PHILADELPHIA, PA -- 11/20/09 --
Say hello to Botax, the 5% tax on cosmetic
procedures that was a surprise addition to the roughly 2,000 page health
care reform bill. The proposed tax, scheduled to take effect January 2010,
has been suggested as a way to help fund health care reform.
The tax applies to all surgeries that are "not necessary to ameliorate a
deformity arising from, or directly related to, a congenital abnormality, a
personal injury resulting from an accident or trauma, or disfiguring
disease."
Prominent Philadelphia/New Jersey plastic surgeon Kirk Brandow, MD, FAACS,
founder of the Brandow Clinic,
says the tax unfairly targets women, since 89% of all procedures are sought
by women. He also believes it heavily targets baby boomers, since the
majority of those seeking cosmetic enhancements are in that age group.
Dr. Brandow says, "Overall, I support health care reform, but I'm against
this piece of it. The legislators supporting this bill may perceive plastic
surgery as frivolous, but making a person feel better is hardly
inconsequential."
Dr. Brandow feels it's a mistake to trivialize cosmetic procedures
especially given the recession, because a majority of people are having
surgery or dermal fillers to help them compete in a tough job market.
Appointments to both Brandow Clinics have increased in recent days with
patients trying to get procedures before the tax is imposed.
Dr. Kirk Brandow is founder and director of the Brandow Clinic of Cosmetic
Plastic Surgery (www.brandowclinic.com), Bala Cynwyd, PA (Greater
Philadelphia) and Somers Point, NJ (Jersey Shore). He is former Chief of
Cosmetic Surgery and Clinical Training Director, Allegheny University
Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Brandow performs surgeries of the face and
body and operates a medical day spa where his highly-trained skin care and
skin rejuvenation specialists perform the latest treatments in a serene,
state-of-the-art setting.
Contact:
Petrina Fisher Wells
Wells Marketing Group
215-391-3300
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