Some teachers in upstate New York enjoy plastic surgery as a job perk

February 14, 2012

Some teachers in upstate New York enjoy plastic surgery as a job perk
Some teachers in upstate New York enjoy plastic surgery as a job perk

Teachers who are considering surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance may want to consider moving to Buffalo, New York.

According to The Atlantic, the city's teachers' contract contains a rider that covers all types of plastic surgery procedures including liposuction, breast augmentation, nose jobs, Botox injections and microdermabrasion.

The rider was put into effect in the 1970s to cover the costs of reconstructive surgeries and has remained intact ever since. Now, teachers can opt for a little nip and tuck without paying anything out-of-pocket.

The news source reports that taxpayers are footing the bill on a lot of procedures. Teachers took advantage of the perk to the tune of $9 million in 2009. Spending is expected to be around $5.2 million this year.

Many admit that teachers are getting free plastic surgery because of an outdated contract is less than ideal, but the problem is that the teachers are working with an expired contract and state law doesn't require them to negotiate a new one.

"The urgency of negotiating a new contract isn't really there," Amber Dixon, interim-superintendant for the Buffalo school district, told the news provider. "You get to keep your benefits. You get to keep your cosmetic rider. You get to keep your 2.5 percent step increase. It makes getting back to the table difficult."

Officials say getting rid of this benefit would mean more teaching jobs would open up in the district. With an average salary of $52,000 per year, more than 100 new teachers could be hired if the rider is dropped.


The mission of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) includes medical education, public education and patient advocacy. Plastic Surgery News Briefs are summaries of current stories found through various news and magazine outlets that relate to or mention plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. The views expressed in these news articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ASAPS, but are merely published as an educational service to our members and the general public. For additional information on these subjects and other plastic surgery related topics, please go to www.surgery.org

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About ASAPS
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), is recognized as the world’s leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body.  ASAPS is comprised of over 2,600 Plastic Surgeons; active members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. International active members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements.

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