Americans spent more than $11 billion on plastic surgery procedures last year alone. From liposuction to breast augmentation and facelift surgery, millions of Americans every year are seeking out various cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance.

Given that most insurers don't cover the cost of plastic surgery unless it's deemed medically necessary, the question arises: “Who's paying for American beauty?” The answer, surprisingly, is employers -- at least partly.

Many businesses are now adopting policies that make it easier for plastic surgery patients to take paid time off for recovery. Individuals who undergo plastic surgery may be eligible to take paid sick days, personal days, or vacation time to help pay for recovery time.

Work-life consultant Carol Sladek said that most large employers offer short-term disability plans or provide employees with the opportunity to accumulate sick leave. “Typically, an employee should be able to take time under one of those two plans,” she said.

Moreover, most small businesses don't require a doctor's note when employees take sick days. Chief of plastic surgery at the University of Chicago Dr. David Song said that when he does write a note to an employer, he simply says that so-and-so had surgery on a specific date.

“An employer may call and ask what the surgery was for, but I'm not permitted to divulge that information,” he said.

However, patients who wish to use short-term disability leave may be required to provide this information to the plan administrator. “Administrators can be brutal when it comes to finding out details. But the information is confidential. It won't get back to the employer,” said Sladek.

Considering cosmetic surgery? Please contact us to learn more about your options or to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.