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

A lot of nurses undergo breast augmentation and I usally tell them they an go back to work in a week but no heavy lifting for 4 weeks. I have had many nurses lift patients when it was a code blue or another urgent reason and they come in for an evaluation but I have never had a nurse do anything that damaged their implants.

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

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.