Alright, let’s talk about this FMLA thing and whether it covers, you know, getting yourself a little nip and tuck. You young folks and your fancy words, always asking about this and that.
So, FMLA, or whatever they call it. It’s supposed to help you out when you’re sick, real sick, not just a little sniffle. Like, if you gotta go to the hospital and stay overnight, or if the doctor says you need to take a bunch of time off. That’s the kind of stuff FMLA is for.

Now, about this cosmetic surgery. You know, the stuff they do to make you look younger or prettier or whatever. Well, lemme tell ya, FMLA ain’t exactly thrilled about that kind of stuff.
- If you’re just going in for a quick little fix-me-up, and you’re back home the same day, don’t expect FMLA to pay the bills. They figure you can handle that on your own. Like that time my neighbor, bless her heart, went and got her eyelids done. She was back home the same day, gossiping with me over the fence. No FMLA for her!
- But, and this is a big but, if something goes wrong, like if you get an infection or something worse, and you gotta stay in the hospital overnight, or if you need a lot more care after, then maybe, just maybe, FMLA will step in. It’s like, if you get yourself into a real pickle, they might help you out.
Think of it this way. FMLA is for when you’re really hurting, can’t work, need serious help. It ain’t for getting your wrinkles ironed out or your nose reshaped. That’s your business, not your boss’s or the government’s. Unless, like I said, things go south and you end up with a real problem. Then, you might have a case. You gotta talk to your boss, get the papers signed, all that rigmarole.
Now, colds, headaches, teeth cleanin’ – that ain’t FMLA territory either. It’s for serious stuff, the kind of thing that knocks you off your feet. Like when my grandson broke his leg playing football. That’s the kind of thing FMLA is for. He needed surgery, therapy, the whole shebang. FMLA helped his mama take time off to care for him.
So, if you’re thinking about getting some work done, and it’s just for vanity, don’t count on FMLA to hold your hand. You better have some savings put aside, or maybe win the lottery. But if things go wrong, and it turns into a real medical emergency, well, then you might have a shot at getting some help. Just remember, FMLA is for the serious stuff, not the fluff.
And another thing, FMLA doesn’t pay you. It just keeps your job safe while you’re out. You might get to use your sick days or vacation time, but FMLA itself, it’s just unpaid leave. So you gotta figure out how to pay the bills while you’re out too. It ain’t easy, let me tell ya.
In short, cosmetic surgery usually ain’t covered by FMLA. But if something goes wrong, and it becomes a serious health condition, then you might have a case. Just make sure you got all your ducks in a row and talk to your boss and the HR folks. They’ll tell you what you need to do. And remember, always read the fine print. That’s what my husband used to say, bless his soul.

This FMLA thing, it’s complicated, like tryin’ to understand why the rooster crows at 5 am every morning. But if you’re really sick, or something bad happens, it can be a lifesaver. Just don’t expect it to cover your face lift. That’s all I’m sayin’.
And one last thing, this ain’t legal advice or nothin’. I’m just an old woman tellin’ it like it is. If you need real advice, go talk to a lawyer or someone who knows what they’re talkin’ about. Don’t just take my word for it. I’m just tellin’ you what I’ve heard and seen over the years.
Tags: [FMLA, cosmetic surgery, medical leave, unpaid leave, serious health condition, employee rights, HR]