Plastic surgery is a significant investment, and for many patients, understanding the financing options available is the first practical step. At SVIA®, Dr. Tom S. Liu, MD, MBA, and Dr. Jerome H. Liu, MD, MSHS are board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeons who believe patients deserve clarity at every stage of their care, including the financial decisions. This blog breaks down the most common financing types, how they compare, and what to confirm before committing to a plan.
Understanding Your Plastic Surgery Financing Options
Several options are available to cosmetic surgery patients, each with a distinct structure worth understanding before applying:
- CareCredit: A healthcare credit card with promotional periods of 6 to 24 months. Interest accumulates throughout the promotional period and posts retroactively to any unpaid balance when the period closes.
- Alphaeon Credit: A medical credit card offering both revolving and installment financing options, often accessible to patients who may not qualify for other healthcare credit products.
- PatientFi: A lender focused on elective procedures, frequently offering true zero-interest financing.
- Personal Loans: Fixed rates and predictable monthly payments through banks, credit unions, or online lenders.
- HSA/FSA Funds: Pre-tax savings that may apply toward procedures with documented medical necessity.
Comparing Key Features Side by Side
The critical variable in any financing plan is the interest model. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has published guidance on why deferred interest structures can cost far more than their promotional terms suggest.
| Financing Option | Interest Structure | Typical Terms | Credit Requirement |
| CareCredit | Deferred (retroactive if unpaid) | 6-24 months | Fair to good |
| Alphaeon Credit | Deferred or fixed | 6-24 months | Fair to good |
| PatientFi | True 0% or low fixed | Varies | Broad spectrum, including subprime |
| Personal Loan | Fixed rate | 12-84 months | Varies by lender |
| HSA/FSA | N/A (pre-tax savings) | Ongoing | N/A |
The Pros and Cons of Each Financing Option
- CareCredit: Widely accepted at aesthetic practices and carries no interest if the full balance is cleared within the promotional window. Any balance remaining at the deadline is charged the full accumulated interest retroactively, which can be substantial.
- Alphaeon Credit: Offers more structural flexibility than CareCredit through both revolving and installment options, and may be accessible to patients who do not qualify elsewhere. Terms and rates vary by approval tier and should be confirmed directly with the lender.
- PatientFi: True zero-interest financing and longer repayment terms make this a strong option, with approvals available across the full credit spectrum including subprime applicants. Fewer practices accept PatientFi compared to CareCredit, so patients should confirm the office is enrolled before applying.
- Personal Loans: Fixed rates and predictable payments eliminate deferred interest risk entirely. Interest applies from day one with no promotional period, and competitive rates typically require a strong credit profile.
Common Questions About Plastic Surgery Financing
Will applying for financing affect my credit score? Most lenders perform a hard credit inquiry during the application process, which can cause a small, temporary dip. Limiting applications to one or two in a short period keeps the impact minimal.
Is promotional financing really interest-free? Only if it is a true 0% plan. Deferred interest plans postpone when interest is charged; they do not eliminate it. Reading the terms carefully before signing is essential.
How to Choose the Right Plan
A methodical approach helps avoid surprises:
- Get a complete cost estimate: Confirm the full procedure cost during a consultation, including surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility charges, and anticipated follow-up care.
- Know your credit standing: Checking your score before applying helps identify realistic options and expected rates.
- Look at total repayment across the full term: A lower monthly payment often means paying more overall.
- Confirm the interest structure: Ask whether the plan uses deferred interest or true 0%, and what happens if a payment is missed.
- Speak with the practice: SVIA®'s patient care team can walk patients through which financing partners the practice works with and what plans are currently available.
Schedule a Consultation with SVIA®'s Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons
Dr. Tom Liu and Dr. Jerome Liu have built SVIA® around a commitment to transparency and honest patient care. Patients ready to discuss procedures and financing options can schedule a consultation online or by calling the Los Gatos office.
