Making the decision to have an aesthetic procedure done—be it a little liposuction, a facelift or a full-blown mommy makeover—often entails an enormous amount of deliberation. You’ve got to consider the total cost, find the best doctor and surgery center and, of course, navigate the complicated issue of asking for time off.
For some, it’s as easy as putting in a request and moving forward, while others have to factor in things like potential whispers between coworkers or a boss who’s not keen on employees’ taking days off to begin with (let alone for an elective procedure). Curious how everyday people handle this sometimes sticky scenario, we reached out to three women who recently took time off work for plastic surgery.
Related: RealSelf’s Guide to Traveling Out-of-State for Plastic Surgery
Nicole Walker, 46; Virginia Beach, Virginia
In February 2018, Nicole Walker had a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) performed by Virginia Beach, Virginia, plastic surgeon Dr. John Alspaugh, to enhance the shape of her butt without implants. She tells us she’s lucky to have a flexible position within the company, so requesting some vacation time the week of her surgery wasn’t complicated. She also had the option of working from home that week, which made things easier.
“I was forthright with my assistant about my procedure, because she was the person who referred me to my surgeon. However, I didn’t want to make my male boss uncomfortable, so I just told him that I was having a cosmetic procedure and didn’t go into details. I also told a few close coworkers about my intentions,” she says. “ I am very open about my surgery, and when approached by other coworkers, I told them the truth. My coworkers were very intrigued and fascinated, especially since this procedure isn’t a popular one in my area.”
Walker says she’s over the moon with her procedure results and that she received little to no judgment from her coworkers (or even her boss, who ultimately found out).
“I felt so incredibly empowered when I scheduled my BBL. It was something I had researched for years, and it was a procedure that I wanted to do for me,” she says. “Personally, I love sharing my story because I feel like if it could help even one woman, it would be more than worth it,” she says.
Alexandra Pearl, 21; Bozeman, Montana
Alexandra Pearl had a fat transfer procedure done to her smile lines and lips, an alternative to hyaluronic acid–filler injections that has boasted long-term, facial plumping results. The procedure was performed by Bozeman, Montana, plastic surgeon Dr. Emily Ridgway in July 2019. As for taking time off, Pearl was forthright with her boss but kept the details a secret from coworkers.
“I asked my boss for a week off work to have surgery, a month in advance. I had a sense of owing my boss some kind of explanation for what I would be doing during that week, so I revealed to her it was a cosmetic surgery that required downtime for swelling to go down. I didn’t tell her anything else about it,” says Pearl. “Although my coworkers were clearly curious, I avoided the topic with them and didn’t reveal anything about the nature of the surgery to them. Honestly, I think this decision to be secretive with my coworkers was guided by a vague feeling of shame about taking time off work for something cosmetic and not imperative.”
The only other people she told about the procedure, aside from her boss, were her boyfriend, her mother, and two people she’s very close with. No other friends or family knew, and she says she couldn’t really think of a good reason that they would ever need to know.
“My boss showed slight amusement when I told her it was cosmetic but was altogether very respectful and granted me the time off, with no complaints,” she tells us. “My coworkers did show concern, since they know surgery sucks—but I doubt they would have openly judged me for it, had I told them the nature of the surgery. Still, I wanted to remain private, because the procedure felt pretty personal.”
Related: What 10 Plastic Surgery Patients Would’ve Done Differently, Had They Known Then What They Know Now
Sarah Woodard*, 36; Oklahoma City
Also in July 2019, Sarah Woodard underwent a breast lift and breast augmentation, a tummy tuck and liposuction of the flanks. She traveled to Miami to have plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Loessin perform the operation. Of the three women we interviewed, she was the most tight-lipped about the nature of her time off work for plastic surgery.
“I was not untruthful, but I did not disclose the reason for my trip. When asked, I said that I was going to Miami with some friends, which was true. One of my closest friends traveled and had surgery as well, and another two friends came along to help us out,” she recalls. “I only told one coworker, who I am friends with, and also selectively told a few friends and family members. The coworker I was forthright with was very supportive, and the others I’ve told have had generally positive responses.”
She says that her goal wasn’t to have a drastic change but rather to “put things back where they were before children.” And yes, Woodard admits she was slightly concerned that she’d be the subject of whispers among her predominantly male team at work, if the truth came out.
“I do think the fact that I work with mostly men had an impact on my decision to be secretive, but I also think there is hesitation to share with both men and women. With women, there is sometimes a fear of being judged as vain or shallow. I’ve been more open with female colleagues but still pretty reserved, for that reason,” she says. “Also, a breast lift and augmentation, in particular, enhances characteristics associated with sexuality, which is generally taboo for workplace discussions. For all these reasons, I don’t think I will ever openly discuss the surgery with my general work group.”
*Names have been changed to protect privacy.