Breast Implant revision time off work - will 2 weeks be enough if I do a lot of heavy lifting?

Question

I am undergoing a breast revision in 6 weeks. I am going from over the muscle to under. I work as a nurse in a rehab facility which involves a lot of heavy lifting. My surgeon has told me I will need 2 weeks off work. I am nervous that this will not be enough time off. Should I take extra time off work just to be safe? Thank you in advance.

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hi there,Thank you for your question &mdash; and also for the important work you do as a rehab nurse. You're absolutely right to think ahead, especially when your job includes lifting, assisting, and supporting patients. Those movements place a unique demand on your chest wall, shoulders, and upper body strength &mdash; exactly the areas impacted by your upcoming surgery.
 Why this matters in your case:You're having a revision from over-the-muscle to under-the-muscle implants, which is a more involved procedure than primary augmentation. It requires:
Creating a new submuscular pocketReleasing and managing the pectoralis major muscleSecuring implant position in a more dynamic, load-bearing spaceThis means your chest muscles &mdash; which are critical for pushing, pulling, and lifting &mdash; will need more time to heal and regain function than if the implants were placed over the muscle.
 Is two weeks off enough?For most patients with sedentary or desk jobs, 10–14 days is a reasonable return-to-work timeframe.However, in physically demanding jobs like yours, two weeks is often not sufficient.
In your case, I would strongly recommend:
At least 3–4 weeks off before returning to a full, unrestricted workloadIf you return earlier, consider modified/light duty (if your employer allows), avoiding:– Lifting >10 lbs– Pushing/pulling patient beds or wheelchairs– Overhead reaching or sudden arm movements
Why rushing back can be risky:Returning too early &mdash; especially with strain on the pectoral muscles &mdash; can lead to:
Discomfort, pain, or prolonged swellingPoor implant positioning or animation deformityRisk of wound complications or capsular issuesLonger-term interference with final results
Speak with your surgeon about your job’s specific physical demands, and request a medical note supporting additional time off or temporary duty modifications if needed.It’s always safer to return a little later and heal well than risk setting back your recovery &mdash; especially with a revision surgery.
Wishing you a smooth, successful procedure and a strong recovery!

Guray Yesiladali, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

It’s completely understandable to feel concerned &mdash; especially given the physical demands of your job.
Here are a few points to consider:

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Placing implants under the pectoralis muscle involves a more involved recovery than sub glanular placement.
Any activity involving the use of your pectoralis muscle will include soreness.
Two weeks seems like plenty of time off work.
If you have to schedule an advance, then two weeks is probably appropriate.
You may be able to go back to work sooner unless your doctor sets restrictions. 
Mats Hagstrom MD

Breast Implant revision time off work - will 2 weeks be enough if I do a lot of heavy lifting?

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Breast Implant revision time off work - will 2 weeks be enough if I do a lot of heavy lifting?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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