Dr. Seth Forman, the Tampa dermatologist leading the charge against taxing cosmetic procedures known as 'Botax,' says the item does not belong in the health care reform bill, should be removed from it and today called on patients and fellow doctors to sign the 'stop the cosmetic tax' online petition.  The petition was created by Allergan, makers of the cosmetic fillers Botox and Juvaderm.

“Adding new taxes is not going to help the economy or our healthcare system,” says the Tampa dermatologist. “This is an unnecessary tax that could end up hurting business for physicians who perform cosmetic procedures.”

A new survey, commissioned by Allergan, shows 64% believe the cosmetic procedures tax has no place in the health care reform bill because the treatments are not covered by health insurance in most cases.

The ‘Botax’ legislation, which is only part of the Senate’s health care reform bill, calls for a five percent tax on all cosmetic procedures. It would the physicians' responsibility to collect that tax. The Senate estimates it would raise $5 billion dollars over the next 10 years.

“Most people who receive Botox and other cosmetic procedures are middle class,” says the Tampa dermatologist. “So tacking on an extra $25 - $30 for a Botox procedure or $250 for a breast implant procedure could break the bank for the patient.”

For more information on Tampa dermatology or Dr. Seth Forman, visit his website: www.formanderm.com.

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