Looking Good For an Extra 5%

It's baaack...and it's enough to make those creases between our eyes even worse!

If the health care reform bill passes it's possible that elective beauty procedures will be taxed 5%--the so called "bo-tax." Facelifts, tummy tucks, laser hair removal and yes, Botox and even teeth whitening could all be subject to this excise tax as of January 1, 2010 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34048874/ns/health-health_care/

Certain procedures such as breast reconstruction or a deformity caused by an accident, trauma or disfiguring disease would be exempt.

We heard about this tax a while ago when it was being considered in the Senate Finance committee although it was dropped. But apparently it has reared it's ugly (so to speak) head again when the latest version of the bill was unveiled by Senator Harry Reid on Wednesday night.

Plastic surgeons are expected to lobby against this tax and some people feel it's a tax against women since they seek out the procedures that will be affected in much larger percentages than men.

It will be interesting to see if people flock to plastic surgeon and dermatologist's offices in the next month or so to try to get procedures done if the bill passes.

Of course no one should rush to get plastic surgery or any procedure done without first carefully researching the doctor to make sure he/she is board certified and experienced in the operation you're seeking.

But if you have already done your homework and were considering waiting until after the first of the year to have some nips or tucks you may want to consider moving up your timetable if you aren't prepared to add another 5% to the total bill!

www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.