According to news reports over the weekend, lawmakers have dropped the elective cosmetic tax from the health care reform bill. In an interesting twist, they decided to trade one controversial tax for another; they’re replacing the elective cosmetic tax with a 10% tax on indoor tanning!

Representatives of the Indoor Tanning Association accused plastic surgeons of throwing the tanning industry “under the bus,” transferring a tax on wealthy cosmetic surgery patients and doctors to “struggling small businesses. “

“The irony is that ultraviolet light at least has proven health benefits where botox treatments have none” said John Overstreet of the aforementioned group.

Although I sympathize with owners of small tanning salons that probably struggle to break even, these arguments are weak for multiple reasons:

• Plastic surgeons aren’t making laws and enacting new taxes.  Direct your energy toward lawmakers if you oppose the tax.  That’s what the ASPS did.

• Plastic surgery patients aren’t all wealthy and doctors aren’t all rich; these terms are relative of course, but most people consider income of 30-90k to be middle-class.*

• In response to the Botox comment: Botox is considered a cosmetic and therapeutic treatment, and it’s actually quite versatile. Physicians use it to treat muscle spasms, hyperhidrosis, headaches, and of course facial wrinkles. Botox is for looking good and feeling good – aren’t those health benefits?

• The health benefits of tanning are questionable, at best.

Read More

Huffington Post: Senate’s Proposed Tax on Indoor Tanning: Potential Lifesaver and Fundraiser

CNN Money: Cosmetic Surgery Tax Out: Tanning Tax IN

* Average patient income range according to ASPS statistics