Tax refunds give plastic surgeons boost in business

PHOENIX - Valley plastic surgeons say they're seeing a boost in business as tax refunds are cashed.

As a mother of two, Kristy Harris says having children took a toll on her body. After years of wanting a new look, this year she decided to do something about it.

“I completely finished having children and so I was at [a] point where I want to have a lift. I sort of wanted a different look,” said Harris.

Two weeks ago, Harris got a breast lift and used her income tax return to pay for it.
 
“That's sort of the way I thought of it in my mind - my little savings account that I was setting up for this procedure. I knew I was getting a big return and that would be able to contribute to the cost of the surgery,” said Harris.
 
Already this year, Valley plastic surgeon Daniel Shapiro says he has seen a boost in business.
 
“People are coming in more frequently, I think, for a couple of reasons. One is they're anticipating a tax refund and I think there is a pent up demand. I think people have been putting these things off for a while,” said Shapiro.
 
Shapiro said in some cases a refund can cover all or most of the costs for certain procedures.
 
Harris feels it was money well spent.
 
“I’ve kind [of] been playing around with trying on new clothes and my swimsuit just to see how things look and I feel it looks a lot better. I mean last year I wouldn't have even put a swimsuit on, so I feel a lot better,” said Harris.