Referencing a recent article in the Minneapolis Star, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery noted that more people seem to be saving for cosmetic procedures these days rather than financing their surgery. Admitting that cosmetic surgeons have been through tough times along with the rest of the economy, the ASAPS says it expects the industry to rebound soon, due in part to people saving for surgery.
Indeed, if you browse comments in online breast augmentation forums, it does seem like more patients are choosing to pay cash for plastic surgery than usual. Many talk about their willingness to scrimp and save and wait in order to avoid taking on debt.
So what are some of the clever ways women are saving up for plastic surgery?
One woman referenced in the ASAPS article started by putting aside the first $20 bill from every ATM withdrawal she made. Another woman who posted her tip in an online forum also used her bank as a tool—by creating a special savings account completely separate from all her other accounts so she would not be tempted to raid it.
To kick start the savings effort, some women devote their tax return to the cosmetic surgery account. This strategy can give a quick boost to the bottom line. Some people with sales jobs deposit their commission checks into the savings account; others contribute holiday bonuses, travel reimbursement checks or tips. A few women have reported using first time home buyer kickbacks from Uncle Sam for cosmetic surgery; still others say they used military sign up or deployment bonuses.
Many women do not have jobs that yield commission checks or bonuses, and for some, all incoming funds—even tips—go to feed the family and pay bills. For these people, it’s all about saving and otherwise being very creative. Many women recommend skipping fancy coffee, take out meals and other non-necessities like new clothes to save a surprising amount each month.
Some women take a second job for a while; some sell items they no longer need on eBay. A few soft drink fans stockpile aluminum cans and glass bottles for the refund money.
One way women make the wait just a little more fun is to download a graphic savings ticker from www.tickerfactory.com. They use it in email, forum postings or on their own blogs or websites to show progress.
Tough economic times have taught many people a hard lesson about taking on debt—it’s good to see women being extra cautious and paying up front as much as possible for elective surgery. But what if you can’t wait? What if you need revision surgery, suffered a disfiguring injury or have an aesthetic challenge you just can’t put up with any longer?
Look for a discussion of financing plastic surgery next time.
References:
http://www.surgery.org/consumers/plastic-surgery-news-briefs/patients-saving-up-for-surgery-1030430
http://www.implantforum.com/finance.html