Botax May Become Less Affordable

Botax May Become Less Affordable

  A new health reform bill could levy a tax on elective cosmetic procedures—and plastic surgeons are not happy about it.

  The 5 % excise tax would affect patients going in for face-lifts or even teeth whitening, but not those having surgery to repair an injury or deformity.

   The "Botax" could raise $6 billion, but Phil Haeck, president-elect of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, tells the reporters it would hit more than wealthy women, who are the stereotypical plastic-surgery seekers. The majority of women receiving cosmetic procedures have incomes between $30,000 and $90,000, he said.

  The U.S. News and World Report has contributed to the report.