Does my employer have to know why I'm on light duty?

Question

I'm trying to plan a breast augmentation, but do not have enough vacation days to take 2 weeks off work. After my surgery, will the surgeon provide me with a note for light duty? If so, is the reason for light duty explained within the note? I work in a warehouse, and although I don't lift more than 10-15 lbs, it's very repetitive, with a lot of walking and reaching above my head. I don't want to tell my boss I need light duty because I had an elective aesthetic surgery...

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. You do not need to specify the type of surgery you are having. Your medical information is your personal business. Your Plastic Surgeon should be able to provide a note describing their recommended activity restrictions due to "medical procedure" or "surgical procedure" and it will be up to you to present that to your employer. All the best

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It would really depend on your surgeon and the terms of your contract with your employer. It's best to ask your surgeon and look into the terms of your employment directly with the company. Best of luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Light-duty work excused do not need to specify the reason or surgical procedure performed.  Hope this helps.

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

No.  You tell them what you feel comfortable telling them. Terms like chest wall surgery, or chest reconstruction if needed can be used to signify your surgery without specifics.  You need about one week off...and after that light duty for about another week or 2.  Make sure there is such a thing as light duty at your work place before you even plan this. Also remember that people might notice once they see you back that your chest is bigger.  Keep that in mind.  Hope that helpsDr VasishtSouth Shore Plastic Surgery

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

No. As long as they have light duty for you and regardless they we do not disclose what procedure you had. Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi, MD

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

your employer does not have to know you are on light duty on  unless you're asking them to give you light duty.  If you're not making any request  To adjust the level of your physical activity at work, then it is not necessary tell him anything.  If you expect them to reduced level of your physical activity however, then he probably want to have Dr. note to say that.  Mohs surgeons do not feel that is necessary to write down  why it is that you being asked to reduce physical activity.

Mennen T. Gallas, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your plastic surgeon does not need to specify the details about the type of surgery you had. Typically, the doctor's note can state light duty due to surgery or illness for ____ # of days/ weeks. I hope this helps. Best of luck with your surgery and recovery.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You should discuss with you doctor what note you feel is appropriate for your job. Your privacy is important and should be respected.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Medical return to work notes need not specify the type of procedure. That said, you should not be performing the elements of your job description for the second week. Discuss with your surgeon as to his comfort level in providing a note and inquire as to saving your vacation and taking short term disability if applicable.

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding light duty following surgery.  Your surgeon's note to your employer does not need to specify the type of procedure performed.  Although each surgeon may have different recommendation for the postoperative period, if your work does not require lifting more than 10-15 lbs, I would not keep you from returning to work simply because your work requires repetitive motion or reaching above your head.  Neither of these things should be restricted following a breast augmentation procedure.  However, you need to discuss this with your board certified plastic surgeon.

Does my employer have to know why I'm on light duty?

Answers (12)

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