Comments on: If You Get Plastic Surgery B/c Your Boobs Are Too Big And Causing Back Pain, Is That A Tax Deduction?

By: the tax lady

the tax lady — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:25:18 +0000

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.

By: chatspla

chatspla — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:05:57 +0000

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.

By: Judy

Judy — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:51:00 +0000

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

By: Bostonian In MO

Bostonian In MO — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:40:21 +0000

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.