Replacing breast implants: does this fall under unpaid leave?

Questioner

Good afternoon, my question is the following: I have a shop, and a staff member who had cosmetic surgery 11 years ago (breast implants). Now, 11 years later, these have to be replaced by new ones, also because she is bothered by the current implants. A cosmetic procedure does not fall under sick leave, I know that, but I assume the same applies here? The person has almost no vacation days left, can this then be considered unpaid leave? Thanks in advance…

Lawyer

In the case of hospitalization, there is illness. The employer must then continue to pay wages. The employee is bothered by the current implants. So it is not a cosmetic operation.