Plastic surgery first became popular and common in America during the 1960s. Since then, it has been transformed and is much more accessible to the public. Although the world has experienced many social and economic changes, one thing is clear—people still want cosmetic procedures. This is proven by the number of people who have gotten treatments since the pandemic. People were home for months, with time to reflect and think about who they would be when it would end. Many began fitness journeys and saved money. Additionally, the recovery time after surgery became accessible to those who continued working from home after Covid restrictions were loosened.
Post Pandemic Economy
After the pandemic, inflation went up, and while you would think this would prevent people from getting procedures, that would be wrong. People found themselves allocating their funds towards cosmetic surgery as many other costly locations and events were still closed down. Travel was heavily restricted, and venues were still not open to the public. This caused them to save up more than they ever imagined. Additionally, inflation is slowly cooling, and job opportunities are presenting themselves. Returning to in-person workplaces has also pushed people to regain confidence.
It's not just women who are embracing cosmetic procedures. Men, too, are increasingly opting for these treatments, particularly minimally invasive ones. These procedures, known for their excellent results at affordable prices, have become a popular choice among men. Depending on the treatment, the cost can range from $530 to $1800, making them a viable option for many. Some treatments, such as fillers and skin treatments, are even perceived as preventative care by younger patients, allowing them to get a head start on aging. The availability of noninvasive procedures also eases the minds of those who are anxious about committing to a full-on procedure, fostering a sense of inclusivity and representation.
Longer-lasting procedures are also gaining popularity, and these can run from about $300 to $10,000. The fortunate side to something like this is that it typically takes time to decide to move forward with getting these procedures. In that time, you can save money and be ready for the financial aspect.
Pricing
While the methods for plastic surgery have improved and changed greatly over the years, so have the prices. The costs will always fluctuate depending on the procedure, region, and surgeon of the patient, but for the most part, many prices have dropped slightly in recent years. For example, breast augmentation has dropped by $500 even though it is the second most popular cosmetic procedure. Following that, eyelid surgery, which would be the 5th, dropped by $900 as well. Noninvasive options also saw a price decrease. Even in moments of high inflation, such as in 2022, surgeries such as ear surgery and chin augmentations didn't increase their price by very much.
Payment
Before a procedure, you will have a consultation with your surgeon. At this visit, you will discuss all of your worries and doubts. They will also tell you the total price of your chosen procedure, and you can discuss your payment options. With this information, you can decide if it's the right option for you and how you would like to pay—some choose to pay in full, and others finance. However, if financing, it is important that you closely study all the details of your financing plan or loans that you choose to take.
Medical credit cards provide the advantage of a period without or very low interest but it is crucial you know the payment periods, as these can vary. The monthly payment can depend on your credit score and prior loans/finance plans. However, ensure you can make all the payments on time and feel comfortable paying, as interest rates can become very high after their promotional periods.
Plastic Surgery on a Budget: Tips
- Research Multiple Surgeons: Compare prices from various board-certified plastic surgeons to find competitive rates.
- Consider Less Expensive Locations: Costs can vary significantly by region. Consider traveling to areas where the procedure is less expensive. For example, the Miami area is well known for offering more affordable cosmetic surgery prices compared to New York or California.
- Look for Special Offers and Discounts: Many clinics, such as Avana Plastic Surgery, offer seasonal discounts, special promotions, or package deals.
- Check for Financing Options: Some clinics offer payment plan programs or financing options to make the surgery cost more manageable over time.
- Consider Non-Surgical Alternatives: Non-invasive procedures like fillers, Botox, or laser treatments can sometimes achieve similar results at a lower cost.
- Combine Procedures: If you’re considering multiple surgeries, some surgeons offer a discount when combining procedures.
- Use Tax Advantages: Some plastic surgery procedures can be tax-deductible if deemed medically necessary. Consult a tax professional to explore this option.
- Be Flexible with Scheduling: Surgeons might offer discounts for filling last-minute cancellations or scheduling during off-peak times.
- Consult Your Insurance: While most cosmetic surgeries aren’t covered, procedures for medical reasons (like reconstructive surgery) might be partially covered.
- Save Gradually: Set up a dedicated savings plan specifically for your surgery to avoid taking on debt.
- Ask About All-Inclusive Packages: Some clinics offer packages that cover surgery, anesthesia, and follow-up care at a bundled rate.
- Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to discuss pricing with your surgeon and see if there’s room for negotiation.
- Join Patient Groups: Online forums and local support groups can provide tips and recommendations for affordable surgeons and clinics.
Budgeting Is An Option
Luckily, plastic surgery has become much more accessible and affordable through the years. You can have your dream face and body by knowing how to organize your budget. If you would like to know your financial options for a cosmetic procedure, contact us at our Avana Plastic Surgery Office in Miami or call us at (305) 501-6000
