Deciding · money
Paying for surgery — the honest version
Most practices hide the money conversation until you're emotionally committed. We'd rather you run the numbers at your kitchen table, before you ever meet us. Here is the whole picture.
Will insurance help? Usually no — with real exceptions
Cosmetic surgery is not covered, period. But the line between cosmetic and functional is worth checking before you assume:
Breathing repair with rhinoplasty. If a deviated septum or collapsed valve is part of your problem, the functional portion is often billable to insurance — the cosmetic portion is not. We separate the two honestly on your quote.
Eyelids that block vision. Upper lids resting on lashes, documented by a visual field test, can qualify.
After major weight loss. Removing an overhanging apron of skin (panniculectomy) is sometimes covered; the contouring a tummy tuck adds is not.
If any of these might apply to you, say so when you book — we'll tell you at the consultation exactly which part of the plan is insurable, in writing.
The three ways patients actually pay
Pay in full
Check, card, or transfer, due before surgery day. No discount for cash — a practice that discounts for cash is telling you its list price was padded.
Finance it — 12 to 36 months
Through established medical lenders, arranged before you commit. We add no markup and take no cut. Approval takes minutes; rates depend on your credit, typically 0% promotional to ~13% APR. The worked example below is the math most sites won't show you.
Save first
Genuinely often the right answer, and we'll say so. Your written quote is honored for 12 months — so a consultation now and surgery next spring costs you nothing extra. Surgery is elective; debt stress is not a good companion to recovery.
A worked example, in actual dollars
Eyelid surgery · fee $5,500
$180/mo
36 months at 10.9% APR
$6,473
Total repaid
$973
The cost of not waiting
Rhinoplasty · fee $9,500
$442/mo
24 months at 10.9% APR
$10,615
Total repaid
$1,115
The cost of not waiting
Illustrative figures at a typical approved rate. Your rate depends on credit; 0% promotional terms are frequently available for 12 months. Run your own numbers with the cost estimator.
Red flags at other consultations
"This price is only good today." Surgery decided under deadline pressure is surgery decided badly. Walk out.
A deposit before a written quote. You should know the full, itemized number — surgeon, facility, anesthesia — before any money moves.
A quote over DM or from a photo. No one can price an operation without examining you. A number given sight-unseen exists to get you in the door.
Get the exact number — itemized, in writing, honored for 12 months.
Book a consultation
$150, credited toward your procedure.