Recovery Time for Breast Reduction if There Are No Complications?

How much time do most patients need off of work provided there are no complications from a breast reduction? Thank you

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by Malkia

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Wide Variation

The answers that are already listed here show that there is a wide variation in return to work dates. I find that many patients are eager to get back to work and others want as much time off as possible. The fatique of surgey is more of a factor than pain. My rules for activity after surgery are: Walking is Good. Bouncing is Bad. If it hurts, Don't do It! I think most of my patients take off 2 weeks but many could return sooner; they just don't want to. more

A patient needs about a week off from work for a breast reduction.

In my opinion, a patient can return to work the next day after a breast reduction if it's non-physical job. No harm will be done to the product of the operation. However, many patients may not feel up to it for about a week-fatigue, etc.

Breast Reduction - Recovery Time for Breast Reduction if There Are No Complications?

Obviously there are individual variations but I usually fine that about a week is adequate for most jobs. I typically advise my patient that there is no exercise for about three weeks after surgery so if your job is particularly physical then you might have to wait a little longer than a week, or go on modified duty (if that's available) so as to not stress yourself physically. In general, though, about a week. I hope that this helps and good luck, Dr. E more

Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery

Thank you for your question. Every patient is different and you should speak to the surgeon who will be taking care of you for more specific information. In general, pain is usually relatively little, often being a degree of discomfort. Some swelling will occur but usually begins to go away by the third or fourth day. Rest as much as possible for the first week. Avoid raising your arms over your head for 2 weeks. Resumption Of Physical... more

Recovery Time for Breast Reduction

Most patients take their pain meds for a few days and then switch to ibuprofen. The larger the breast the longer the recovery. The comment most patients make is it isn't as sore as they expected but they fatigue easily and this can go on for 2-4 weeks.

Recovery from breast reduction

Most patients will only need to take off about three days from work to recover from a breast reduction. Since the surgery does not involve any dissection of the chest muscle the recover is usually quite reasonable for most patients. After about three days, most patients are off their pain medication (vicodin) and can drive and return to work. Discuss this is more detail with a board certified plastic surgeon before having any surgery. Best wishes, Dr.Bruno more