Financing Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery today is something that many people just like you and I consider for one reason or another. For some people, plastic surgery is needed to fix the aftermath of an accident or illness, while other people simply choose to improve upon their natural born body.

With this new availability of plastic surgery to the masses, the issue of how to pay for procedures is on a lot of people's minds these days.

Unless your plastic surgery procedure is medically necessary, most insurance companies will not pay for it - at all. Thankfully, today many financial companies realize the need for loans designed especially for people who want to have expensive medical or dental work performed.

Rather than have to charge thousands of dollars to a high interest credit card, many financial institutions now offer what are referred to as "medical loans." With a medical loan you can finance the cost of your surgery and make payments on it over time. And, unlike credit cards, the interest rate on a medical loan is usually at a very reasonable rate as long as you have decent credit scores.

Some people have a hard time justifying the financing of their plastic surgery. It is an elective procedure. However, it is often helpful to think of it as an investment in yourself in your self-image and self-esteem.

For example, if your vehicle needed to have body work done on it, you would take it to the shop and if you couldn't afford the bill all at once, then you would put it on a credit card. This allows you to drive around in a nice car and make payments on the work that was done.

Similarly, financing your plastic surgery procedure allows you to have the work done to improve the look of your body and then pay it off over time, rather than having to come up with a large amount of money all at once.

If you need assistance in paying for your plastic surgery procedure, the first place you should start is at your doctor's office. Many physicians' offices can help guide you to reputable finance companies who offer medical loans. Medical loans from financial companies are generally available for amounts between $1,000 and $25,000 and usually offer terms of payback over 24 to 60 months.

If you would prefer not to work with a bank or financing company, many plastic surgery clinics can work with you directly to offer you a payment plan. Some plastic surgery clinics will allow you to pay for part of your surgery up-front and then make payments, while others will allow you to have the procedure and make payments after it is completed. The exact payment options depend on the plastic surgery clinic you choose to use.

Just as with any other financing you agree to in your life, make sure that before you ever sign anything promising to pay, you completely understand the terms of repayment and the exact costs of the loan as well. If the interest rate or payments are too high for you, shop around and find yourself a better deal.

Financing plastic surgery can be a great way to get the medical care you need or want today, and to spread the cost out over time to make it more affordable. However, you need to understand your financing options and choose from them wisely. By working with your plastic surgery clinic, you can find the best financing terms available to you.

In San Francisco, plastic surgery payment options can suit any budget. In his two Bay Area offices, Dr. Roy Kim offers information, before and after pictures, and financing options for cosmetic surgery. http://www.drkim.com/


By A Aaronson

Surgical Options for Unhappy Chins

Chin augmentation surgery (also known as chin implant surgery) is a common facial plastic surgery that brings balance to the facial structure by correcting a chin problem due to congenital deficiency, age-related bone resorption, or facial trauma.

Why Chin Implants?

Chin implants can be used for either cosmetic or reconstructive enhancement of the jaw line and will provide a more natural-looking break between your neck and face. The goal of a chin implant is to give greater definition to your chin and provide balance with the rest of your face.

A weak chin can make your nose appear large and can make an already prominent nose seem even larger. A weak chin may also give the appearance of a fleshy neck. A chin that is too prominent may give the appearance of having too small of a nose and may throw the face off balance. The end result of chin augmentation surgery is to achieve a balanced relationship within the structure of the face.

The Procedure

Insertion of a chin implant may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. During the procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will select the proper size and shape implant to enhance your appearance and will insert the implant into a pocket over the front of the jawbone. The small incision to create the pocket and insert the implant is placed inside the mouth, along the lower lip or in the skin just under the chin area.

The chin is usually taped after surgery to minimize swelling and discomfort. Sutures in the skin will be removed in five to seven days or the sutures will dissolve. Most patients experience some discomfort and swelling in the affected area for several days following surgery. Smiling and talking will be difficult during the healing process, and black and blue marks may be visible around your chin and neck. Your surgeon will instruct you on post-surgery care of the surgery site.

With chin surgery, as with any facial surgery, you may feel and look better in a short period of time. Certain activities will be restricted, however, especially those that may jar or bump the face. Surgical risks will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation.

To learn more about chin implant surgery or any other facial plastic surgery in the Pittsburgh area, please visit the website of Dr. James J. Barber today.


By Lynn Fugaro