How long do you recommend to be off work after breast reduction?

Question

My consultant had told me I'd be off for 6-8 weeks but I'm really surprised by this as many others have returned to work after 2 weeks. I am a school secretary and sit in front of a computer for a fair chunk of the day so no real lifting or handling required. Is she just being over cautions? I know it depends on the individual but through past experience I usually recover very quickly.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Recovery after a breast reduction is usually quite quick. I expect my patients to shower the next day and to be able to drive in 2 to 3 days and return to work in a week. At this point I know they would still be sore, but it is usually quite manageable to do desk work. Because the muscles are not involved in this procedure, there are no lifting restrictions. You do have to be careful to avoid trauma to your newly perky breasts, though!

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

Every plastic surgeon has his or her recommendations during the recovery period. I typically recommend my patients return within two weeks if they have an administrative job. If they have a job that requires a lot of physical labor then I recommend that they return in six weeks.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Patients report that they have minimal discomfort after breast reduction surgery. This is because surgery is performed on the soft tissue, and there is no stretching of the skin and muscle as there is during an augmentation. Most times, we are able to use dissolvable stitches; when this is the case there are no stitches that have to be removed. More than 90 percent of our patients are back to work on the fifth day, if they work in an office setting, longer if their work requires lifting, pushing or pulling. Patients can generally return to aerobics in 2 to 3 weeks and upper body weightlifting in six weeks. Sexual activity should be curtailed for one week following surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Patients in my practice usually recover very quickly from breast reduction surgery.  If everything goes to plan and you recovery well than its likely you would feel comfortable returning to work after two weeks.

Barbara Jemec, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

How long I ask patients to take off work, depends on what they do, and with your work, I'd probably say 2 weeks, but it also depends on your general health.I would ask your plastic surgeon again

W. Bryant Walker, MD · Answer

I generally advise my patients to take off of work for a full week.  Most can return to work safely by that time (as long as it is not strenuous work).  If they are overly cautious, I try to schedule them as a thursday or friday operation and they take off the day of operation through the next full week.  Then they have the benefit of 2 weekends.  Breast reduction recovery is typically quicker than you might expect with regards to return to work.  I do limit activities for the first 4-6 weeks or more depending on what their desired activity is.  I am guessing your doctor may have been referring to return to full activity after 6-8 weeks rather than return to work.  I would suggest talking with your surgeon so you know what to expect in the postoperative period and your limitations.  Good luck!

Shain A. Cuber, MD · Answer

Generally it is recommended that you can return to work after 1-2 weeks of recovery if you are feeling OK. We advise no strenuous activities for at least three weeks and that you do take it easy. Recovery from a breast reduction is much different than a breast augmentation.

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

I typically let my patients with desk jobs return to work at 1 1/2 to two weeks, so long as they are off all pain meds or only needing to take them before going to bed at night. For someone with a very physical job usually 4-6 weeks off is reasonable.

Craig Harrison, MD · Answer

Most patients can return to a desk job as you describe after 7-10 days barring post op complications.  The larger the reduction and if liposuction is added , I would expect a little longer recovery.  Best wishes

Surindher DSA, MS, MCh (Plast) · Answer

My patients normally get back to work ( desk job) by about a week after surgery. Most of my patients are able to do their routine activities by the 3rd day after surgery. They are able to shower on the 3rd or the 4th post op. day. But as the techniques vary with different surgeons, the recovery time may vary. I normally do the reductions via a Vertical Short Scar technique along with Liposuction for the lateral breast folds.Some weakness maybe experienced towards the later part of the day, for the first few days.Regular walks and treadmill is permitted from the first week on wards. No impact aerobics and running or jogging is allowed for 6 weeks.

How long do you recommend to be off work after breast reduction?

Answers (11)

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