I'm a hairstylist. When should I go back to work after having a breast lift?

Each surgeon will have her/his own protocol with returning to activities after surgery. Typically patients can return to work a week after these procedures, but your situation is a bit different since you are on your feet so much and use your arms. Two to four weeks may be recommended or perhaps if you could return on a limited schedule and increase gradually back to your regular number of hours. Your surgeon is the best one to guide you as she/he is most familiar with the details of your surgical plan.

I advise my patients that at three weeks after surgery, it’s OK for you to do aerobic activity (treadmill, stationary bike, etc.), running and lower-body weight training. Women are usually comfortable doing arm exercises (upper-body weights) starting about six weeks after surgery. Among my patients are Triple Crown bodybuilders and kickboxers who go back into competition after getting implants. They start with light training at six weeks and heavier training after eight weeks. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Hi hellonewboobies22,
There are many techniques to perform a breast lift, so it's important to engage your surgeon in this discussion.
For many lifts, the excess lower pole skin and breast tissue can be repurposed into the central breast--almost as a living implant. This dissection involves the breast and opens the plane just above the muscle. In this scenario, I suggested patients minimize repetitive movements of the arms, as this can create sheer forces and increase fluid buildup. I also suggest a lifting restriction of 5 pounds or less.
I would suggest taking 1 month off of work, as it would probably take this long for to feel comfortable keeping her arms raised to cut hair for extended periods of time area if you feel better sooner, and if cleared by her surgeon, you could go back earlier.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Christopher Pannucci, MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington