How long after breast augmentation can I go back to work?

Recovery from breast augmentation surgery varies from patient to patient. We generally recommend that patients take a week off from work after this procedure. Occasionally, patients return to work even sooner, especially if they have a desk job.Patients are not allowed to return to strenuous activities for at least four to six weeks. At that point, they are allowed to resume all of their normal activities.Each patient is unique and should be considered individually. Since you're a waitress, you may have to modify your job description so that you are less active in the immediate post-operative period. Activities such as lifting heavy ice buckets, trays of dishes and mopping the floor are strenuous activities that should be avoided for at least six weeks.If you're unable to modify your job description, you should delay your return to work. Although inconvenient, this approach avoids unnecessary complications which can occur when patients are active too soon following breast augmentation surgery.

Returning to work protocol after breast augmentation is quite variable with job duties, but in terms of the job duties you listed we generally would recommend going back to work in ~2 weeks on modified duty where you wouldn't have to lift heavy objects.  Probably a return to full duties in ~6 weeks would be reasonable to allow all the wounds to heal appropriately.  We recommend following the advice of your board certified plastic surgeon. 

I generally require patients to be away from work for 3-5 days.  This is if you have sedentary job which does not require physical activity.  From there it will go up depending on how much physical activity your job requires.  From what you are describing I would be inclined to say about 2 weeks.  At 4 weeks I allow my patients to resume full activity.As every surgeon has their own recovery program, I would discuss this with your surgeon.Hope that helps.

Thank you for your question; it's a good one. If it were not for the lifting of trays, etc, you would most likely be able to return to work within one week. Generally, I recommend to patients that they can return to work once they are off narcotic pain medication. However, for the lifting portion of your job, I'd recommend waiting at least one month. Activities that increase the risk of breast implant displacement, wound breakdown, or hematoma or seroma development are discouraged until 4-6 weeks post-op. Is there any way you can return to work sooner without doing the lifting?

Recovery time will vary from person to person and what your daily activity involves.  We tell our patients recovery time is average 7 days for office job or light activities.  It may take 2-6weeks for more strennous  activities.                               Tweet

Thank you for your question. You should resume normal activities at a slow, gradual pace, and your return to work will depend on your occupation. Light exercise (not involving your arms) can commence after a week. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for between four and six weeks. Best of luck!Dhaval M. PatelDouble board certified Plastic surgeonHoffman EstatesBarringtonOakbrookChicago

Thank you for your question! The "rapid recovery" breast augmentation is a newer philosophy with many surgeons to expedite activity and expedite recovery following the breast augmentation procedure. In my practice, utilizing the fast track technique after breast augmentations, women are readily able and doing most things virtually immediately after this procedure. It is the similar techniques as described and is really gaining popularity. She is even recommended to go out for dinner that evening. Pain is minimal and you will likely be on a scheduled antiinflammatory regimen/pain control along with early exercises/range of motion techniques immediately. However, follow your surgeon's instructions for postoperative care and restrictions, but it is common for most women to resume many of the preoperative activities and duties within a week. I typically restrict heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for approximately 4-6 weeks Swelling and settling of the implant typically occurs over a 6-12 week period along with placement in a compression-type bra for the same time period, while your incisions commonly resolve to its final appearance in up to a year. Hope that this helps! Best wishes for a great result!

Generally, I advise patients that they can start doing more intense physical activity at 3 weeks, and upper body strength exercises at 6 weeks after surgery.You can probably return to work in two to three weeks if your recovery is going well, but I would recommend you don't lift anything heavy until 6 weeks after surgery. However, you should ask your surgeon as they may have different guidelines. A good supportive sports bra will help reduce swelling.

Recovery following breast augmentation surgery will vary from patient to patient. Pain thresholds, the pocket used and the patient's job will all influence discussions regarding return to work. I always like to be safe and cautious on behalf of my patients and therefore I always recommend a 'worse case scenario' rather than the best case scenario. Generally speaking this will range between 1-2 weeks.

Most waitresses can return to work in about two weeks after breast augmentation. This is variable however in depends upon the progress of convalescence as well as the specifics of the job.