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Can I deduct a breast augmentation (lift and implants) paid in cash with no insurance used? The augmentation was due to severe asymmetry in the breast.

 
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2 Replies
BillM223
Expert Alumni

Can I deduct a breast augmentation (lift and implants) paid in cash with no insurance used? The augmentation was due to severe asymmetry in the breast.

As you know, normally cosmetic surgery is not deductible as a medical expense on Schedule A.

 

However, in some cases, what seems to be cosmetic surgery can be deductible.

 

The IRS says in Pub 502:

 

"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 includible in her medical expenses."

 

We, of course, can't judge these medical conditions. What this requires is the judgment of medical professionals who will put in writing that this procedure was "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."

 

Of course, the medical professional(s) should be aware that the IRS may question this, and be willing to back up this judgment.

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rjs
Level 15
Level 15

Can I deduct a breast augmentation (lift and implants) paid in cash with no insurance used? The augmentation was due to severe asymmetry in the breast.

If you decide that the cost of the breast augmentation is deductible, keep in mind that your actual deduction for medical expenses is only the portion of your total medical expenses that is over 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). (In TurboTax, enter the full amount that you paid. TurboTax will subtract 7.5% of your AGI.) Also, medical expenses are an itemized deduction. It will not make any difference in your tax unless your total itemized deductions are more than your standard deduction.

 

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