How Much Time off from Work As a Hospital Nurse Will I Need After Submuscular Breast Augmentation?

For a submuscular breast augmentation, 2 weeks would be optimal. You will still be sore but should be able to do the duties you describe. We would all like to see the patient have 4 weeks off, but in reality few can take this much time. I have only seen 1 complication in a post op submuscular implant that is related to the muscle. A patient 1 week out reached for something behind her and pulled the pectorals muscle resulting in a hematoma.

Thank you for the question. Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to returning to specific occupation/activities. He/she knows exactly what was done, how you are progressing (every patient has a different experience after breast surgery), whether or not you have experienced any complications or setbacks, and exactly what type of activities you wish to return to.On average, I ask patients to take off  5 days to 1 week after breast augmentation surgery (desk job).  For some professions (such as yours), I may suggest a going back to work with a lighter workload (or in your case, having someone else do the lifting etc.. that would involve the pectoralis muscle).  Ideally, I ask patients not to lift anything heavy or do things ( like pulling/pushing) that contract the pectoralis musle for at least 3 weeks.  Ultimately, it will be important for you to “listen to your body”,  applied common sense, and return to activities/exercises in a  gradual fashion. Best wishes.

Breast augmentation recovery is typically about 4 weeks.  The last thing you want would be to strain the muscle with vigorous activity.

Dr. ES