I am curious about what the RP Community thinks about Service Members getting Plastic/Cosmetic Surgery (Males & Females)?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 14:33:18 -0400

Some people have done it for medical purposes, others just for esthetic. Do you know someone? Have you done it? Is this could be a reason for Discharge? How this could affect your physical training? What about in combat zone?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2014 2:44 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 14:44:09 -0400

Getting plastic surgery because you were injured on deployment seems very reasonable to me. But getting it just to change your look never made any sense.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2014 2:51 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 14:51:03 -0400

The plastics guys performed near miracles putting faces etc back together in Vietnam. I believe they have even better techniques and materials now. There is a lot to be said about looking your best and feeling good about yourself. They did an outstanding job on me for a bad and deeply disfiguring field injury.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Jun 18 at 2014 4:34 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:34:15 -0400

I never had it but I could use it :)

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 18 at 2014 4:38 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:38:20 -0400

Depends on what it's for. Also, did Chain of Command approve it? In Korea, we had a major issue with soldiers going downtown and getting plastic surgey (Korea is the plastic surgery captial of the world) without telling anyone and thinking they could get away with it. Then they would have major complications requiring hospitalization.

Response by SSG Lawrence Gorton made Jun 18 at 2014 4:41 PM

SSG Lawrence Gorton — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:41:15 -0400

I would have to say it would depend on the reason that you are going to be getting it. If it is to fix an injury or a birth defect then I can see it. Now if it is just because you want to change something about yourself then no.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2014 6:59 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 06:59:20 -0400

i personally think that there is nothing wrong with that because if it was the military in general would not be able to have one cosmetic surgery paid for. so in my book the DOD wants you to feel good about yourself.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2014 12:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 12:26:08 -0400

If it's for personal cosmetic reasons I find it needless really, we were born with flaws we don't like but that's what makes us who we are. Plastic after an injury I fully support, whatever may make you feel whole again.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2014 12:34 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 12:34:28 -0400

I knew 2 Navy Chiefs who had liposuction to get within standards - both did it on their own time (on leave) and at their own expense with no post op issues. Command was eventually aware - I don't recall any negative impacts. I knew 2 females had breast reduction surgery - Navy paid for it. Both came away with a huge positive impact on their self image. I've known multiple females who went the other way - breast augmentation. All did it at their own expense and on their own personal time. I know of only one that has post-op issues that caused the Command some heartburn, but no major problems that I'm aware of. Of course, there may have been some Command issues that I'm not aware of - but personally, I doubt it. If anyone has ever been assigned to a ship or submarine you know there's no such thing as a secret - no matter how sordid the details.

I think, all in all, if the surgery is necessary - don't hesitate. If the surgery is for esthetics / self image - I would want some serious soul-searching to be a part of your approach. Part of that soul-searching should also include how this modification will be perceived by your peers and those you will eventually lead. The military is a very small group - what you do matters to not only yourself but the people you lead.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2014 1:10 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 01:10:49 -0400

was thinking of getting calf implants...it's just such a hard muscle group to develop!! nah, not really. like it's been stated before: if there is a need due to injury, deformity, etc, then sure. If it's a personal appearance and self-esteem issue, I'm for it. Like anything else, as long as there is some sort of order and discipline it shouldn't be a problem.

Response by SFC Michael W. made Jun 22 at 2014 10:28 PM

SFC Michael W. — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 22:28:45 -0400

As long as it is within regulations, professionalism or a medical issues I see no problems with it. I don't care if it involves tummy tuck, breasts enhancement or reduction, butt shaping (both male and female)...as long as the individual is still professional and it does not interferes with the job or mission then more power to them! However, I will informed the individual that I still expect them to do their job, maintain physical fitness and deployment without excuses!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 4:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 16:56:31 -0400

I see you are a Reservist, therefore you may at times up to 6-7 weeks between drills. With proper scheduling that should be enough time for almost any type of plastic surgery to heal enough to be able to perform your job at the next drill. If it is for medical reasons even to include breast reductions to reduce back pain I saw do not hesitate, if it is for aesthetics then keep in mind that it is permanent. If there is no issue with the chain of command and it will make you feel better about what ever area bothers you then have at it. Chances are though that you (or whoever) are probably prettier than you realize.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Sep 24 at 2014 9:29 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 09:29:23 -0400

I admit, I'm a little confused. I thought active members HAD to be covered under Tricare Prime and only Tricare Prime. I would assume that Tricare Prime would only allow for procedures that the Army was cool with (whether from a MTF or on the economy).

Am I wrong in this? Can people carry other insurance, are they paying out of pocket, etc?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2014 9:29 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 09:29:57 -0400

Given the weight control program I assume that she was trying to remain within tolerance.

We can not mitigate every single risk that could injure or kill our Soldiers. If we did that then nobody would be driving a car and certainly not riding a motorcycle. Sorry for your loss brother.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Sep 24 at 2014 10:13 AM

SPC Christopher Smith — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 10:13:58 -0400

I believe that SM should be able to do with there body as they please as long as they are not making themselves look unprofessional (whatever you deem that to be). A tummy tuck, lipo, breast augmentation, chin chizzle, ect. Many of these things are to help individuals with self confidence, and a self confident person is typically a happier person.
As far as down time is concerned and recovery, make sure the person is taking the time out of their own leave, have them get a profile immediately after the procedure so they know what not to do to prevent injury and infection. We botch plenty of surgeries in the military now so complications is something I'm not to worried about. JMO.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Sep 24 at 2014 10:27 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 10:27:01 -0400

I don't necessarily condone elective plastic surgery, but I don't have a problem with service members having procedures done on their own dime and their own time. I have seen several cases during my career where service members had procedures done, and in all cases they paid for the procedure themselves and used leave time for the procedure and recuperation time. Fortunately, none of those who I have known had any significant complications.
As 1SG Private RallyPoint Member stated, we can not mitigate every risk to service members and those risks involved in the procedure should be explained in great detail by the treating physician prior to the act.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Sep 24 at 2014 10:31 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 10:31:18 -0400

It depends on the cosmetic surgery and it's potential to affect a soldier's fitness for duty. A female may want breast augmentation, but is that going to affect her ability to do PT or wear body armor? Or will the surgery have a high risk of complications? We had an issue in Korea of soldiers going to less than reputable plastic surgeons and having bad complications.

Response by SFC Erin Barnett made Sep 24 at 2014 10:46 AM

SFC Erin Barnett — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 10:46:29 -0400

I really don't care. However, if its an elective, like breast implants of a face lift strictly for looks, I think they need to use their leave to cover the time off. I don't think as a supervisor I should just eat the time off.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2014 10:53 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 10:53:47 -0400

Isn't this a duplicate thread?

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Sep 24 at 2014 11:00 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 11:00:32 -0400

I have recommended a few times to folks, and it has been recommended to me on more than one occasion, that I should have my head surgically removed from my butt... :-)

Many of us, at times, could have used surgery to put a little window in our stomachs so that, when we walk around with our heads up our butts, we can see where we are going.. :-)

Levity, folks...

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 24 at 2014 11:09 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 11:09:18 -0400

fore purely cosmetic reasons, to each their own, what ever floats your boat...

There are medical reasons that IMHO are beyond cosmetic. Breast reduction because of the multitude of ailments it can cause on the back - my wife has 2 close friends that had it for that reason. Procedures to correct visible disfigurement or scarring, especially on the face. This will bolster self esteem and confidence and should be free of charge if it is combat related. Lasik eye surgery - still can't figure why this is deemed cosmetic compared to the annual cost of eye glasses and contact lenses.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Sep 24 at 2014 11:20 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 11:20:51 -0400

The Air Force currently allows some cosmetic surgery. The way the AF works it (and I would suspect that the Army and Navy follow similar protocol?) is that 1. cost is out of pocket unless it can be medically justified for Tricare to cover (in most cases, cosmetic is not justified medically so is not a covered benefit). 2. Procedure and recovery is done on PERSONAL LEAVE. Con-Leave is NOT authorized. 3. Prior to having procedure, you are to get letters of authorization from your chain of command, as the recovery time may impact PT or deployability...leadership needs to know before you go under the knife.

In some locations, you may also have cosmetic surgery in a military MTF. I know some people have received care for plastic surgery, they are charged for some of the supplies used, but not full cost. This is a method used to retain some surgeons by allowing them to keep up with their skills....if not allowed to do some of these surgeries, they leave the military.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Sep 24 at 2014 12:01 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 12:01:52 -0400

they are adults and know the risks who are we to stop them.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2014 1:35 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:35:44 -0400

At their own expense, yes.

Response by SSG Kristell Lee made Sep 24 at 2014 1:43 PM

SSG Kristell Lee — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:43:50 -0400

I had an elective surgery. I paid for it out of pocket and I did it while on block leave. Then I had a profile for about an extra month, but my job at the time didn't allow me to go to PT anyways because I had to be in ACUs at work at 0630. Once I came out of profile they gave me a PT test which I passed with flying colors. As long as it won't affect your performance and you do it on your time I don't see the issue.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Sep 24 at 2014 1:48 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:48:44 -0400

SSG Robert Burns,

I have had Soldiers request and be authorized to have elective surgeries at MTFs (San Antonio Medical Center). These procedures have included liposuction (Soldier met AR 600-9 for body fat), vasectomy reversal (not cosmetic, but still elective), and one who had an elective hysterectomy (not needed, but selected). I believe if an MTC offers the procedure, then it should be authorized based on the individual. An evaluation of the Soldiers performance, condition, and reasons or desire for this surgery should be completed with input from an Army mental health professional. Additionally, if recovery time interferes with the mission, then the surgery may have to be delayed. A whole person concept shoul be applied, but as er shrink the force structure these benefits must be balanced with our ability to warfight, train, and operate.

Thank you for such an interesting question.

SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)

Response by SGT Jamie Jackson made Sep 24 at 2014 3:04 PM

SGT Jamie Jackson — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 15:04:28 -0400

yes only......if the cosmetic surgery is going to correct something related to health matters, be it psychological or physical. Example if I had a big mole on my forehead and I was always being harassed about it then yes, to assist in psychological matters. If a troop had to have a breast removed then correct with an implant sure. But if it is just an elective surgery because its something you just want no.

Response by PO1 Shahida Marmol made Jul 19 at 2015 10:44 PM

PO1 Shahida Marmol — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 22:44:21 -0400

As long as they use thier personal leave for recovery time and they go to a reputable doctor, there shouldn't be any issue.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 17 at 2020 5:28 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 17:28:03 -0400

If it’s a medical necessity the Service should support it, pay for it, and allow you time to recuperate. Work with your Army medical professionals.

If it’s not medically necessary then it’s cosmetic. Discuss with Army medical professionals. Follow their advice. Lot’s of pitfalls here if you ignore medical advice: you pay for surgery, use your leave to recuperate, possibly placed on profile, could be disciplined or chaptered If you become nondeployable.