Tummy Tuck Financing

Although abdominoplasty or tummy tuck costs can seem high, the results are well worth it for many people. Recognizing the need to make tummy tuck costs more affordable to a wider range of patients, tummy tuck surgeons are becoming increasingly open to offering abdominoplasty financing options. Tummy tuck financing can be provided by your credit card or a loan company.

Abdominoplasty Payment Options

Credit cards, cash, and checks are accepted in almost all cosmetic surgery practices. If you’re interested in financing your procedure, you may choose to work directly with your surgeon’s office to determine a payment plan. Some surgeons allow payments for tummy tuck costs to be spread out over a term of months or even years. The other option is to work with a private financing company specializing in cosmetic surgery procedures. Despite the specific avenue through which you choose to finance, don’t let tummy tuck prices prevent you from doing something that can dramatically improve both your appearance and your self-image.

How does abdominoplasty financing work?

Many plastic surgeons require patients to pay for their procedure in one lump sum prior to the surgery, in order to ensure that all facility costs are covered. However, this can be prohibitive for patients who cannot cover the entire cost in one payment. Most cosmetic surgery practices accept credit cards, and many patients are taking advantage of this option. Some patients, however, do not have high enough credit limits for this to be a tenable option, while others prefer to use their credit cards only for smaller purchases. Check with your credit card company before deciding to charge your entire surgery. Some credit card companies have special programs with lower interest rates for patients who want to pay for cosmetic surgery. If you are uncertain whether using your credit card to pay for your tummy tuck costs is the right course of action for you, compare the interest rates of your credit card to the interest rates you would be paying if you sought another source of financing.

Seeking a loan is an alternative method to tummy tuck financing. There are certain loan companies that specialize in helping people pay for abdominoplasty and other cosmetic surgeries. Repayment options vary by company, and may include payment deferment and no-interest periods. It’s strongly advised that whatever the conditions of the loan, to seek a fixed interest rate; this eliminates the possibility of your interest increasing over time. Before you sign your loan agreement documents, make sure you clearly understand the terms of the loan, including the frequency and amount of payments you owe, and how much time you have to repay the loan.

Your plastic surgeon may be able to recommend a reputable loan company. Be sure to ask during your plastic surgery consultation.

Will financing cover all costs associated with the tummy tuck procedure?

If you choose to use a credit card to finance your loan, your credit limit will determine the amount that is covered. If you are taking out a loan, your out-of-pocket costs will depend on the loan company you are using for your abdominoplasty financing, and the conditions of your contract. Certain loan companies specializing in funding elective surgery work directly with your surgeon during each stage of your tummy tuck surgery. Their loan representatives determine your surgical - and sometimes even post-surgical - medical costs, and all you have to do is begin making monthly payments at the agreed upon time. Don’t assume that your loan company will handle all of the details for covering your abdominoplasty costs. Discuss this issue with the loan company directly before you agree to take out a loan.

It’s important to make sure that your loan amount matches the actual cost of your tummy tuck; if not, you could be responsible for paying the remaining costs up front. Also, certain loan companies place limits on the amount of money they will loan you for your procedure. If your tummy tuck procedure is especially extensive, you’ll want to speak with your loan company and determine the amount they are willing to loan you toward your tummy tuck financing.

How do I apply for financing?

Filing for a loan may involve completing a pre-qualification worksheet prior to filling out the actual application. These forms are usually available on the loan company’s website. You can determine whether you’ve been approved for a certain amount within minutes of filling this form out. Should the form not be available online, you can call or email the company for a hard copy. If the company has a local branch, you can also visit the loan office in person, though more and more patients are using loan companies in other states and corresponding entirely by web, phone, and mail.

Certain plastic surgeons have established relationships with loan providers that they trust and are used to working with. While you are not obligated to use this specific loan company, you may be able to get a better deal simply by virtue of being one of the surgeon’s patients. If your surgeon provides you with the loan application form, you may be able to return it to your surgeon so that he or she can then pass it along to the loan company.

Visit the DocShop gallery to view abdominoplasty before and after photos.

Photo credit: Pacific Plastic Surgery

Locate a Tummy Tuck Surgeon

Abdominoplasty costs are patient and procedure specific, so the only person who can give you an accurate quote for your procedure is a tummy tuck surgeon. Costs for tummy tucks and other cosmetic surgeries may seem high, but the results generally justify the expense. Fortunately for prospective abdominoplasty patients, tummy tuck financing may help to make the procedure more affordable. For more information contact a tummy tuck surgeon in your area today.