Can I return to work 4 days after breast augmentation?

Question

I'm interested in getting a Breast augmentation....(under the muscle, nipple incision). I work in IT so I'm pretty much sitting at a desk all day. I will only have to carry my laptop around to meetings if anything. Is 4 days enough recovery time?

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us.Its early to talk about final results.In my practice, after performing a BA I recommend to my patients to limit the movement of the arms for two weeks. After that, you can move your arms taking care and always with common sense. In this regard, it's not advisable to carry heavy weights to prevent the implant out of position, and allow the formation of the physiological capsule around the implant, also to avoid pain and breast swelling.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Every patient recovers differently, some may take just a few days to feel good and ready to work, some may take longer as they may be a little less pain tolerant. If your job does not requiere any heavy lifting or much use of your arms then you could be able to return to your job after 4 days of recovery. You definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your decision to pursue surgery.  In most cases patients are off of prescription pain medication by 4 days after surgery and assuming you neither will push, pull or lift anything heavy while at work it is possible.  See a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to discuss your options.

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  When it comes to your personal recovery, it is always best to consult with your operating surgeon first.  That being said many of our breast augemntation patients find that they are ablke to return to light office work one week after breast augmentration surgery.With kind regards,Lane F. Smith, M.D., F.A.A.C.S., F.A.O.H.N.S., F.A.B.F.P.R.S.Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,This timeline is not impossible but even with excellent surgical technique and preparation, everyone experiences pain and discomfort differently. You may be able to return at 4 days but I would recommend that you have a back up plan if you need a few more. Talk with your Plastic Surgeon about your expectations and their recommendations for you.All the best

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Many of my breast augmentation patients will go back to work in anywhere from 4 days to a week; however, you are not my patient.  I would suggest discussing this with your plastic surgeon as he/she may have a different protocol.  Good luck!

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

Most of my patients will return to work in a few days after breast augmentation surgery especially for light work or desk work.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi, MD

Alexander G. Nein, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

The recovery for a breast augmentation using modern surgical techniques, long acting local anesthetics and ice packs after surgery is very straightforward and relatively easy. For office type work which does not demand much physical activity 2-4 days should be adequate. For jobs that are more physically demanding it may take a little longer depending upon the type of work. Your body and your surgeon can help with that decision.For more information about breast augmentation please see the web link below.Best wishes!

John Q. Cook, MD · Answer

Hello.  The answer to your question depends on a number of variables that are difficult to predict in advance.  Larger implants are more uncomfortable early on.  Your personal history of pain tolerance also plays a role.  A decent percentage of my patients are back at work in four days if their occupations are sedentary, but there are always exceptions.  Many of my patients in tech are able to work from home for a few days, so they can extend the recovery.  You should definitely be off all pain meds and muscle relaxants before returning to work.  Best of Luck.

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

Definitely people can recover differently and the job requirements are varied as well. In my experience most women have recovered enough to drive in about a week with an augmentation behind the muscle. You could possibly work at home on a computer before then. It is not a good idea to be on pain medications and making important decisions. Bottom line it is when you are off your pain meds and taking meds like Ibuprofen or Tylenol. Good luck.

Can I return to work 4 days after breast augmentation?

Answers (18)

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