London, United Kingdom, (3rd November, 2011) – botonics Plastic Surgery Group, London-based cosmetic surgery specialists, comment on how the proposed imposition of VAT on cosmetic surgery procedures will impact the industry and people set to undergo cosmetic treatments in the future.
Chancellor George Osborne recently announced his plans to raise as much as £500 million a year for the UK economy: by imposing VAT on cosmetic surgery.
VAT is usually only charged on minor, less invasive treatments such as Botox injections, but the new HM Revenue & Customs’ guidelines will involve VAT being charged for operations such as breast enlargements, facelifts, tummy tucks and liposuction.
This charge will be passed onto patients, with an exception only being offered if a doctor or psychologist has formally diagnosed a patient with a condition which requires cosmetic surgery as a form of treatment.
“A tax very similar to the one currently being proposed was suggested in the USA in 2009, but was eventually dismissed by legislators due to widespread public opposition,” commented a spokesperson for botonics Plastic Surgery Group. “This is due to the many underlying risks presented by such tax, including an inevitable rise in cosmetic tourism; when clients visit clinics overseas to have their procedures performed. This poses significant risks to the client and may end up costing the UK tax payer if corrections need to be performed on the NHS.
“There is also the potential breach of patient confidentiality to consider, as consultancies will need to ascertain whether a client is undergoing surgery for cosmetic or medical purposes to decide if VAT is applicable.
“These factors, in addition to the potential 20 per cent rise in cost for invasive cosmetic procedures, will have a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of people in the UK who simply can’t afford to have procedures performed, and opt to go abroad. We hope that the legislation will be reconsidered before it can come into action across the UK.”
To find out more about botonics Plastic Surgery Group and the cosmetic surgery solutions they provide, visit their website at http://www.botonics.co.uk/ or telephone 0845 680 1964.
About botonics Plastic Surgery Group:
London-based cosmetic surgery clinic, botonics Plastic Surgery Group, have an excellent reputation for clinical care and offer innovative practices and services, which is complemented by skilled specialists in the field of providing medical aesthetic treatments. They can offer free consultations by trained practitioners who will provide realistic advice regarding the treatments you are looking to have. botonics Plastic Surgery Group provide treatments such as botox, breast enlargement, liposuction, vaser and more.
Contact:
Bill Green
botonics Plastic Surgery Group
10 Harley Street
London,
W1G 9PF
Tel: 0845 680 1964
Email: info@botonics.co.uk
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