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How Much Time off Work is Appropriate for Breast Implants? I Wear Body Armor in my Job.

I work in security and wear body armor. I want breast implants but don't want to risk damaging them by returning to work too soon. I have read the many comments on when to return to work, but my job is a little different than most. I do not have my vest on 24/7. But do need to have it on at least 30 minutes out of the day. I do not want to damage my implants or cause any undue pain by returning to work to early. Have their been any other patients that have jobs where vests, guns, and ammo are the norm, and what was the recommended recovery time for that?

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time off work timing

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by dragontails in Amarillo, Tx

Doctor Answers (9)
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Time off work after breast augmentation surgery

Dear patient Wearing body armor will in no way damage implants. I’ve operated on many officers and security agents that are required to wear body armor or vests. Returning to work is generally possible after 4 weeks.

Time off work after breast augmentation with implants

Think of breast augmentation as if it were an orthopedic procedure such as a hip replacement. It's not nearly as involved or functional but it has to be done right and then requires a splint and restrictions until things are healed adequately and then there is a period of rehab. For breast implants/augmentation the first week is the most critical for a number of reasons, and I advise patients to take this week off from any required activity. The second week is still healing but will... more

Guns and Ammo

I don't think the vest should be much of a problem if you wait about two weeks after the surgery. You will know when you put it on if it is too tight and too compressive which may be uncomfortabel. Your body will tell you if what you are doing after surgery is too much too soon. Ask your surgeon to be sure he or she does not feel otherwise. Thank you for your question and good luck.

Ralph R. Garramone, MD

9 reviews

Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

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In general, I tell my patients that if they feel well enough to go back to work in a few days or a week then it is OK. I tell them to avoid heavy lifting for a several weeks. If the security vest is not to heavy it is probably OK. Ask your surgeon to be sure.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Hello Dragontails, I have had the honor of performing breast augmentation on over two dozen Women in Blue hear in Los Angeles, as well as a few security guards too. They've ranged from officers, detectives, gun specialists, and regular patrol. I've told all of them that two weeks was plenty (those with desk jobs, two to three days), and to return to the gym at that time too, most complying with my recommendations. I have them lifting their arms over their heads 5 times... more

Breast Implants and Body Armor

For most patients the usual amount of time off work is one week. I have a number of patients who have had augmentations and need to wear body armor when they return to work. If it is just a matter or wearing body armor, you could potentially return to work in two weeks. If there is the potential need in your job for you to respond quickly in a physical way, then it might be better to wait 4-6 weeks.

Time Off Security Job After Augmentation

I agree with Dr. Pousti that you should take 4-6 weeks off if your job involves strenuous activities, although I am not certain that the body armor per se is problematic. Many women who have sedentary jobs may be able to return to work in a week to 10 days or less.

Body Armour and breast implants

You raise a question that does not have an exact answer. You may return to acting in law enforcement when you are comfortable. We have been employing methods over the last 5 years that have made it easier for people with strenuous jobs, such as yours, to return to work comfortably usually in 2-3 weeks. You do not want to jeopardize either you or your co-workers by not reacting promptly because of concerns about discomfort. You would not compromise your outcome with strenuous... more

Breast Augmentation and Potentially Dangerous Job?

Thank you for the question. Although you did not specifically say so, it sounds like you may be dealing with “bad guys”... if this is the case I would suggest that you take at least 4-6 weeks off from an occupation that may involve interaction with bad actors. You will want to be able to engage in strenuous activity without discomfort ( and without exposing yourself or your colleagues to harm etc. Otherwise, if “modified duty”... more

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.