How long should I stay home from work after a breast reduction?

Question

I plan on getting a reduction next year. I was just wondering what would be the ideal time off to take from work? I work an office job but spend about 80% of the time driving to different locations and standing for long periods of time. We do heavy lifting but only in the summer when we have outreach events. So I plan on getting my reduction in the winter of next year. Also, is there a specific weight restriction? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question and
congratulations on your upcoming breast reduction procedure. In general, most
women are ready to return to work 5-7 days after their breast reduction
procedure. This will, of course, depend on your individual healing progression
and the type of work that you do. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise
for four to six weeks. I suggest speaking candidly with your operating surgeon
about your job, following his/her advice on when you can safely return to work.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question, downtime is a big concern to many and I agree we all have busy lives. I suggest patients to take a week off of work but they can work from home. Back to work/social activities in 1 week and the gym in 3 weeks

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Most patients are able to return to work after 7 to 10 days as long as there is no heavy lifting. I have my patients wait 6 weeks before returning to any type of formal exercise. Everyone heals differently, best to check with your surgeon. Good luck.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Most patients are back to work at a desk job within 2 weeks, however, you may not lift anything greater than 10lbs for 3 weeks, and no vigorous activity for 3 weeks. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally patients return to work at 10-14 days after surgery providing the work is mostly in an office type setting.  You may want to be off longer if your job entails lifting etc.  Typically I have my patients refrain from lifting more than 10 pounds for a month.  Check with your plastic surgeon for more specific recommendations for your work situation.  Best wishes.

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.  Barring any complications and avoidance of strenuous activity at work you should be able to return to your work around two weeks after surgery. Most of our patients return to work, depending on exactly what is involved at the workplace,  somewhere between 10 days to four weeks after surgery. You may want to run your question by your surgeon after detailing your specific job acquirements.
Best wishes.

Jonathan Weiler, MD · Answer

Hi nataligomez23,Thank you for your questions. Recovery for a breast reduction is usually 5-7 days. However, I recommend no heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling for 4-6 weeks. Typically my patients go back to work after a week but with light duty only. Best of luck!

Jorge Jiménez Toribio, MD · Answer

Hi dear.. Thank you for your question.Generally I ask my patients to stay and rest home for 10-12 days before going back to the normal basis. I'd recommend you to take care if you are going to be driving to different locations but it won't matter or affect the work done. In respect of heavy weight lifting at the gym or in any other place, I usually recommend waiting at least 16 - 18 days in order to avoid further complications but by the time, the tissue must be settled and partly healed. Hope this helps and good luck!Dr. Jiménez Toribio Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

J. Michael Morrissey, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Great question. Breast reduction is one of the most satisfying for the Plastic surgeon. Patients are almost universally happy with the relief it provides. As for getting back to work, most surgeons will use a drain in each breast for a period of time. It is my practice to leave them in place for a  week. During this time, I usually encourage women to stay home and rest. Weight lifting is restricted to  a Gallon of milk in each hand, which is roughly 10 lbs. After the drain is removed, a sport type bra is typically worn for support and to hold in place any dressings that may be necessary. At this point, many women may return to work, taking care to not over do it physically and stick with the lifting restrictions. By the third or fourth week, if wound healing has been uneventful, activity can be increased and by six weeks it is safe to go full speed ahead!Your chosen surgeon will have specific recommendations. Best wishes on your surgery. It will change your life!   For the better!!Dr.M

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