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February 21, 2022
Question

Can I deduct the cost of having a tummy tuck (elective surgery) and can I deduct medical insurance premiums?

  • February 21, 2022
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1 reply

ColeenD3
February 21, 2022

Yes, you can deduct medical insurance premiums. No, you can't deduct elective surgery.

 

Cosmetic Surgery

 

Generally, you can't include in medical expenses the amount you pay for cosmetic surgery. This includes any procedure that is directed at improving the patient's appearance and doesn't meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. You generally can't include in medical expenses the amount you pay for procedures such as face lifts, hair transplants, hair removal (electrolysis), and liposuction.

 

You can include in medical expenses the amount you pay for cosmetic surgery if it is necessary to improve a deformity arising from, or directly related to, a congenital abnormality, a personal injury resulting from an accident or trauma, or a disfiguring disease.

 

Example.

An individual undergoes surgery that removes a breast as part of treatment for cancer. She pays a surgeon to reconstruct the breast. The surgery to reconstruct the breast corrects a deformity directly related to the disease. The cost of the surgery is included in her medical expenses.

 

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