7 Clever (and Easy) Ways to Save Up for Your Cosmetic Surgery

You’ve decided to take the plunge and have cosmetic surgery to make the changes you want. Smart move—improving your appearance through cosmetic surgery can have a big payoff, helping you feel more confident or even jump-start career or fitness goals.

Now one question many patients have is: how am I going to pay for my cosmetic surgery? Because cosmetic surgery is elective, costs come out of pocket, and it’s normal for patients to save up before scheduling their procedure. Even if you plan to finance your surgery, you may need money for a down payment or some savings on hand to take time off from work.

Here are 7 of our favorite tips to help you painlessly save, cutting expenses elsewhere to free up funds for your cosmetic surgery.

First: never bargain on safety and results for a cheap price

Unfortunately, there is no law prohibiting any licensed doctor from offering cosmetic surgery, even if that individual hasn’t had any training in cosmetic surgery. Some doctors even perform surgery in an office setting instead of a fully-accredited operating room, jeopardizing patient safety in order to charge bargain fees. Do not compromise your safety or results by going to a doctor that offers to do it for cheap! It is not at all worth the risk to your safety in the long run – plus, if you are left with less-than-satisfactory results, you will just have to find another surgeon to revise the procedure.

It’s well worth any extra time and expense to have an experienced, qualified cosmetic surgeon perform your procedure in an accredited surgical facility. Never compromise on your safety and results.

It’s worth it to wait and save up in order to have an experienced, qualified cosmetic surgeon whose aesthetic style you love perform your procedure. Remember your results depend on their skills and experience with the procedure.

Tip: choosing a cosmetic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery ensures your surgeon has formal training in cosmetic surgery and only performs surgery in accredited surgical facilities with safe anesthesia.

Now, our 7 easy money-saving tips

1. Nix impulse buying with a “7 Day Rule”

We’ve all fallen into the trap of running out to Target for toothpaste alone and returning with two bags of stuff. Impulse buying is one of the biggest and sneakiest money sucks, but you have the power to control it. Set a rule that for any purchase over X dollars, you will wait a week. If you still want the item then (even more than your future cosmetic surgery), buy it. This way, you save your dough for stuff that really matters.

2. Swap spending for sweating

Who says hanging out with friends has to involve your wallet? Instead of meeting for dinner or pricey cocktails, invite your BFF to go for a walk. Next time you’ve got a night to yourself, skip the online shopping, make an upbeat playlist, and treat yourself to a nobody-is-watching solo dance party or high-energy workout. You’ll not only save money, you’ll burn calories, which can help you look and feel great!

3. Stick to your current supply of beauty products

When you’re trying to look your best, the enticement of a new makeup hue can be hard to resist, but now’s the time to save that cash for bigger and better things, and putting a freeze on your beauty product budget is an easy way to start. Plus that 31st shade of eyeshadow isn’t going to provide nearly the confidence boost you’ll get from having your cosmetic procedure!

4. Make your vehicle more efficient

You don’t have to go buy a new car to save on gas. Simple tasks such as cleaning the air filter, keeping your tires inflated to the optimal PSI, and driving the speed limit (gas mileage drops off significantly at speeds over 65mph) can help increase gas milage and save undue wear and tear on your car.

5. Got a style craving? Check your closets and/or go vintage

Next time you’ve got the urge for a new outfit, shop your own closet first. That flirty shirt hiding in the back may be just the ticket, especially combined with that skirt you got a few years ago (remember when you loved it at the store?). Another option is to hit secondhand shops, where you can find anything from evening gowns to toasters. There are several great consignment stores in Little Rock that offer gently used items. Shopping secondhand not only saves you money, but also offers the feel-good experience of reusing resources. Plus, you can be almost 100% sure that no one else will show up at a party wearing the same outfit.

6. Go to the library

Haven’t hit the stacks since your school days? A lot has changed since then. Many public libraries have a good selection of music, DVDs, and audiobooks in addition to novels, as well as seminars and classes for children and adults—all for free (just remember to return your materials on time). Ereaders, this goes for you too: the Central Arkansas Library System has huge selection of ebooks.

7. Plan a super staycation this year

Big trips are fun, but they require serious cash. Consider staying home this year and funneling your vacation fund into your cosmetic procedure. Skipping the beach for one season is a worthwhile tradeoff for a look you’ll love for many seasons to come. And we’re lucky to live in a great place to play tourist at home—Little Rock has tons to do for families and adults.

Smart Saving + Financing = Affordable Cosmetic Surgery

If having cosmetic surgery is your goal, making small changes to save money can help you have your procedure sooner. However, if savings aren’t building up quite as quickly as you’d like, most practices (Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center included!) offer affordable cosmetic surgery financing to help you achieve your new look on your desired timeline.

If you’re considering cosmetic surgery in Little Rock, we’d love to help you learn more about your options so you can make a confident decision. Dr. Rhys Branman is certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and offers informative, consultations for prospective patients. Just call our office or contact us online to schedule an appointment!