I'm a Hairdresser Taking 2 Weeks off for Recovery. Will I Be Able to Do my Job when I Go Back?

The implant size seems appropriate for someone wanting to look natural. You will be able to go back in a week but will be sore for about 2 weeks

Recovery time is quite variable from patient to patient.  Although most patients feel comfortable returning to a desk job 7-10 days post-op, holding your arms high to blow dry hair might be more difficult.  That being said, with the assistance of non-narcotic pain medications and a decent pain threshhold you may very well be fine at two weeks although it is very difficult to predict.

Hi there

thank you very much for this question. you are being very sensible to think about the ramifications of your surgery. Everybody recovers differently after surgery but it sounds as though you are fit and motivated. 

However, please do realise that as a hairdresser you use your arms and pectoralis muscle probably more than you realise. AS a result you could be sore for some weeks. I suspect you will be able to work after a couple of weeks but be prepared for discomfort beyond this period. Good luck!

Paul Banwell, Plastic Surgeon, London, UK

Depending on the range of your responsibilities, 5 - 7 days is the norm to begin light activities. Your surgeon may restrict you from your full duties for much longer. Discuss in detail with your surgeon.

I have a lot of patients that work in salons. They can often go back to work within about a week to ten days.  Check with your surgeon.

Generally, patients may return to work one week post-augmentation.  I have operated on hairdressers and advise them to take two weeks off precisely because they send the entire working day with their hands and arms elevated.  If you return to work at the beginning of a calendar week, when salons are slower, you may be able to ease back in more effectively.

Thank you for your question. It sounds from your description that you are making good choices. In very small breasts with tight muscles, a conservative submuscular augmentation should serve you well in the long term.  Pain threshold and return to work is a very individual thing. While physically you should be able to return to workat two weeks postop, you will likely have some discomfort when blow drying or keeping your arms up while cutting.  A non-steroidal pain medication would keep you comfortable enough to work, but surgeons have different comfort levels with these medicines after surgery because of the risk of bleeding. I would discuss this matter further with your surgeon. Best wishes on your recovery.

Thank you for your question. Recovery or convalesce after breast augmentation can be different from patient to patient depending on your constitution and how well you have done after surgery in the past. Most patients feel well enough to return to work in a limited capacity after their one week follow up. I recommend that you not perform any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 4 weeks after surgery.

Hi gi2,

Thanks for the question. Most patients will be recovered after one week from breast augmentation to return to work. You will still be sore and have some discomfort, but it's typically very manageable. 

As a hair dresser, your work requires a lot of hand and arm lifting, which takes longer to be ready for. I think that two weeks is a good time frame for this. Start slow and don't over book yourself. 

As far as not wanting others to know what you did, that is a tough call. You will want to wear a fully padded push up bra BEFORE surgery so that afterwards, no one will notice that big a change. Second, wear loose clothing afterwards and do something different with your hair. It's a distraction technique that will help you fly "under the radar". 

Best to you.

Great question.  I'm glad you are thinking ahead.  For my patients who are hairstylists, I generally recommend they can go back to desk job work in a matter of days after surgery. However, as a hairstylist, you are raising your arms up high for longer periods of time. I would suggest you not take clients for 2-3 weeks after surgery just to be safe.  No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 3-4 weeks.   Wishing you a speedy recovery.  Best wishes!

Dr. Basu

Houston, TX