Stop the Cosmetic Tax. Stop the Insanity.

Previously, we posted an article in our hair restoration blog: Tax on Cosmetic Procedures. For our readers, the good news  is that there were many people who supported us in our rally against the cosmetic tax proposal. Even more good news: the current cosmetic tax proposal has been dropped (hooray!). It was the same proposal that was part of the massive health care reform bill presently being considered on the Senate floor.

But let’s keep in mind that it is quite possible the “Bo-tax” could be tacked back on before the bill’s final passage.

I say the five percent tax is insane because a very similar type of cosmetic tax has been implemented in New Jersey, with disastrous results. Tax revenues from plastic surgeons and cosmetic doctors have dipped in that state, probably because potential patients are going to doctors in surrounding states for their cosmetic surgery needs, while not having to pay as much.

In this case, we may deter those people who visit the United States every year from coming to America in order to take advantage of our top-of-the-line cosmetic procedures.

The additional tax on cosmetic procedures has lowered business profits for doctors, thus limiting the amount of tax revenue the state of New Jersey receives to pour into public institutions and not-for-profit organizations. It seems to be a no-win situation for everyday citizens, doctors, and state assemblymen and politicians who are sincerely trying to do good service for the people of their district.

Another drawback: the tax may be applicable to a broad-range of procedures that improve a person’s self-image and self-confidence. These procedures may very well end up improving a person’s depression or social anxiety, as described in our article, Psychology of Hair Transplants.

Lastly, the cosmetic surgery levy unfairly discriminates against people with congenital defects, such as bald people who are looking for a hair transplant or women seeking to rid themselves of wrinkles by using Dysport or Radiesse.

Data sources show that about 90 percent of people who are considering cosmetic-type treatment are women (source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons). These women are seeking to enhance their self-perception and to feel more comfortable in social settings and also looking to gain an edge in the workforce (studies show chances are better for more “attractive” people to get hired, to receive promotions, or to receive a higher salary).

I would like to take this time to thank all physicians, patients, and politicians who supported the drop of this proposal from the health care reform bill.