Maybe there’s something about your body that dissatisfies you, and you’re constantly working to change it. Maybe it’s something that’s almost impossible to change naturally, like increasing your breast size. You believe cosmetic surgery would be the best way to get what you want. But you also believe that you could never afford it. Cosmetic surgery is for the rich and famous, not for regular people like you.
Or is it? The truth about income and cosmetic surgery may surprise you.
Average Income
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons did a large study on this question. They surveyed people who were planning (not hoping; planning) to have cosmetic surgery in the next two years. Only 13% of respondents had at least $90,000 of annual household income.
That pokes a huge hole in the “plastic surgery is only for the rich” fallacy. $90,000 is a decent chunk of change, but it’s not exactly in the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills income category. And 87% of those getting plastic surgery made less than that.
What’s more, 30% of those cosmetic surgery patients had annual incomes of $30,000 or less. Another 41% were between there and $60,000 a year. These are solidly working-class and middle-class people. They don’t have tons of disposable income. But they value cosmetic surgery and believe it will improve their lives, so they choose to spend some of the little extra cash they do have getting these procedures. (And the cost of cosmetic surgery may not be as high as you think.)
The Rise of Financing
It’s now common for banks to offer loans to patients who seek cosmetic surgery but don’t have the money saved up. Many doctors’ offices also offer financing plans for patients who seek elective medical care. Those in charge of such plans often state that it’s no different from getting a car loan. Almost no one saves up to afford a car these days; most people just get a loan, and enjoy the car while paying for it.
Many believe that the trend of getting medical procedures on credit started in orthodontists’ offices. To make a perfect smile affordable for more people, orthodontists began offering financing plans. Quickly, braces became a right of passage for middle-class American teens. Now, almost all teens have access to orthodontic care, not just those whose parents are wealthy.
Will plastic surgery soon be the same way? While many doctors don’t recommend plastic surgery for teens, because their bodies are still growing and changing, it could become common for young adults. Because there’s a correlation between a person’s physical attractiveness and their average lifetime earnings, some authors believe that plastic surgery could be an investment that pays for itself over the long term (although no studies have yet been done that confirm this to be true). If they’re right, it could become common for college students to seek plastic surgery to achieve their highest possible level of attractiveness before they begin their job searches. With financing, even college students could afford plastic surgery.
Considering Cosmetic Surgery?
You may have looked at this article out of mere curiosity. But maybe you’re considering having cosmetic surgery yourself. If so, you’re in the right place! Check out our extensive Education Wiki to learn more about the many cosmetic surgical procedures available to you.
Of course, you’ll want the best surgeon to perform your procedure. Here at Doctor Review, we have reviews of plastic surgeons, written by real patients. You can search for a doctor in your area who performs the procedure you desire. You can learn more about how to find the best plastic surgeon, so you know just what to look for.
And to learn more about how you can afford the procedure you desire, whatever your income, visit our plastic surgery financing page.