15 days of recovery AFTER augmentation? I am a server at a fast paced restaurant.

Question

I️I️ carry (NOT LIFT over shoulders, I usually tuck my elbow into my side for sturdiness&balance) UP TO 30#s of food/dishes/drinks (we don’t use trays to carry food, trays are ONLY used for drinks). Do you think 15 Vacation days AFTER breast augmentation will be enough time to recovery before heading back to work? I️f needed, I️ was thinking about doing light duty work for the next 1-2 weeks after that instead of taking 4 weeks off.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would recommend speaking to your plastic surgeon about specific post op instructions. Regards,

Jeff T. Healy, MD · Answer

I recommend taking 5-7 days off of work after a breast augmentation.  Some patients go back sooner depending on their job requirements.  I encourage my patients to be up walking around they day of surgery.  They can lift their arms above their heads the day of surgery if they are doing it slowly and gently.  I allow non-impact cardio such as stationary bike, elliptical, stair-master 1 week after surgery.  No impact exercises for 6 weeks- this includes running, jumping around, push-ups, lifting weights over 10 pounds, etc. If you are going back to work in a restaurant I would recommend carrying less weight and making multiple trips or get co-workers to help out for the first few weeks. 
Best to check with your surgeon for their protocol.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear LookingFine808,It depends on the individual but its at least a week of solid downtime. Beyond that depends on how you heal, what time of work you do, and the amount involved with surgery. I tell my patients not to lift anything more than 8lbs for at least two weeks. It would be the best to discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Taking light duty work for another 1 to 2 weeks is great. My patients who use their arms a lot (ex. nurses who need to move patients) often return to these duties by the 14th day with some soreness. They are good to go by the 21st day. Always best to check with your surgeon's protocol.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

There are no hard and fast rules.  You and your plastic surgeon should discuss what would be best for you.  If the breast augmentation is uncomplicated, 15 days vacation may not be unreasonable. Most plastic surgeons will recommend 4 to 6 weeks before lifting more than 10 pounds and resuming strenuous activity so requesting light duty work for one to two weeks after returning to work would be a good way to transition into your previous work routine.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

Your schedule sounds a bit aggressive to me. I would err on the side of caution and do the light duty work for an additional two weeks. Best though to check with your actual surgeon and get their recommendations.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Although post operative instructions do vary from one plastic surgeon to another, I advise my patients to not lift anything greater than 15 pounds for a full 4 weeks.  Best to follow the specific instructions given to you by your plastic surgeon.  Good luck.

Francesco Campanile, MD · Answer

Every plastic surgeon is going to have slightly different protocols for how much downtime you’ll need after your breast augmentation, plus, not everyone recovers at the same pace. You may want to err on the side of caution and plan for light duty your first 1 to 2 weeks back, but make sure you discuss this with your plastic surgeon first. Ultimately, you will know best how you’re feeling after the first 15 days of recovery, so don’t forget to listen to your body, too!

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  I have my patient's on physical restriction's for the first 3 weeks. They will not lift , push or pull anything more then 8 lbs for that period.  After those 3 weeks, all restrictions are lifted and they can do what they can tolerate.

Norman Bakshandeh Day, MD, FACS · Answer

You are the only person who can determine if you are ready to go back to work. I would ease into work slowly. You will probably not be able to do as much as you were doing for another couple of weeks

15 days of recovery AFTER augmentation? I am a server at a fast paced restaurant.

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