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

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.

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!

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 

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.

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.

Thank you for your question.  Every plastic surgeon has their own specific guidelines regarding postoperative care including when it would be ok to return to work.  In general, most women need about 10-14 days off after breast reduction surgery.  Please follow your own plastic surgeon's recommendations.  Best wishes. 

Thank you for the question and picture.Like every procedure performed, every patient will have a different recovery experience. Some of this experience will depend on the patient's personality/pain threshold etc.Most patients are “laid up” for a few days and return to light activities within 7 to 10 days. In my practice, I would ask that you take 10 to 14 days off before returning to a desk job. Heavy lifting should be delayed for 4 to 6 weeks.  Ultimately, your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to more specific advice; he/she will know exactly how you are progressing and  exactly what activities you wish to return to.Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.