How Can I Afford Cosmetic Surgery?

Time was when the majority of people contemplating plastic surgery concluded that the expense made it out of their reach. Not any more - and not because the cost has gone down. More and more people having cosmetic operations are finding creative ways to fund them, often depriving themselves and their families of other luxuries to finance going under the knife.

A recent survey of thousands of people who had cosmetic surgery revealed that most found it difficult to afford plastic surgery, but worth it. One third saved for at least two years before having an operation, a quarter put it on their credit card. One in five borrowed from relatives, a tenth worked a second job and eight percent either spent all their savings or an inheritance. Many chose to forego family holidays and other luxuries in favour of looking better.

The same survey, conducted in 2007, found that the top three cosmetic operations for women were boob jobs, liposuction and nose jobs. If you are thinking about how you could afford cosmetic surgery yourself, here are some ways to pay the bills:

Get it on the NHS

Few people realise that some cosmetic operations are available on the National Health Service. In general, the NHS will not pay for procedures done for cosmetic reasons only. However, if you are suffering undue psychological stress because of what you perceive to be a physical deformity, they may pay.

To do this, you must follow guidelines as set out by your local health authority, and get a referral from your GP. You will then have an assessment with a plastic surgeon as well as a psychiatrist, psychologist or psycho-sexual consultant, depending on your situation. Some procedures which have definite health benefits, such as a breast reduction, are easier to get approved by the NHS than others.

Scrimp and Save

This is perhaps the best way to afford surgery, allowing you not only to put yourself in debt but time to think about whether having plastic surgery is really worth it.

Take on a Second Job

If you can handle the extra work, this isn´t a bad idea. Again, it will give you time to contemplate what you really want without going into debt. And if you change your mind, you can spend the money on a really fab holiday!

Take Out a Loan

Many people do it. In fact, Britons borrowed an estimated £1.4 billion in loans in 2007 to finance plastic surgery, according to research conducted by Abbey Loans. Think long and hard before putting yourself in this situation, especially if you are putting your house or other significant assets at risk. Taking on loads of credit is not always a good idea.

Pay in Installments

This may be a better way, allowing you to pay only what you can really afford, on a monthly plan. tread carefully before going down this route however, and shop around.

Have Surgery Abroad

More and more Britons are travelling abroad to have facelifts, boob jobs and tummy tucks, not only to relatively close places such as Eastern Europe but also the USA and Canada. Often the price of a two-week break for two in some sunny locale, with cosmetic surgery thrown in, is cheaper than having the same procedure done at home. But the downside is that you will not be able to see the clinic or consult with the surgeons before you go. Word of mouth is a good idea in this case, as personal recommendations are always best.

Plastic surgery can work wonders, but be wary of anything that´s too good to be true. A Manchester clinic was criticised recently for rushing people into surgery they didn´t need by offering two-for-one offers, and other clinics have ¨sales¨ that entice people into buying unnecessary procedures. Remember, cheapest care is not always the best, so don´t make decisions based solely on price.

Keep your eyes open and always make sure you only use a surgeon who is a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, The General Medical Council or The British Association of Cosmetic Surgeons. That way you know the quality of care and expertise you are getting is the best.