The Fabuless Life

A lot of cosmetic surgery enthusiasts would be frowning right now, if their face lifts and Botox allowed it. A proposed part of the new health care bill includes a 5 percent tax on elective cosmetic surgery like tummy tucks, face lifts, hair plugs, collagen injections, and any other nonrequired procedures—a proposal known as the “Botax.” The tariff is expected to raise an estimated $6 billion.

Not only are many plastic surgery patients unhappy, but so are their surgeons. Associations including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons have launched campaigns against the tax, arguing it would hurt their business during a recession, especially since elective surgeries are down already. Industry groups also say the tax won’t target the high rollers Congress is aiming for since one-third of their patients make less than $30,000 a year, 70 percent make less than $60,000, 86 percent make less than $90,000 and only 13 percent make more than $90,000. In addition, an estimated 85 percent of operations are paid for using credit.



Some who are against the tax cite research showing that cosmetic surgery could actually stimulate the economy, by making Americans look better – thus more marketable and productive – through increased attractiveness, self esteem, confidence, and persuasiveness. In fact, a 2005 study by the Federal Reserve of St. Louis found that good-looking people make about 5 percent more money than their average-looking counterparts, who in turn make 9 percent more than people with below-average looks.