How Many Days Should I Take off of Work for Breast Implant Surgery?

Generally, I advise patients that they can start doing more intense physical activity at 3 weeks, and upper body strength exercises at 6 weeks after surgery. If you don't lift heavy things in your job or things like that, then you can probably return to work in three weeks or so  if your recovery is going well. However, you should ask your surgeon as they may have different guidelines.  

Each surgeon has his or her own guidelines for recovery. Typically, patients can return to light activity after 5 to 7 days. More strenuous activity may take 3 to 6 weeks. Consult with your board certified surgeon as he or she will understand the scope of the surgery and the specifics of you.

Most of my patients are comfortable to return to a desk job in a matter of days.   So if you have your procedure on a Thurs or Fri, you should feel pretty good by Monday.   But no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 3-4 weeks.  I will clear my patients to start exercise as tolerated or resume heavy lifting in 3-4 weeks after their surgery *gradually*   The key word here is gradually.  You should be cleared to resume your activities without restrictions 4 weeks after your procedure.   Please talk to your PS about his/her specific recommendations.  Best wishes.

Dr. Basu

Houston, TX

Most of my patients have breast augmentation surgery on a Thursday and return to work on Monday.  However, I based that decision on what they do for a living.  If there job entails heavy lifting then they will need to take off more time.  However if the job is primarily a desk job than they can return to work sooner.  The wild card is also the pain tolerance of the individual.  Every surgeon has a slightly different protocol and you should speak with your surgeon about his/her protocol.

The only activities I would restrict a patient to after a breast augmentation would be not to lift greater than 20 pounds and avoid activities where the breasts bounce up and down for 6 weeks.  As long as you stay in a well fitting bra you should be fine.  YOu also can not drive a car when taking pain medications. It may be a little sore if you have to lift your arms up above your shoulders.   Atlanta Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Z