The 2008 economic stimulus package from the IRS means over 130 million American households will be receiving an extra check in the mail, an effort to encourage spending during the economic recession.   

According to the IRS, most people will receive an average of $600 from the program which means you may have a few extra dollars to pay off credit card debt, donate it, or simply spend it on yourself.  

Are you ready to try microdermabrasion? Or do you need to get rid of some unsightly patches of cellulite? If you’re in dire need of a makeover or cosmetic enhancement, your dream may not have to wait much longer. Here are five cosmetic procedures that cost an average of $600 or less:  

1. BOTOX – banish frown lines and crows feet with BOTOX injections with an average price of $400 - $500 nationwide. BOTOX can be combined with other dermal fillers and injectables for a complete facial contouring treatment and provides noticeable results after just one session.

2. Laser Hair Removal – if you’re tired of waxing and shaving your legs, underarms or bikini area, laser hair removal treatments can provide a permanent solution for getting rid of unwanted hair. You’ll need multiple laser treatments to get results, but $600 can get you started with a small area. Laser hair removal treatments can also improve the skin tone and texture of the skin, allowing you to say goodbye to razor bumps and the side effects of waxing.

3. Cellulite Reduction – while mesotherapy and SmartLipo treatments can remove cellulite permanently, the procedures can cost upward of $1,500 per session.  If this is too far out of your budget range, cellulite reducing massage therapy and body treatments offer an alternative, although temporary, solution. These massage treatments and body wraps can stimulate the cells deep within the skin’s tissue and smooth out the surface of stubborn cellulite. The average price of cellulite reduction therapies at medical spas and day spas ranges from $150 - $200+ per session. Your rebate check could cover a series of treatments with ease.

4. Microdermabrasion – if your face is beginning to show the common signs of aging – wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, a dulling complexion or sagging skin around the cheeks – microdermabrasion treatments can help to buff away fine lines and wrinkles and create a smoother appearance. Microdermbrasion treatments can also be combined with injectable fillers such as Restylane and BOTOX for an even more dramatic change, and cost an average of $100 - $150 per session.

5. Teeth Whitening Treatments – while whitening toothpastes and serums can help brighten your smile temporarily, professional teeth whitening treatments may help you enjoy results for months. Zoom Teeth Whitening and BriteSmile are just two affordable treatments that can help you get those pearly whites in good shape. With an average of $350 - $400 per treatment, these teeth whitening procedures are a great way to enjoy a mini-makeover.  

While some financial advisors recommend saving or investing the money from your tax rebate check, the government is encouraging us to spend, spend, spend. If a cosmetic procedure hasn’t made it to your budget in recent years, this could be the time to finally get the treatment you need.  

Learn more about cosmetic procedures in our information guide, or consult with a doctor in your area to find out what treatment options you have available. If the $600 bonus doesn’t cover all of your anticipated expenses, patient financing and flexible payment plans can help you manage the cost of your preferred procedure with peace of mind.