Returning to work after Lipo and breast exchange?

Question

Work as a nurse in a busy LTACH. Lots of bending and heavy lifting. Need to return to work in a day and still in a lot of pain. Will I be able to lift patients safely?

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.While many of my patients are back to work within 48-72 hours following a breast augmentation (exchange) and liposuction, there are always some patients who will require more time off from work due to their specific job responsibilities.  I recommend that all of my patients refrain from any exercise and/or heavy lifting (anything more than 20 lbs) for the first 4 weeks following their breast augmentation or liposuction surgery but there are some instances where with modifications or assistance that patients can lift sooner.  Many of my patients are nurses and I typically suggest that they return to light duty, if possible, for at least the first 3-4 weeks.  Is it possible for you to have assistance or a nurses aide for the next few weeks while you recover?I hope that you find this information helpful and I wish you all of the best on your recovery.

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

With Liposuction and a breast implant exchange, one week should be enough healing to return to work.  However, you will want some help with lifting or pulling.  Be careful, listen to your body, and if you think it will be too much then take a little more time off.  I hope this helps.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would not recommend any heavy lifting for several weeks following surgery.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Your activity limitations depends on how far out from your procedure you are. I encourage my patients to not lift more than a gallon of milk for 6 weeks after most procedures.  Your breast implant exchange and lipo would be a typical procedure that I recommend light activity for 6 weeks.  My patients who are nurses are encouraged to keep light duty without lifting patients for 6 weeks and wear their compression garments at all times.
After the 6 weeks post-op period, if certain activities cause discomfort I encourage them not to do those activities until they can do so comfortably.  
Each patient is different and some need longer recovery than others. 
In your case I would consult your plastic surgeon to discuss your specific post-op plan.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

It's best to follow the advice of your surgeon. After breast implant surgery it's strongly recommended to avoid lifting and other strenuous activity for about 4 weeks (at least 2 weeks). Subsequently, you can gradually increase your activity level.Pejman Aflaki, M.D.Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Returning to work after lipo may not be a problem but you need to allow time from the implant exchange incision to heal. I would not do any heavy lifting for 2 to 4 weeks.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

While going to back to light duty is possibly for most of my lipo patients within few days of surgery, I do not think lifting patients immediately is a good idea.

Returning to work after Lipo and breast exchange?

Answers (7)

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