L&D nurse, when can I go back to work after BA?

Question

Hello, I’m 24 yo, 5”6, 120 pounds, good health, athletic. I’m a labor and delivery nurse and I’m getting a BA. I don’t have that much lifting to do, beside babies (which very rarely weigh more than 10 pounds) and holding my patients’ leg when they are pushing. I took 8 days off work following my BA. It would be very difficult for me to take more time off than that. Do you think it will be enough? Can it damage my breasts? Thank you

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

I can’t stress enough how important it is for you to follow
your surgeon’s post operative care instructions. You should obtain that
information from your surgeon prior to booking surgery so that you can plan
your recovery and work schedule ahead of time. 
At our practice patients are instructed to take 1 full week
off work or school for recovery following a breast augmentation. Depending on
what the patient does for a living they may be required to take off more time
if their daily duties require physical activity or heavy lifting. Patients are
instructed to avoid exercise and heavy lifting for up to 6 weeks following surgery.
It would be best if you could return to work with light duties for the first
few weeks to avoid injury during that delicate time while your body is in
healing mode. You should be fine to care for the babies, but active delivery can
get a little strenuous and unpredictable. Your surgeon is your best resource
when planning your recovery. 
All the best,

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you Iacococo for your question.  Typically taking a week off after surgery is more then enough time.  I recommend to all my patients no heavy lifting or working out for 4 weeks but lifting a newborn you should be fine to do.  I would follow up with your Plastic Surgeon to see what his or her recommendations are. Best of luck to you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi lacococo,
  
Downtime and recovery after breast augmentation surgery varies. 
  
The majority of breast augmentation patients need one week of downtime. Depending on the work environment (heavy lifting, etc) more time off may be necessary. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after surgery to avoid blood clots in the legs. When it comes to exercising and other activities, it may also vary depending on the type of exercises or activities you are going to perform. 
  
I suggest that you follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions, especially on the level of activity that you can do and your scheduled follow up checkups, for faster healing and recovery. 
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Most patients can resume daily activities after a breast augmentation; the first few weeks are the most crucial where pushing, pulling or lifting anything  heavier than 5 pounds is not recommended during this period.  That being said, waiting 6 weeks until lifting 20 pounds after a breast augmentation is a good time period to wait. I usually clear my patients by 12 weeks. Andrew T. Lyos, M.D., FACS

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

It is best to speak with your surgeon as he/she may have different post op protocols. You may be able to be on modified work duties if you are concerned. Please speak with your surgeon.Regards,

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well...based on your question, the idea is that you discuss that part with your plastic surgeon who will have the last word.but 8 days is very little for the rest that the breasts should take.in your case it should be 12-21 days after surgery and weighting a little more than 5 lbs can be after 2 months.

Trefor Nodwell, MD · Answer

Hi there Lacococo,Of course you and your surgeon will make the final decision about a return to work plan that is safe and effective for your specific circumstances. However, in principle 7 or 8 days off will be sufficient, as long as you are able to return to some form of modification and accommodation to your duties for approximately 6 weeks in total.For day to day Maternal New Born nursing you will be fine - my only concern is with the more strenuous parts of your job helping the new moms and moms to be. You will not be able to do all the lifting pulling and pushing you are used to (pt transfers among other things).If you are comfortable sharing these temporary restrictions with your team, you should do just fine.Congratulations and best of luck with your recovery.Dr Nodwell

Badar Jan, MD · Answer

A very important question. The placement of the implant makes a difference in the recovery time. I place implant underneath the muscle in the overwhelming majority of cases because it looks more natural and gives the implant better coverage. This placement requires extra care to make sure movement of the muscle doesn’t disturb the position of the implant. I recommend patients take a week of from work and then no lifting more than 20 pounds or pushing activities  for 6 weeks. 
Best wishes,
Dr. Jan

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

The average amount of time most patients take off after breast augmentation surgery is 7 days.  I believe you should be ready to return to work after 8 days.  Being a nurse, you will most certainly be compliant with your post-op instructions which will result in having a quick recovery.   Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to returning to specific occupation/activities. He/she knows exactly what was done, how you are progressing (every patient has a different experience after breast surgery), whether or not you have experienced any complications or setbacks, and exactly what type of activities you wish to return to.
 Most patients are "over the hump" of most discomfort somewhere between two and four days after the procedure.  It is during these initial days that patients benefit from the most help at home, rest, and the use of pain medication and muscle relaxants. Careful attention to good hydration/nutrition, anti nausea measures (if needed),  and working towards return of normal bowel movements are  important considerations during this time period.
On average, I ask patients to take off 5 days to 1 week after breast augmentation surgery (desk job). For some professions, I may suggest a going back to work with a lighter workload (or in your case, having someone else do the lifting etc.. that would involve the pectoralis muscle). Ideally, I ask patients not to lift anything heavy or do things ( like pulling/pushing) that contract the pectoralis musle for at least 3 weeks. Patients are able to return to running and heavier lifting 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.  I ask my patients to stay away from "pectorals major" activity such as push-ups and bench press for several months.
Most of my patients feel comfortable lifting 10 pounds, using good body mechanics (elbows by their sides and using legs…) after the first week post.  
Ultimately, it will be important for you to “listen to your body”, apply common sense, and return to activities/exercises in a gradual fashion. Best wishes.

L&D nurse, when can I go back to work after BA?

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