Plastic. Surgery and tax deduction ?

I know you can use WLS expenses as a tax deduction if medically necessary.

But can and have you written off plastic surgery as a tax deduction?

Our insurance has an exclusion for any body enhancing procedures now even if it helps other conditions. So it would be a long process with probable denial.

I had to cancel my LBL several months ago. Had internal hernias repaired and adhesions removed that was causing my intestines to twist.
Two weeks ago had my stomach resleeved to have more restriction.

I'm looking into the future. Have had a few issues since losing weight but have not had it documented that it was a WL side effect as of yet. Which I know I need to do.

Can you claim plastic surgery as a deduction? Any of you have?

Thanks, Pam

Hi,

If it were me, I would deduct it as a valid medical expense.  The IRS code states that unnecessary cosmetic surgery is not included. If you have documentation from your surgeon stating it is medically necessary than I couldn't see why it would be a problem. Of course keep in mind, you may be audited so you will want to keep very good records. I go through audits all the time (I work in Accounting and do taxes) and it's no big deal if you are above board and keep good records.  You may also want to browse the IRS link above to find out all of the other medical expenses the IRS considers deductible.

Ok let's try this again!

I appreciate you reply and info.
Makes sense to me if have a letter of medical necessity it would be tax deductible.
Links are bookmarked, thank you!

Pam

I do believe that there is a distinction between 'cosmetic' and 'reconstructive' surgeries.

I am not sure if the IRS sees it the same way--- if you have a letter, I would go for it.

I had to self pay for my brachio and breast lift, and did not try to deduct the medical expense.

I agree with the other post... In the case of plastic surgery following massive weight loss, it is actually a corrective surgery to remove excess skin and tissue that is now a deformity caused by the disease of obesity.  In the case of removal of excess skin they are procedures that are medically necessary to correct the problem skin.  A doctor, due to ethics, should not recommend a procedure if it is not needed to correct the problem... In our cases, the choice is between living with the excess skin or having it cut away. If a person had a medical condition (like one exists) where they developed an overgrowth of skin, it would be corrective to remove it so in our case we have the only condition that is known to cause it. 
I would definitely keep documentation of medical necessity from doctors whether your insurance accepts it or not. But yes I would claim it as a deductable expense as it is not purely cosmetic.  In the case of breast augmentation, usually you would have a lift or reduction also.  I would possibly recommend leaving out the cost of any implants because they are considered cosmetic unless as part of reconstruction following mastectomy/cancer.