The health care bill proposed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid includes a 5% tax on all cosmetic plastic surgery. The proposed tax is expected to raise an estimated $5.8 billion over 10 years and would help pay for the health insurance overhaul that is currently being debated in Congress. According to the bill, if passed, the tax would go into effect on January 1, 2010.

The proposed tax would apply to all elective procedures that are performed to enhance appearance. The procedures included in this proposal are not limited to breast implants and cosmetic fillers, but would also encompass body contouring procedures that are performed after bariatric surgery or massive weight loss.

While tummy tucks and breast lifts may qualify as cosmetic enhancements, in post-bariatric patients, the procedures are greatly beneficial to health and comfort. After significant weight loss, the skin may not shrink completely as fat volume is lost, resulting in excess folds of skin that hang from the body. Not only is it uncomfortable, but infections frequently develop between skin folds from trapped perspiration and bacteria. While infections can be managed with constant care and attention, the best treatment is to remove the excess skin.

Bariatric plastic surgery can help successful bariatric patients improve their health and comfort, not just their appearance. Should the government be able to view your case and decide whether or not it is subject to taxation? It seems to go beyond the protection of patient privacy, choice, and fairness for a tax to be imposed on such procedures.

If you want more information about this proposal or are opposed to this tax and want to take action, visit American Society of Plastic Surgeons or StopCosmeticTax.org (sponsored by Allergan).