What's the earliest I can go back to work, at my desk job, after breast reduction surgery? (Photo)

Question

I'm 40 yrs old. I am 5'2 & 160lbs. I wear 36DD, I know my cup size could be a DDD or E, I'm constantly tucking them in. I'm scheduled for BR surgery on May 1,if insurance approves.I have a desk job and I am the only person who knows my job. I scheduled on Friday so hopefully I wouldn't have to take off too many days.I think my doctor said I will have to be off a week.And that I will not feel like doing anything for atleast 3 days. Even though it's a desk job,will I still need to take a week off?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you will definitely need a week off to recover even if its a sedentary job. You are putting yourself through an operation with risks and you want to make sure that you have the best result. Take the time off so your body can heal or postpone the surgery to a time that you can dedicate to yourself. The recovery is just as important as the operation. #BreastReduction #PlasticSurgery

Ellen A. Janetzke, MD · Answer

I usually advise my patients to take 1 week off of work even if they have a "desk job". However, I have had patients go back to work after 3 days. As long as your pain is controlled without narcotics (and many people do not require them anymore by day 3), there is no reason why you cannot return to work at your "desk job". If you are still requiring narcotics you should not make any important decisions and certainly should not drive. Best wishes to you!

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

After
breast reduction surgery, I advise the patients to take one week off from work. The
patients may return to work, but may not engage in any strenuous activity at that time.  At one month, the patients start low impact cardio. At two months they can
engage in more strenuous physical activity. If anything hurts or causes
swelling, we ask them to back off somewhat.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. I typically, allow my patients with administrative jobs to return to work in about 2 weeks.  Please follow your plastic surgeon's advice.

Glenn Lyle, MD · Answer

I am reluctant to recommend anything less than a week off for a breast reduction for patients with desk jobs.  Everyone is different and every situation varies but as a general rule- I have found a week to 10 days is desired. Many patients are still taking pain medication for up to week.   I think most physicians are not willing to have patients disappointed and unhappy if they say you  can go back earlier and then you have to miss work and leave your employer or fellow workers in a bind. This is a life changing surgery and short changing your recovery may leave you wishing  you had spent the time to recover.

What's the earliest I can go back to work, at my desk job, after breast reduction surgery? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Time off work after breast reduction

Answer: Time off work after breast reduction

Answer: Time off

Answer: Time off

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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What's the earliest I can go back to work, at my desk job, after breast reduction surgery? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Time off work after breast reduction

Answer: Time off work after breast reduction

Answer: Time off

Answer: Time off

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.