U.S. plastic surgeons performed 1.6 million cosmetic surgeries in 2012, down two percent from a year prior, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Women are still the best customers of plastic surgeons, accounting for 91 percent of all surgeries that year. Facelifts, rhinoplasty and breast augmentation remain the most popular.
The average nose job goes for around $6,800, RealSelf.com reports, while breast augmentation is slightly more affordable at $3,500 (or more, depending on where you live). Few insurance plans cover these types of procedures, which puts them out of the reach of most Americans. But that Hollywood figure and symmetrical face can be yours with a little creative maneuvering and perseverance. Consider these three financing options to come up with the money for your cosmetic surgery:
Crowdfunding
There are several websites dedicated to helping people get their cosmetic procedures funded. My Free Implants looks like a regular dating website when you first click on it, but it’s actually a hub for women to post profiles and hopefully attract the attention of men who are willing to pay for their new boobs. The company, established in 2005, claims it funded 1,000 breast augmentation procedures via its website through August 2012, according to a press release. Women are now allowed to solicit other procedures on the site as well.
Her Body Bank is another crowdfunding site. HerBodyBank provides a transparent platform for models to raise funds through campaigns and fulfill their cosmetic surgery goals through crowdfunding.
Peel Points started out as a website dedicated to helping soon-to-be brides and others attending major events raise money to help them look good for their forthcoming celebrations. Now it enables anyone to raise money for everything from Lasik surgery or orthodontics.
Doctor Financing
The idea of buy here, pay here is no longer reserved for questionable car dealerships. Plastic surgeons want to earn your business and many are willing to finance your procedure in-house. Most of these plans depend solely on your income and a demonstrated ability to make the monthly payments.
The good news is that most of these types of plans are interest-free. The bad news is if you miss a payment, you could permanently strain the relationship between yourself and the doctor charged with making you look like the person you want to be. Ask the doctor about this option when you’re narrowing down your choices.
Use Your Own Money
This is a novel concept, but one people dismiss without exploring creative ways to generate more revenue. Adjust your W4 form at work for six months to minimize the amount of taxes withheld. This instantly puts more money in your pocket that can simply be re-paid on the following year’s tax day.
If you receive regular payments from a structured settlement or annuity, you may be able to sell your future payments for a lump sum of cash now, according to J.G. Wentworth. You can also consider getting up your own website, complete with a Twitter and Facebook page, to solicit donations.
You can get the surgery you want, if you put forth the necessary effort. Don’t be afraid to think creatively and persevere.
