How much notice should I give my boss for surgery? Not officially scheduled, ~6 months away.

Question

I recently had my consultation with a surgeon. Now, besides insurance approval, my main concern is when to tell my boss. I’m a pretty junior employee (mid-20s) at a startup. I’ve been working here ~10 months and haven’t taken more than a week off. My surgery is planned for 6-7 months from now, so is two months before surgery a good timeframe to give my (male) bosses advance warning? I’d like to give enough notice to work out logistics but not to where it could impact my career negatively.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

That would vary, obviously.  Two months seems reasonable, but every situation is different.  You did not say how long you were going to be off work.  My breast augmentation patients are out for about four days, and tummy tucks are about ten, more if their work is quite physical.
You could ask your boss how much notice he would appreciate.  If I were an employer, I would like that the employee was giving me enough consideration to ask me.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

The further in advance you give your notice, the better.    I 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), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would say that your HR department is a better resource for this question than a plastic surgeon forum. I guess it depends on your company, but I would say that the more notice, the better. Get a good understanding of what the surgical recovery is going to be and the downtime and try to be open and honest with your employer. Good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ms93,you will most likely need at least a week of solid downtime. Beyond that depends on how you heal, what time of work you do, and the amount involved with surgery. you will most likely need a couple of weeks off work in order to be fully healed after breast reduction. In my opinion, two months would be enough to organize staff and responsibilities.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

since insurance is covering it.  Since its scheduled months down the road, it implies it is not urgent and that you can really schedule this anytime it works for your company and if so, then find out from HR or your boss when it would be best to have your procedure.  You do not have to share the details of what you are doing but your boss should know of your planned absence.  By scheduling your procedure while best for the company, it will show that you are a team player.

How much notice should I give my boss for surgery? Not officially scheduled, ~6 months away.

Answers (5)

More Breast Reduction Questions

Can I choose my new breast size if I’m getting a breast reduction?

Why aren't open wounds re-stitched 3 weeks post op? (Breast Reduction/lift) (photos)

3 weeks post breast reduction. Bleeding where vertical and horizontal incisions meet at bottom middle of breast. Is this normal?

What is happening in this area post stitch abscess breast reduction?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS