Will I be able to get unemployment or anything of the sort for bills while I'm out of work post-op from my breast augmentation?

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Because breast augmentation surgery is an elective procedure you can not collect unemployment, it is similar to not receiving paid leave from your employer.  Hope this helps.

I would speak with your employer about this. I would also  recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach Trained, Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

You are not unemployed, therefore, probably shouldn't be entitled to unemployment benefits. You will be better off getting your employer, with a letter from your doctor, to have limited duty until your doctor releases you fully for all duties. Best. 

Dear AshlieKelley,you probably won't get unemployment for a recovery period after an elective procedure. But, you will get the most accurate information if you consult your HR department. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Thank you for the question.  No, you will not be able to get unemployment while you are out for a cosmetic procedure.  Talk with your Board Certified Surgeon about their time frame on when you can return to certain activities after surgery.  Best Wishes.

You will not be able to collect unemployment or anything similar while being out of work following a breast augmentation. If available, you may be able to return to a light duty position at your employers but that is only at the company's discretion and policies. This is something that you should investigate tactfully before making the commitment for surgery. You should also discuss with your plastic surgeon his/her recommendations regarding early postoperative weight and activity restrictions.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

DearMs AshlieKelly,I understand your concerns. Thank you for your question.Please make a appointment with your Human Relations Dept. to see if you are eligible for "sick leave". Ask your chosen Plastic Surgeon for a specific letter stating your limations and return to work anticipated time.I trust you have chosen a experienced Plastic Surgeon who is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).
My best wishes,Dr. R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwww imagineplasticsurgery.comAwardee: RealSelf Top 1004646 Brockton AveRiverside, Calif 92506Office 951 686-7600Fax 951 369-9999

First, unemployment is never granted for elective surgery. That being said, with a breast augmentation, there is absolutely no reason to even consider it. Even with a sub-muscular implant you should be able to return to work within a week. However, with your work requiring frequent lifting, I would never place the implant below the muscle as you would have significant motion deformity that would be worse than all the reasons for placing the implant under the muscle. With a sub-glandular augmentation done by careful tissue elevation with an electrical scalpel rather than blunt dissection you should be able to return to your work in 48-72 hours, thus having surgery on Friday and returning to work on Monday should be reasonable. Many of my patients with this surgery return to other work the next day or the following. 

I have never heard of anyone getting unemployment while recovering from elective surgery.  Check with your HR department for more information.