topic Re: Plastic Surgery? in General Credit Topics

Plastic Surgery?

TULO30 — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:36:11 GMT

I am currently 27K in debt. This debt includes my car, student loan and $5000 in credit card debt. I have no money in savings except for retirement. I would like to have a breast reduction which will add an additional $4000 to my current total debt (part of the cost of the surgery will be paid for in cash).

I have a plan that would allow me to pay off all of my debt over the next 12-15 months.

Why surgery? Well, my breasts are basically too large for my body. I have always had large breasts and started development early and it has always been a concern for me since puberty. I have difficulty buying certain clothes, poor posture, etc.

So, my question is...given my current debt, and lack of savings, do you think it is a good time to have this surgery? Thank you for your advice!

Re: Plastic Surgery?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:22:22 GMT

Well, do you think it's the right time should be the question. If you were talking about a breast enlargement just because then I would have a different opinion. I know that breasts that are too large can cause many health problems and a lot of pain. My god sister had a reduction and the indentions and cuts on her shoulders from her bras are already starting to fade. Not to mention the disappearance of major back pain. So, IMHO if you think this is best for you HEALTH then I would say, have it done. With a repayment plan in mind.

Re: Plastic Surgery?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:29:30 GMT

Part of this might get paid by insuance if your doctor can convience them it is medicaly needed-

Re: Plastic Surgery?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:56:41 GMT

Do you have health insurance? I'm assuming you haven't looked into that already, but you might talk to your doctor about pursuing that avenue.

Re: Plastic Surgery?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:13:08 GMT

How much time will you have to take off from work? Can you afford to take off, since you have no savings? I think you should evaluate the whole picture first and not worry about your scores.

I agree with others, if you have med ins you may be able to get some of that covered.

My step mother had this procedure that was covered by her insurance. She was off for 2 months, but she has my dad to take up the slack, if needed.

Re: Plastic Surgery?

braznyc — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:47:39 GMT

Most breast reductions are covered by your health care insurance, because they consider it "reconstructive" and it's not really in the idea of "plastic/cosmetic" surgery, and it helps if it's being done to relieve a medical condition, like back pain etc. If you don't have health insurance, I would look into the state funded ones, they might have ones for adults in your state. This will be cheaper than taking out a loan.

Your recovery time will depend on your medical history. My cousin was back to work a week later, she couldn't do any heavy lifting for 6 weeks. But again that's something you and your surgeon would have to discuss.

Also you say you have a plan? Is this offered by your surgeon or a finance company?

Message Edited by braznyc on 02-12-2008 11:47 AM

Re: Plastic Surgery?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:58:28 GMT

TUL, I agree with the others. You will develop health problems, over time. Maybe not until you are in your 40's or 50's, but back problems, and the constant pain will make it a requirement.

Go talk to your doctor. It's not a cosmetic procedure you're talking about. IMO it's a medical condition, that will lead to complications if left alone.

Have you considered financing the surgery through CareCredit? I don't know much about them but have seen the name listed many times on various surgeon's websites.

Good luck to you.

Re: Plastic Surgery?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:02:31 GMT

I have Care Credit they are pretty good. I also had 12 months no interest, so that would be an option aslo.

Re: Plastic Surgery?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:16:17 GMT

That's good to know jaybee.

In looking at the website(I have it if anyone needs it), they can finance from 3 mos. to 60 months...Gee that almost sounds like an auto loan. lol.

What were your experiences like? Is it a Visa or M.C.? or kinda like a "store card"?

I've been thinking about an elective surgery for a while myself, and would love to know more.

TUL, sorry to hijack your thread!

Re: Plastic Surgery?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:24:30 GMT

It's like a store card, not a major. I went to their website and you can locate doctors in your area. Once I get the nerves I will use it for my Lasik.

A lot of people have said that they couldn't get a CLI, but I doubled mine in under 5 months. I think they are pretty good so far, but that is with my experience only.

Re: Plastic Surgery?

TULO30 — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:29:09 GMT

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback. Some additional information - Insurance will not cover this surgery. I need an additional 4000 to be able to pay for the surgery and since I don't have it in cash I will need to borrow it. I was just trying to figure out if I should borrow it now or if I should just wait. I think I am going to wait. Although I want to have the surgery, I don't like the idea of taking on additional debt. Thanks again!

Re: Plastic Surgery?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:31:41 GMT

TUL best of luck to you. It's always good to talk things over. Hope we've helped a lil bit.

Ohhhh lasik! Good idea. Now there's 2 things I'm considering!

Message Edited by Sylviatob on 02-12-2008 09:31 AM

Re: Plastic Surgery?

myfico5378 — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:31:11 GMT

Sylviatob - I used CareCredit for an elective surgery. I was told by my doctor's office that it would be 6 months no interest. Apparently, it depends on the doctor's office arrangement with CC so it's not in your credit card disclosures exactly how long you'll have no interest. I started being billed interest after 3 months. The interest rate is very high (21.49% right now since Prime has dropped a bit). I'm planning to pay mine off with my tax refund which was my plan all along, but they started charging interest 3 months earlier than planned. Also, when they do start charging interest, they start from the date of the initial loan rather than that date forward. So, the 3 payments that I had made basically went straight to interest as my total balance jumped back up to the original balance after 3 months. If I only made the monthly payment for the 4 years that they set it up for, I would be paying almost $1000 in interest on a $2000 surgery (I paid the other half in cash).

My advice would be if you are absolutely certain you can pay it off during the no interest time period (and get that time period in writing!!!), it is fine.

It's more like a store card than a MC or Visa. You can use it at any physicians office or dental office that is enrolled in their program. You can find a list of their providers on their site.

Re: Plastic Surgery?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:33:38 GMT

Oh yes the interest is very high, which I don't care if it is 100% I am not paying for interest.

Also, Syl, know that the interest will be tacked on after the intro rate is over, if you have not paid for the bal off completely.

Re: Plastic Surgery?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:36:41 GMT

TYVM jaybee & myfico5378! Good info! I appreciate your comments.

I might be better off financing thru my hi balance cc(at least high for me!) than to go the other route, if the 0% financing period is only 3 months, then the 23.99% or whatever kicks in. And retroactive back to the beginning? ugghhh.

Thanks you all!

Message Edited by Sylviatob on 02-12-2008 09:36 AM

Re: Plastic Surgery?

Shogun — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:53:24 GMT

Started new thread in Credit Card Forums