Because debt from plastic surgery is considered medical debt, it may be discharged or reorganized during bankruptcy.
Plastic surgery can be a significant financial commitment, especially when health insurance doesn’t cover certain procedures. Whether someone undergoes surgery for cosmetic reasons or medical necessity, the cost can add up quickly. For many, these expenses are financed through loans or credit, leading to substantial debt. When financial hardship hits, people often wonder whether bankruptcy can alleviate their plastic surgery debt.
The good news is that it can, but there’s no guarantee for everyone that it will.
Discharging Plastic Surgery Debt in Chapter 7 & Chapter 13
Whether plastic surgery debt can be discharged in bankruptcy depends on several factors, including the nature of the debt and the type of bankruptcy filed. For most people, unsecured plastic surgery debt can be discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This means the debt is erased as long as the judge agrees to discharge it upon completing Chapter 7.
However, the treatment of plastic surgery debt in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy may differ. Because Chapter 13 involves a repayment plan, unsecured debts, including plastic surgery debt, may still need to be repaid in part, depending on a person’s income and repayment capacity. At the end of the repayment period, any remaining unsecured debt may be discharged, but this process can take several years.
It’s also important to note that the timing and nature of the debt can impact its dischargeability. For example, if the plastic surgery was deemed medically necessary, it’s more likely to be treated like other medical debt and discharged in bankruptcy. On the other hand, if the surgery was elective and recent, the bankruptcy trustee may scrutinize the debt more closely, especially if it appears that the individual incurred the debt while already insolvent.
Contact a Lawyer for Help
Plastic surgery debt, like other types of unsecured debt, can often be discharged in bankruptcy, providing people with a way to eliminate overwhelming financial obligations. However, the process and outcome depend on various factors, including the type of bankruptcy filed, the classification of the debt, and an individual’s financial circumstances.
Before taking the step of filing for bankruptcy, it’s important to carefully consider all options and seek professional advice to ensure the best possible outcome for your financial future. Our experienced bankruptcy lawyer at Nguyen Law Group can provide the legal guidance and services you need to understand and exercise your options.
Learn more during an initial consultation—contact us today to request one.