Today we are writing of a matter of a somewhat different nature. We have been urged by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and many other plastic surgery and professional organizations to contact our patients about an issue that could impact you as early as January 2010. This is the first time that we have ever contacted our patients about a political or legislative issue. We are doing so this time because we feel that the proposed tax by Senator Harry Reid on cosmetic procedures is really a tax on woman and needs to be addressed. We really appreciate your taking the time to learn a little bit about this important issue. 

As you may be aware, part of the health care reform bill being debated in the Senate is a provision that would add a five percent tax to the cost of cosmetic surgery and medical procedures where the goal is to "improve patient appearance". The Excise Tax on Elective Cosmetic Medical Procedures, otherwise known as the "Bo-Tax" will apply to a wide-range of treatments including Botox, fillers, laser treatments, peels, and many surgical procedures. 

We are opposed to this tax for a number of reasons. This tax discriminates against women and predominantly middle class, working woman. Contrary to public opinion, plastic surgery is not a luxury item shared only by the very wealthy. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that 90% of plastic surgery patients are middle class women, with incomes of $30,000 to $90,000. Women seek to improve their appearance for a variety of reasons: "some to improve opportunities in the workplace, some to improve self-confidence, some to correct life-long aesthetic disfigurements". Regardless of the reason, these personal health choices belong to the woman and her health care professional and no one else. Discriminating against women by imposing a tax on them for attempting to improve themselves in a responsible manner is no way to go about achieving health care reform.

Economic analysis shows that the tax will not reduce health care premiums or make health care more affordable to the middle class. It will make woman more reluctant to seek procedures they desire for the reasons outlined above and force plastic surgeons into the role of tax collector. 

We strongly encourage you to e-mail, call or write your Senator to inform them of your opinion of and, we hope, opposition to Section 9017 of the health care reform bill. 

If you have any questions or comments about this entry or the proposed bill, please feel free to contact us anytime.