Archive for December, 2009

Senate Drops Cosmetic Surgery Tax – Considers Indoor Tanning Tax

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Reports over the weekend say the Senate has dropped the elective cosmetic tax from the tanning_taxhealthcare reform bill, but strangely, they decided to trade one controversial tax for another;  a 10% tax on indoor tanning is now being considered as another method of financing healthcare reform.

Of course just as representatives from the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and other groups spoke out against the elective cosmetic tax, people from the Indoor Tanning Association (a colorful group I’m sure) are publicly opposing the tax. Their executive director says the tanning industry and the many small businesses that make it up, have been “thrown under the bus.”

Some are calling it a great idea, citing the health risks of tanning and its widespread appeal among young people.  What’s your opinion?  Is tanning such a risk that we should implement taxes to discourage it?  What if small business owners are forced to close shop?

Read more: CNN – Cosmetic Surgery Tax Out: Tanning Tax In

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8 Guidelines for Safer Cosmetic Surgery

Monday, December 14th, 2009

In response to the death of Argentine beauty queen Solange Magnano, CNN has compiled a list of useful guidelines that cosmetic surgery patients can use to protect their safety.

1. Investigate the procedure of interest.

Though your cosmetic surgeon should be a trustworthy, knowledgeable authority, you still need to seek out more than one resource for information. Research will help you protect yourself and help you decide if cosmetic surgery is truly in line with your personal values.

2. Ask your surgeon about board certification.

Find out what board has certified your surgeon and what standards must be met to receive that certification.

3. Inquire about the safety of the facility.

If the surgery is done in an outpatient clinic, ask about accreditation of the facility. As Oklahoma cosmetic surgeon Dr. Angelo Cuzalina recommends, go “to a clinic that’s been accredited by a group such as the Joint Commission or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.”

(more…)

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‘Tis the Season for Interesting Links

Monday, December 7th, 2009

Thinking about gifting cosmetic surgery? Dr. Mark Berman of the American give_me_giftsAcademy of Cosmetic Surgery offers some advice:  “Make sure you’ve discussed the idea in the past so it doesn’t come as a surprise.”  Read: ‘Tis the season for gifting cosmetic surgery

As word spreads about the proposed cosmetic tax, surgeons in New Jersey (where a tax already exists) and elsewhere are voicing arguments against it, some of which are downright scathing. Read: Breast Enlargement Tax That Failed in Jersey Taints U.S. Plan.

Employees at a British clinic show off cosmetic surgery results in a 2010 calendar.  “The calendar is tongue-in-cheek, but tasteful. It features girls from across our company of all ages and they all look amazing.”  Read and see slideshow: Cosmetic Surgery calendar girls: The Sun News

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Participate in Our Online Poll About the “Botax”

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

Since we wrote about the proposed cosmetic surgery tax last week, the media has been buzzing non-stop about the “Botax” and other new options that are supposed to help cover healthcare reform.

Plastic and cosmetic surgeons are opposing the tax for a variety of reasons.  Others in support of the tax have suggested that, aside from generating revenue for healthcare, it could encourage talented medical professionals to work in areas of general medicine that need them.

What’s your opinion?

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