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

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.

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