Though the cost of breast augmentation surgery has dropped in recent years, it is still somewhat expensive, costing a couple thousand U.S. dollars at least, and it is generally not covered by health insurance. Because of this, implant patients often seek breast augmentation financing. There are several options for breast augmentation financing, research them carefully to determine which is right for you.

I should start by advocating something that is not financing, per se: asking someone else to pay. Ask someone who loves you if they will pay for the surgery as a gift. You’d be surprised how many women get the surgery this way. If that’s not an option, try asking someone close to you for a loan. Chances are, they won’t review your credit history or charge you (very much) interest. Still, make sure you can pay them back. You want people to think of how happy and confident you are when they see you, not how much your happiness and confidence cost them.

If you are still trying to avoid a credit check, there are your own credit cards. This is a terrible option. Forget I mentioned it.

Your plastic surgeon may offer breast augmentation financing, many do. This is probably the most viable option for many people. By financing via a surgeon, you’re not going to get turned down for what you want to finance, and you may be able to get very low monthly payments. On the other, you should consider how much of a financial relationship you want to develop with your surgeon and whether that may effect your future care.

You could turn to your bank or credit union for a loan, but chances are they will ask you what you want the money for, and not many traditional financial institutions are keen on making loans for cosmetic surgery. That is why there are banks and lending institutions that do specialize in breast augmentation financing. Research them on the internet. Whether you are able to tap into traditional financing or you use specialized financing, you will probably take out a personal loan. Personal loans require collateral; bank or retirement or stock accounts or a car are usually the only types of collateral accepted.

The most sensible financing option, if it’s available to you, is to try to get a home equity line of credit (HELOC). With a HELOC you will get the lowest interest rates and they may be income tax deductible. As well, lenders to be more flexible with the purposes of HELOCs, meaning they can be used for purposes other than home improvement. Be sure to get a line of credit, not a home equity loan. Lenders do not usually give home equity loans for amounts as small as you will need for the surgery, but a home equity line of credit can be as small as $10,000.00 U.S. Not only is this more than enough to cover most surgery, but you may have money available to cover follow up care (which also is not covered by insurance), and as you pay the loan down, money will become available to you again (like a credit card). Of course, there is a huge disadvantage – namely that you are risking your home for your breasts.

The options available for breast augmentation financing are varied, but not complicated. Still, any time you borrow money you should be well aware of what you’re getting into. Breast augmentation is a big investment in yourself, but that doesn’t mean that you need to pay more for it than necessary. Borrow wisely so your new breasts are a positive enhancement to you, not a financial drain on you.

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