If you get plastic surgery b/c your boobs are too big and causing back pain, is that a tax deduction?

January 31st, 2009

Let's say, that the boob deduction was poorly done by a bad doctor who left you w/asymmetrical breasts. If you get another surgery to correct the unevenness, could that be a tax deduction?

Any medical cost to correct disease or defect is deductible. If your breast size is causing pain or affecting posture then classifying that as a physical defect isn't a stretch. (Sorry about the pun.)

Also fixing a botched job would also be classifiable as correction of a defect especially if the disparity was out of the "normal" range. Few women have symmetrical breasts and variations of half a cup size are not at all unusual as is horizontal or vertical displacement of an inch or slightly more. If the defect was outside of those ranges you should not have any problem assuming that your doctor will issue a statement to that effect for the IRS.

Posted in back surgery
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4 Responses to “If you get plastic surgery b/c your boobs are too big and causing back pain, is that a tax deduction?”

  1. Comment by v b
    January 31st, 2009

    Breast reduction for back pain is conceivably deductable. The correction surgery is logically also eligible, but will be a pain to argue since "unevenness" could be considered a cosmetic issue.
    References :

  2. Comment by chatsplas@sbcglobal.net
    January 31st, 2009

    Medical expenses can be deductible. They have to be more than 7.5% of your income, and that's a BIG threshhold. Elective surgery may or may not qualify.

    You need to do some research or see a tax professional.
    References :
    irs.gov
    medical deduction
    schedule A

  3. Comment by bostonianinmo
    January 31st, 2009

    Any medical cost to correct disease or defect is deductible. If your breast size is causing pain or affecting posture then classifying that as a physical defect isn't a stretch. (Sorry about the pun.)

    Also fixing a botched job would also be classifiable as correction of a defect especially if the disparity was out of the "normal" range. Few women have symmetrical breasts and variations of half a cup size are not at all unusual as is horizontal or vertical displacement of an inch or slightly more. If the defect was outside of those ranges you should not have any problem assuming that your doctor will issue a statement to that effect for the IRS.
    References :

  4. Comment by Judy
    January 31st, 2009

    The original surgery would probably be considered a valid medical expense. The second would be considered cosmetic so wouldn't be deductible.
    References :