This so-called ‘Botax’  or ‘vanity tax’ is being contested in a few different ways, but here are the two common arguments being reiterated:

Would it be gender discrimination?

The tax would be paid almost entirely by women.  Despite the growing popularity of cosmetic procedures for men, women still make up over 90 percent of the patient demographic in the United States.  Obviously, imposing a tax such as the one in question would unfairly discriminate against women.  Think about it this way: would a tax be imposed on men who purchase expensive tattoos, fashionable clothing, or bodybuilding equipment?  It doesn’t seem likely.

Would it affect the rich or the middle class?

There’s a common misconception that’s probably at work here; it’s that “only the rich and famous pursue cosmetic surgery.”  Experience in the industry will show you otherwise.  A 2004 survey conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons revealed that nearly “a third of people considering plastic surgery reported average household incomes below $30,000.”

Recall this New York Times piece by Natasha Singer titled “Who Is the Real Face of Plastic Surgery?”  Ms. Singer discusses the fact that a large number of patients choose to finance their cosmetic surgeries, just as they would a new car.

Years ago, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology published the results of a survey (conducted by researchers from Allergan Inc) about sweating. It revealed that approximately 3 percent of the U.S. population (7.8 million people) experiences excessive sweating, and less than half of the respondents had sought medical help for the problem. Botox blocks the localized release of a specific chemical that stimulates sweating, so the FDA has approved it for this use.

Many doctors have used Botox to treat headaches, and their basic procedures are not much different than those of wrinkle treatment. Although it’s not entirely clear how the Botulinum toxin provides relief (it may work to inhibit pain-transmitting nerves), but many patients suffer through fewer headaches after getting Botox treatment.

Last March, the NY Times published a story on off-label Botox use to treat people who have suffered a stroke and experience difficulty relaxing certain muscles. According to the experts, “only about 5 percent of the stroke patients who could benefit from its use ever get it.”

Aside from these therapies, surgeons and dermatologists are finding even more cosmetic uses for Botox. Dr. Lawrence Reed recently told an ABC news affiliate that “we’re at the tip of the iceberg where Botox is going to be used.” Reed has apparently been pioneering some interesting new cosmetic applications.

For acne, Dr. Reed injects Botox just below the skin: “It decreases the muscle pump and blocks the production of oils, so we use it for acne,” he claims. They also found success using Botox to supplement laser skin resurfacing and other procedures.

If you’re considering Botox for any off-label use, make sure you choose a qualified physician. Despite the optimism surrounding Botox as a ‘wonder drug’, there have been complications and side effects associated with off-label use and inexperienced providers.