4-6 Weeks Off Work Normal After Breast Reduction?

Question

I thought I had been told by my doctor that I would be off work for 1-2 weeks, but when I called to schedule the surgery the scheduling nurse said it would be 4-6 weeks due to the nature of my work (hospital, including ER). Everything I read seems to point more to 1-2 weeks. Do some occupations require that much time off?

Eric Pugash, MD · Answer

They make chocolate and vanilla for good reason: everyone is different.

	However I would say that 4-6 weeks off work following breast reduction sounds like a lot, unless you have a medical condition that predisposes you to a slow recovery.

	I advise most patients that they can expect to return to work within 2-3 weeks of breast reduction surgery.

	There is something to be said for not lying around at home for too long after surgery. It's beneficial both physically and mentally to get back to your normal routine, once you are past the early phases of fatigue and discomfort.

	Good luck!

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Recovery times will vary from patient to patient. Recommendations will vary from surgeon to surgeon. That being said most will recommend avoidance of exercise for 3-4 weeks post op. Heavy lifting and strenuous activity are discouraged for 6 weeks post op.With regards to your specific question, the physical demands of nursing may be a limiting factor for a return to work. Light duty may be another option.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Any job that requires heavy lifting requires a longer time off from work, so 6 weeks sounds about right. Sedentary work would be about 1-2 weeks.

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

If you have a job that involves heavy lifting (like lifting patients), you should protect your healing incisions and refrain from heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks. I have had some health care workers go back after 2 weeks only if light duty (lifting less than 5 lbs) can be accommodated. I'm hesitant sometimes to have healthcare workers go back in areas of direct patient care like an emergency room because of a theoretical risk of exposure to many more types of bacteria. If you had more of a desk job I do think 1 1/2 - 2 weeks off is reasonable.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.
 Yes, patients who have more strenuous occupations may require more time off,  depending on exactly what is involved at the workplace. You may want to run your question by the surgeon involved after detailing your job acquirements.
 Best wishes.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

As a rule our patients take one to two weeks off after breast reduction, and most take only one. The insurance plans in our area often do not allow overnight stay, and we have used short scar reduction when possible, and do not use drains. Lifting is not an issue as there is no muscular discomfort. Jobs that involve physical labor may take more time to recover, finding the time is another issue.
	Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

The main question is to avoid activities that put stress on your incisions. This can cause them to separate and widen. I usually want breast reduction patients to avoid activities that make the breasts bounce up and down. There is no standard formula for calculating how much time will be needed for your recovery. Some patients will obviously do better than others. Your body will tell you if you are doing too much. In general expect to take pain medication night and day for 2 - 3 days and then night only for 2 - 3 more days. You may be able to work with slight lifting restrictions after one week but you may need more like 10 days.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD · Answer

Recovery is measured by different factors. Healing time may be different than time off work. In general, absent any healing problems, most patients can resume a relatively sedentary lifestyle 2 weeks after surgery. For strenuous work requiring physical tension or pressure to the breast area, 3-4 weeks is more reasonable since wound strength is not significant after two weeks.

	Robin T.W. Yuan, M.D.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Normally, I recommend that my patients take two weeks off after breast reduction.  If your job involves lifting patients or other strenuous physical exertion, an additional week may be required.  The only occupation that typically requires 4-6 weeks off would be the uniformed services, including the police, fire and corrections departments.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

The time off work depends on each individual patient and job description. Most of my patients who do office work can return to their jobs in 1-2 weeks after a breast reduction. For those who do heavy lifting and can't get a temporary light duty assignment, 4 to 6 weeks may be more appropriate. Some if if depends on the patient's comfort level.

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