OKLAHOMA CITY -- People who are hoping to turn back the signs of aging with a face-lift -- but who can't afford it -- now have more options than ever, Eyewitness News 5's Jessica Schambach reported Friday.

Physicians say that financing plastic surgery is easier than ever because banks have created special programs for those who seek self-improvement.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Silverstein said the prices haven't changed but added that the opportunities people have for payment are changing dramatically.

"Cosmetic surgery is now available to the average person who has a family and has a job," Silverstein said. "One way or another, you can make a small payment every month, have it done, enjoy the results of the surgery and pay it out."

Credit firms now specialize in plastic surgery and work directly with surgeons to provide additional payment options for patients. Silverstein said more of his patients are choosing to pay it off rather than pay up front.

"Most of the patients that we have ... (they) have jobs, are working, and can pass the credit security check," he said.

Kassy Howard lost more than 250 pounds through gastric-bypass surgery but needed plastic surgery to rid her body of loose skin.

"You have to get it taken care of," she said. "You can get outbreaks and rashes, and it gets in your way."

Howard had a tummy tuck, arm lift and leg lift. The bill was $10,000 -- but it was all financed.

"It's kind of like putting it on a credit card because it's through Capital One ... only you don't have the card, and you get the real cheap interest," she said.

Howard chose to pay the surgery off in 18 months at $380 a month with a 5.9 percent interest rate.

Doctors say you can pick a payment plan based on your budget and finance what you want, whether it's liposuction, a face-lift or a breast augmentation.

But Silverstein said people should remember that they are going into debt.

"Borrowing money nowadays is too easy for anything, and people should really be careful if they're going to borrow money for something that is not essential to their lives," he said.

Those who aren't interested in financing may be able to cover procedures with medical insurance.

According to physicians, some cosmetic procedures considered so necessary that insurance companies will cover them. For example, eyelid surgery to remove excess skin is often covered if the skin blocks vision.

Susan Breithaupt said she saved $1,800 by having her insurance company pay for her eyelid surgery.

"My eyes were more open, they weren't as tired ... you wouldn't believe how much the skin weighed," Breithaupt said. "It just felt lifted"

Your doctor can test your vision or other ailments to see if you qualify for insurance coverage. Physicians recommend that patients always consult with their doctors about options that will work best for them.