Veneers, laser skin procedures, orthodontics, fertility treatments.  These are all medical treatments that many of us put off because they are not necessary.

Part of it is not wanting to see a doctor or being unable to find the time, but cost plays a bigger role. These are significant expenses that hit the wallet big time. Why invest if you don’t have to?

Well, what you may not realize is the cost of NOT having these procedures. They can impact your confidence, comfort, and mental health. With payment plans making them more affordable, now is the time to schedule that appointment and experience an improved quality of life.

Why Wellness Procedures are So Expensive

Although cosmetic procedures may be more necessary than you may think, they are out of reach for many of us. Here are some factors that contribute to the cost:

• Increasing Insurance Costs: Insurance rarely covers these procedures. Even if you have insurance coverage, costs are rising rapidly, as many providers proposed a 7% increase in 2025.
• Rising Health Expenses: Health care costs are also projected to increase as more people require more advanced procedures. According to WTW.com, medical costs are expected to rise by 9.6% in 2026.
• What You’re Paying For: When you pay for a procedure, you pay for much more than the care itself. Also included is your hospital stay, anesthesia, and your surgeon’s fee, which covers their insurance, student loans, etc.

Wellness is a Life Investment

The cost of wellness services may be rising, but some, especially millennials and Gen Zers, see them as an investment in mental health and quality of life. Here are some factors to consider when weighing the expense of certain procedures against the potential benefits.

• Improves Mental Health: Crooked teeth, thinning hair, acne, and scarring- these are all issues that could impact self-esteem, leading to depression and anxiety. An Oxford Academic review of 25 studies found that 1,502 patients experienced a boost in self-esteem after cosmetic surgery. Therefore, improving these issues is more than vanity; it’s an investment in mental wellness.
• The Confidence to Improve Your Life: Once self-confidence improves, you feel better about yourself, motivating you to take chances that could pay off big time. Ask for that raise, talk to that guy or girl, or treat yourself to that outfit you’ve always wanted but were afraid to wear.
• Practical Benefits: Not all elective procedures are purely cosmetic. For example, breast reduction can reduce back pain issues. Dental procedures can address oral discomfort and chewing problems, while bariatric surgery can reduce the risk of hernias and diabetes.
• Can Improve Finances: Some procedures can even have financial benefits. For example, a boost in self-confidence can lead to more job opportunities and fewer costly mental health visits. They can also prevent certain health issues. However, up-front costs remain high, keeping them out of reach for many.

Great Options, Impossible Price Tags

Now more than ever, there are so many options for making life better. Dental health options have advanced, cosmetic procedures can cater to almost any need, and fertility treatments lead to higher success rates. But when you consider the cost, it seems impossible.

Patient-friendly financing helps. It spreads payments over time, making them more affordable. Additionally, many plans offer limited-time interest-free payments, so you don’t have to worry about expenses adding up over time.

What to Look for in a Financing Company

Several financial institutions have recognized the common predicament of being unable to afford healthcare. Hence, several payment plans are available. Cherry Technologies, CareCredit, and Alphaeon Credit are just a few examples.

But how do you choose which is best suited to your needs? Here are some things to look out for.

• Ensure Provider Alignment: Not all payment plans are accepted by all providers. Choose one that your provider works with.
• Consider Your Budget: Payment plans can make care more affordable, but everyone should stick to a budget. A flexible plan will make it easier to work out terms that align with your financial situation.
• Think About Fees: Choose a plan that offers interest-free payments (at least for a limited time) to prevent expenses from accruing. APRs and additional costs should also be minimal.
• Vet the Provider: Look at reviews to learn about the firm’s transparency and level of customer service. Avoid companies that don’t have live agents and offer contracts with fine print.
• Credit Checks: Choose a company that doesn’t require a credit check that could negatively impact your credit.

Smart Strategies for Handling Your Glow-Up

Here are some strategies that can make your glow-up even more affordable:

• Prioritize Health-Related Treatments: Ensure you finance any treatment that offers health benefits, including pain relief and improved mental well-being.
• Start Small: Start with lower-cost procedures. For example, instead of a facelift, consider Botox or microneedling. You may discover you don’t need a more expensive procedure- plus, it’s a great way to try out providers.
• Track Your ROI: Consider how much you’re getting out of treatments in terms of improved confidence, comfort, social, and professional benefits. Doing so will help you identify which are most worthwhile and eliminate others to save money.
• Compare Prices: Shop around to ensure you work with a provider that offers the best value, considering everything included in the treatment and the quality of results. If prices seem too good to be true, they probably are.
• Look for Discounts: Many providers offer discounts that could save you money. They may be easier to find off-season, when people aren’t looking to get beach-ready. You may also save money by bundling services or referring friends.

Conclusion

Confidence and self-care are worthwhile, but they shouldn’t compromise financial stability. Fortunately, there are ways to invest without severely impacting your budget, with payment plans leading the charge. When combined with other strategies, they can help you achieve your wellness goals affordably.

With the right approach, a true glow-up is holistic, supporting emotional, physical, and financial health. What tips do you have to add?