Will I be able to return to my job as a firefighter after recovering from a breast augmentation?

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. It is generally safe to wait 8 weeks before returning to full activity. Discuss with your plastic surgeon.

It depends on your recovery rate and the advice of your surgeon, as each surgeon has their own post-op instructions. In some cases, the recovery may be longer if an issue develops.

All patients can eventually return to full activity.

Different surgeons will have different recommendations. I would suggest a return to physical activity at 4-6 weeks with a slow escalation to pre-op baseline over a 2 week period.

With regards to your specific question, assuming all is well you should be able to return to baseline by 2 months (likely before).

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Hello, thank you for your question. I allow my patients to return back to normal activity at 3 weeks post of with the exception of chest workouts. Once my patients hit 3 months they are all pretty much back to normal routines at that point. You will be okay to return back to work at 2 months, I would just recommend to wear good bra support while you are at work.

In my experience, in general, no problem. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Dear Ecomarge21, thank you for your question, you should be able to continue to work after Breast augmentation surgery, 2 months sounds good for healing process of course always follow your doctor advices. Every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

In my experience it is safe for patients to return to work, even vigorous work such as a firefighter, 6 weeks after surgery. Usually wounds are healed well and are strong enough to tolerate heavy exercise or heavy work at this point.

Two months should be plenty of time for you to recover fully. You probably can even go back as early as 6 weeks if you want.

Hi, Return to activity after breast augmentation can be vary based on several factors. The most important two would be where your implant is placed (above or below the muscle) and your surgeon's specific recovery protocol. We tend to place implants below the muscle to create a more natural appearing result in thinner patients who don't have a lot of breast tissue to camouflage the edges of the implant. The caveat to this is that in patients with very strong chest muscles (pectoralis muscle) or who exercise that specific muscle often the implants can be gradually pushed down and out towards the side. When breast implants are placed below the muscle you ideally want to avoid exercises such as such as push ups, chest presses, and bench presses. Most surgeons will allow you to return to regular activity within 3-6 weeks after surgery. Some will ask you to avoid chest based exercises entirely in the future.
Lifting heavy objects at 2 months should be no problem but you might have to asked to be excused from the specific types of exercises I mentioned during your physical drills if that is what your surgeon recommends.
My recommendation would be to mention these concerns to your surgeon during your consultation. He or she will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for augmentation with implants above the muscle or consider a combo procedure where the implant is placed above the muscle and then the edges of the implant are camouflaged using fat transfer to the breast.

Yes, once you have fully healed from surgery you will be able to return to your career as a firefighter. It is likely that you will have lifting and activity restrictions during recovery. Your surgeon will let you know when you can return to your previous activities.