Cosmetic surgery is going to be one of those services that instantly becomes more expensive after HST comes into place in Ontario and British Columbia. Dr. David Ellis of The Art of Facial Surgery in Toronto says:

“I think it’ll be catastrophic and everyone in July will buckle in their straps and stop spending money, and we need people to spend money for the economy.”

Reported by the Toronto Sun, this means the average cost of breast implants in Ontario will go up $400-$800 dollars. The average face-lift in Ontario will cost $1,200-$1,600 more with Harmonized Sales Tax.

There are scenarios where cosmetic surgery is exempt from HST, in the case of reconstructive surgery. The federal government can review cosmetic surgeries on a case by case basis to determine if they are “medically necessary” in which case the surgery will be HST exempt.

Laser hair removal, botox, tattoo removal and cosmetic dentistry will all see their prices increase with BC HST and Ontario HST this summer after July 1st.