Americans spent more than $16.5 billion on cosmetic plastic surgery (and minimally invasive procedures) in 2018, according to one report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). With many treatments proving to be quite expensive, financing treatments or procedures can quickly become stressful, particularly if you don’t have the money on hand right away. However, budgeting for the latest treatment that you want is a great way to save up, allowing you to focus on healing and enjoying your new look, without the financial stress of managing debt afterwards.
Doing your research — an imperative step
When planning on getting a new cosmetic procedure or treatment, it’s imperative that you do your research thoroughly beforehand In addition to researching the procedure itself, it’s necessary to do your research on different facilities that offer your desired treatment to ensure you’re going with one that has a good reputation as well as a good price. Cosmetic tourism, or traveling to have a procedure done, may be an option to consider when looking for cheaper prices.
When it comes to cosmetic tourism abroad, there are a number of locations around the world to consider, with countries such as Brazil, Japan, Italy and Mexico being just some of the top international choices for cosmetic surgery, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). However, cosmetic tourism isn’t strictly limited to overseas travel, and you may also find cost effective solutions within the U.S. For example, if you’re considering getting a smaller procedure such as botox injections to soften lines and wrinkles, looking into botox in Austin, TX may be a more cost effective option than looking locally if you live somewhere like New York City. Making a list of all of your options can help to narrow them down, and can help you to make a decision much more effectively.
Creating the ideal budget
When creating a budget for your beauty treatment, it’s important to factor in not only the cost of the treatment itself, but the travel costs as well, should you choose a facility that’s not local. This may include a variety of things depending on your specific situation — such as gas, a hotel room, food, or even airfare, all of which will play a valuable part in your budget. Creating a plan for putting a certain amount aside for such expenses regularly is a must, as you’ll need to take your daily expenses and monthly income into account when planning to set aside money designated for your treatment, as well as spending limits. Afterwards, taking your costs and putting them into a spreadsheet, using a budget tracking app, or writing them down can allow you to stay organized and help you keep track of how much you’ve saved along the way, thus making it a great way to meet your goals in a timely manner.
Planning to get a new beauty treatment is an exciting event for anyone, but finances can make things stressful — especially if you can’t afford it right away. By doing your research and then creating the perfect budget, you can save accordingly and pay for your treatment upfront — allowing you to enjoy your new look without financial worry.