As you probably know, the Democrat-led Congress is trying to put U.S. health care under government control and last week the House passed a bill in this direction. Now the Senate is working on their plan. The plan backed by the White House would put a five percent tax on cosmetic surgery.

With all the frantic spending this past year by Congress, the government needs more income. That means more taxes and higher taxes on everybody. This cosmetic surgery tax is estimated to raise about 5.8 billion dollars over ten years that would help to pay for the 849 billion dollars the proposed healthcare plan will cost.

A Five Percent Tax on Cosmetic Procedures

You would not be able to have any type of plastic surgery such as liposuction or a rhinoplasty without paying the five percent tax – unless you were having it done to correct an injury, a disease disfigurement, or a congenital abnormality. In other words, if your procedure is done for cosmetic reasons, it will be taxed.

This new tax would start in January 2010. So far, the slumping economy has not affected cosmetic surgery demand. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were 12.1 million cosmetic surgery procedures done in 2008, although figures are not available yet for 2009.

If the economy continues to decline, the addition of this cosmetic surgery tax may finally lower the public’s interest in improving their appearance – especially if existing taxes are raised, such as sales and income taxes and if other new taxes are imposed. However, the government has not yet succeeded in taking over health care, and the cosmetic surgery tax is still just a desire on the part of Democrats in Congress and the White House. Time will tell how this plays out.

Meanwhile, there is no tax on cosmetic surgery. Perhaps you could give yourself a tax-free Holiday treat or buy a gift for a loved one. If you would like to know more about any of the procedures we offer, such as breast enlargement, facelifts, or male breast reduction, the first step would be to schedule a free personal consultation with Dr. Rai. To do that, please call or email our cosmetic surgery office today.