By: Mark Erlich, MD

You might have heard about a federal “cosmetic surgery tax” a few politicians are pushing for as a way to boost the economy. Obviously as a surgeon I don’t want to see this happen because it means higher costs for my patients, but I also think the people supporting this tax really need to take a step back and reconsider some of the huge misconceptions they have about who gets cosmetic plastic surgery, and why. You can read more about the tax, but this is my take on it:

How Would the Tax Affect You?

I think there’s still an idea out there that cosmetic surgery is some kind of indulgence for the fabulously wealthy, but that perception just doesn’t match up with reality. Plenty of my plastic surgery patients in New York are working moms, college students, parents, grandparents, homemakers, professionals – “average” people who just want their looks to match up with the way they see themselves.

In addition, I’m not a big fan of the IRS deciding which procedures are or aren’t necessary. It’s a little too bureaucratic, but also I doubt it would work in practice. Even a small tax could make surgery out of the question for many patients, and I just don’t see how preventing people from getting surgery would do any of us – or the economy – any good.

What Can You Do?

Some physicians and patients have created a petition protesting this tax, so if you feel as strongly as I do that this just isn’t a good idea, feel free to visit the petition site here and add your name to the list.

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