Updated: April 28, 2026 | Originally posted: August 8, 2012 | By Dr. Shim Ching, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon
Quick Answer: Plastic surgery financing in Honolulu is most commonly handled through four medical-financing platforms (PatientFi, Cherry, Allē, CareCredit) plus traditional personal loans. Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery does not accept insurance, so financing or self-pay are the standard payment paths. A dedicated in-house financing specialist (Keri) helps every patient build a custom plan.
Key facts at a glance:
- Four medical-financing partners: PatientFi, Cherry, Allē, CareCredit
- Personal loans: average rate as of April 2026 is 11.5% for excellent credit, with top lenders at 6.2 to 6.7%
- Soft credit checks available so initial inquiries do not impact your score
- 0% APR options available through Cherry and CareCredit for qualifying applicants
- In-house support: Keri, our dedicated financing specialist, helps build custom plans (10+ years experience)
- No insurance accepted; financing replaces traditional insurance billing
As of April 2026, Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery offers the most comprehensive financing menu in Honolulu, with five distinct paths from standard medical financing to traditional personal loans. The decision to move forward with plastic surgery isn't just about a procedure; it is about a transition. It is the moment you decide that the version of yourself you see in your mind should finally match the one in the mirror. Between that decision and the operating room, there is a practical bridge: the financial one.
At our practice, we don't view this as a "bill" to be paid. We view it as an investment in your most valuable asset, you. It's the ultimate self-equity.
Meet Our In-House Financing Specialist
This is our industry. We know it well. And we know financing can feel overwhelming at first. The secret weapon at our practice is Keri, our dedicated Financing Expert (our patients affectionately call her our "Financial Guru"). With over a decade of experience, Keri has seen every possible financial scenario. She doesn't just crunch numbers; she listens to your goals, your personal financial plan, and crafts a bespoke strategy.
Reach Keri directly via email at [email protected] or by phone at (808) 353-5080 to start a conversation.
What Are the Best Financing Options for Plastic Surgery in 2026?
Five paths handle the vast majority of procedures at our practice. The table below summarizes them at a glance.
| Option | Best For | Key Feature | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PatientFi | Surgery (full procedures) | Soft credit check, designed by plastic surgeons | Same day |
| Cherry | MedSpa and smaller procedures | 0% APR plans for qualifying applicants | Minutes |
| Allē (via Cherry) | Botox, fillers, MedSpa | As low as $75/month for non-surgical | Minutes |
| CareCredit | Any health/beauty spend | No-interest if paid in full plans | Same day |
| Personal Loan | Patients with 700+ credit | Lowest fixed rates, "cash buyer" simplicity | 1 to 5 days |
PatientFi
Designed by leading plastic surgeons, PatientFi looks beyond just your credit score. Soft credit check, friendly transparent monthly plans, all online. Start your application here.
Cherry
Known for speed. Cherry allows you to treat now and pay later, with 0% APR plans for those who qualify. One of the most flexible point-of-sale options.
Allē
If you use Botox or Juvéderm, you likely already know Allē. Powered by Cherry's payment platform, you can spend as little as $75/month on CoolSculpting, Botox, Liquid Facelift, and most other non-surgical procedures at our MedSpa.
CareCredit
The gold standard in medical financing since 1987, with over $70 billion financed to date. Functions like a dedicated credit card for health and beauty needs, with No-Interest-If-Paid-In-Full plans for those who want zero financing cost.
Personal Loans (the under-used option for excellent credit)
Patients with good to excellent credit (700+) often find a traditional personal loan from a bank or credit union offers a lower fixed interest rate and gives you cash buyer simplicity.
As of April 2026, the average personal loan rate for excellent credit (720-850) is around 11.5%, while top-tier lenders like LightStream and Citi are offering rates as low as 6.2% to 6.7% for qualifying applicants. It's precise, controlled, and financially savvy.
What Is the ROI of Plastic Surgery? The "Workplace Beauty Premium"
There is a documented psychological and economic phenomenon known as the Workplace Beauty Premium. When you look vital, rested, and high functioning, the world perceives you that way, and that perception affects how you are treated in the boardroom, during negotiations, and across your career trajectory. For more, read the University of Melbourne study on cosmetic surgery and the workplace.
The math also lands at home. The average car payment in Hawaii is $658/month. In Honolulu, the average commute is 29 minutes one-way, and Oahu drivers spend 64 hours/year in traffic. You spend roughly 5% of your day in your car. You spend 100% of your life in your body. Reallocating capital from depreciating assets toward yourself is not vanity, it's a portfolio decision.
For Women: The Confidence Catalyst
When you are not subconsciously adjusting your blazer to hide a post-pregnancy "pooch" or wondering if overhead lighting is highlighting your "turkey neck", your mental bandwidth opens up. Data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons suggests women who feel confident in their appearance see a measurable "halo effect" at work, with some studies indicating promotion rates up to 20% higher than peers. A survey by ASPS found three-fifths of women believed plastic surgery helped further their careers.
For Men: The Competitive Edge
The most popular male procedures right now are Upper Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery for heavy lids), Neck Liposuction (for a defined masculine jawline), and Gynecomastia (male chest reduction). Each is designed to project alertness and strength. For a man in his 40s or 50s, looking a decade younger isn't vanity; it's extending professional runway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What financing options are available for plastic surgery in Honolulu?
PatientFi, Cherry, Allē (powered by Cherry), and CareCredit are the main medical-financing options. Patients with strong credit (700+) often find a personal loan from a bank or credit union offers a lower fixed rate.
Does PatientFi check my credit?
PatientFi performs a soft credit check that does not affect your credit score. The platform was designed by leading plastic surgeons and looks at more factors than just your credit score.
What is the average interest rate on a personal loan for plastic surgery in 2026?
As of April 2026, the average personal loan rate for borrowers with excellent credit (720-850) is around 11.5%. Top-tier lenders such as LightStream and Citi offer rates as low as 6.2% to 6.7% for qualifying applicants.
Can I use multiple financing sources for one procedure?
Yes. Many patients combine a credit card promotional offer, a CareCredit no-interest plan, and a personal loan to optimize the total cost of capital across the full procedure investment.
Is plastic surgery financing tax-deductible?
Cosmetic plastic surgery interest is not generally tax-deductible. Reconstructive procedures may qualify for medical expense deductions if total medical expenses exceed the IRS threshold. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Related Resources
A Visceral Choice
At the end of the day, the tension between "I want this" and "How do I do this?" is natural. But the gap is smaller than you think. Whether it's a quick approval through Cherry or a strategic personal loan from your bank, the tools are in place.
This isn't about spending money. It's about reallocating it toward the one thing that will never depreciate: your confidence. Give Keri a call, explore the options, and let's make the investment that finally brings your reflection to life.
About Dr. Shim Ching, MD
Board-certified plastic surgeon. Owner of Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery in Honolulu, Hawaii, with offices in Dubai, Kuwait, and Qatar.
- Experience: Over 21 years in private practice. Has personally performed 30,000+ aesthetic procedures.
- Recognition: 14 consecutive years recognized #1 in Hawaii by Honolulu Star-Advertiser People’s Choice (since 2013) and Honolulu Magazine Top Doctors (since 2011). 4.9-star Google rating.
- Signature procedures: The Ascend Lift™ (proprietary deep plane facelift) and scarless endoscopic transaxillary breast augmentation, with 1,300+ cases of the latter published in peer-reviewed journals.
- Affiliations: American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
- Connect: 1.5M+ followers on Instagram @shimchingmd. Schedule a consultation.