As experts prepare for the impact of new global tariffs, the beauty, aesthetic treatment, and plastic surgery industries are bracing for potential changes. How will these sectors be affected?
Featured Experts
- Roy Kim, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon with practices in Beverly Hills, CA, and San Francisco
- R. Laurence Berkowitz, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Campbell, CA
- Jeanine Downie, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, NJ
- Jennifer Segal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston
- Kimberly Lee, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Beverly Hills, CA
How would tariffs change aesthetics?
There are several factors within the aesthetic industry that could be influenced by tariff adjustments.
Plastic surgeon and American Society of Plastic Surgeons member Roy Kim, MD, highlights the importance of the production site for aesthetic injectables. He notes that products made in the USA, such as Daxxify (a neurotoxin) and Radiesse (a filler), may not see price changes, while fillers from Canada or the UK could face lower tariffs compared to those from the EU.
Additionally, the possibility exists that neurotoxins and fillers from the EU might be exempt from tariffs or subject to reduced rates. The main concern lies with surgical disposables, predominantly manufactured in China.
Dr. Kim emphasizes that medical devices like lasers, commonly produced in China, could experience price increases, ultimately impacting service costs as well.
Addressing potential price adjustments, Dr. Berkowitz acknowledges the challenge patients may face in understanding that procedure costs may not increase, but ancillary expenses like anesthetic, operating room fees, and supplies could rise.
What are experts expecting?
Experts are bracing themselves for any outcome during the 90-day tariff pause and are prepared to absorb any associated price hikes.
Dr. Kim underscores the efforts of plastic surgeons and aesthetic injectors in mitigating costs through group pricing arrangements with vendors like Henry Shein and CareCredit facilitated by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
In the event of tariff implementation, prices are likely to escalate, impacting the beauty industry as well, according to dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD.
Are aesthetic practitioners concerned?
Dr. Downie expresses apprehension over the expected cost increases resulting from tariffs, emphasizing personal concern.
Highlighting the importance of quality over price, dermatologist Jennifer Segal, MD, voices her unease about practitioners opting for lower-cost products, underscoring the significance of choosing superior quality options.
Dr. Lee echoes this sentiment, cautioning against prioritizing cost over expertise and quality when seeking aesthetic procedures.
Dr. Kim reinforces the significance of prioritizing patient safety over cost-cutting measures, stressing the risks associated with opting for cheaper treatments.