients. Payment plans break intimidating lump sums into digestible monthly bites. Promotional 0% interest periods function like interest-free loans when paid responsibly. Approval processes move at lightning speed—often instant—eliminating lengthy waiting periods. Patient-friendly options protect credit scores through soft inquiries while offering higher approval odds.

Drawbacks cast shadows worth considering. Interest rates can soar to 36% APR for lower credit scores, transforming affordable procedures into expensive debts. Deferred interest plans penalize harshly if balances aren’t cleared by promotion end dates—accruing interest retroactively from the original purchase date. Some plans cap financing at $17,500-$25,000, insufficient for multiple or complex procedures.

Key Takeaways

• Most plastic surgeons partner with financing companies to offer payment plans directly through their practices
• Credit scores of 600+ unlock better terms, but options exist for scores as low as 560 or even no-credit-check alternatives
• Interest rates range from 0% promotional offers to 36% APR—shopping around saves thousands
• Approval happens within minutes for many modern financing platforms, with soft inquiries protecting credit scores
• Procedure costs vary wildly from ₹33,250 in India to $8,000+ in the US for facelifts—geography matters immensely

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get plastic surgery financing with bad credit?

Yes, absolutely. Companies like Denefits and Cherry specialize in no-credit-check financing and high-approval-rate plans specifically designed for patients with challenged credit. While interest rates may be higher, these options keep cosmetic procedures accessible when traditional lenders decline applications.

What credit score do I need for CareCredit or Alphaeon?

Most patients need a credit score of 620 or higher for CareCredit and Alphaeon approval. However, these companies sometimes approve scores in the high 500s with less favorable terms. PatientFi and Cherry offer more flexible alternatives with soft credit checks that don’t impact your score.

How do 0% interest payment plans actually work?

These promotional plans act like interest-free loans if you pay the full balance within the promotional period—typically 6-18 months. Miss the deadline, and deferred interest kicks in, charging retroactive interest from the original surgery date. Always read the fine print and ensure monthly payments clear the balance before promotion expiration.

Are in-house payment plans better than medical credit cards?

In-house plans through PatientFi or clinic-specific programs offer softer credit requirements and no hard credit checks, making them superior for credit-sensitive patients. Medical credit cards like CareCredit provide wider acceptance across multiple providers but maintain stricter approval standards.

Can I finance multiple procedures at once?

Yes, financing amounts up to $40,000-$50,000 through companies like PatientFi and Cherry allow combining multiple procedures into a single payment plan. However, traditional medical credit cards often cap at $17,500-$25,000 , potentially limiting comprehensive surgical plans.

What happens if I can’t make a payment after surgery?

Missed payments trigger late fees and interest rate penalties, potentially pushing rates to 29.99% or higher. Defaulting damages credit scores severely and may result in collections. Some patient-friendly lenders offer hardship programs, but these vary widely. Always discuss financial concerns with your lender before missing payments.

Is financing available for non-surgical treatments like Botox?

Absolutely. Most financing options cover both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. CareCredit, Alphaeon, and PatientFi finance injectables, laser treatments, and skincare procedures starting around ₹10,000-₹50,000 in India or $400-$1,200 in the US. Minimum financing thresholds typically start at $250 , making minor treatments easily accessible.