The Federal Government’s health insurance reform plan may make it harder for patients considering cosmetic treatments such as Botox or elective surgical procedures. Sen.Harry Reid’s health care reform bill, includes a five percent tax on elective plastic surgery and associated items and procedures such as cosmetic implants and teeth whitening.

The tax, referred to as the “Botax” would only affect elective procedures and exempts any procedures "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."

Questions arise however, regarding the application of the tax and how the tax will differentiate cosmetic versus reconstructive surgery. Reconstructive surgery after extreme weight loss, preventative mastectomies and reconstructions are procedures that may also be taxed despite medical necessity.

The plastic surgery community has spoken out against the bill. In a recent press release, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons stated they oppose the tax as being “discriminatory, arbitrary and ineffective.” This statement was also supported by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Over the last few years, the cost of plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures has come down, making the reward of a more positive self image and better sense of self esteem accessible to more and more people.

When researching the cost of a procedure, it’s important to remember that an average price is typically the surgeon’s fee which compromises most, but not all of the final cost of a procedure. The average price of a procedure will generally differ from surgeon to surgeon and typically varies based on patient needs and the region where the procedure is performed.

An average price will not include various fees associated with the procedure such as lab fees, anesthesiologist fees, surgical facility and operating room fees, and any hospital fees. In addition, average prices don’t include additional costs for things like prescriptions, exams and consultations, after care or other miscellaneous fees. When discussing the cost of a procedure with a plastic surgeon, it’s important to find out which of these associated fees or costs, if any, are included in the surgeon’s estimate.

Plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures are also considered “elective” procedures and most insurance plans will not cover a procedure that is not for reconstructive or corrective purposes due to illness or injury. In most cases, surgeons will work out a payment plan and patients may be eligible for financial options such as those provided by services like CareCredit and E-Medical Lending.