How Long After a Breast Reduction Are You Laid Up?

Thank you for your question.  In my practice, most patients are back to their normal daily routine, including work, within 3-5 days after surgery.  With that said, for the first 4-6 weeks patients are required to refrain from any physical activities including exercising and heavy lifting.  Patients will vary on the length of time they request off from their employers the same way that they vary on their discomfort tolerance, but most patients do quite well quite quickly.  Please remember however that patient recovery will vary from patient to patient.  As such, I would recommend consulting and discussing your concerns with your board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reduction procedures.  Surgical technique, expertise and experience, in addition to a patient's ability to bounce back, will play a large role in the amount of downtime you will specifically require.  I hope this helps and best of luck!

Thank you for your question.
Every patients recovery is different. Most patients feel pretty good within a few days. Patients usually resume light activity and return to work within two weeks. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

This is definitely one of my favorite surgeries to do, very life-changing for my patients.
It’s actually a pretty easy recovery, I find that my patients take a little bit of pain medication. Within 1-2 weeks driving, light exercise and after 4 weeks you can increase the exercise even further and at 8 weeks you will be back to normal with no restrictions. You will take a few days off of work at most, usually after a few days you will be back to your normal routine.

Thank you for your question.  Everyone recovers slightly differently from surgery.  Depending on one’s occupation, most people can return to a desk-job within 7-10 days, once one is off narcotic pain medication.  Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for approximately 6 weeks.  Be sure to consult with your board-certified plastic surgeon to review their specific activity restrictions and post-operative care regimen.  Best of luck!

Each person recovers differently from surgery.  I typically tell my patients that you will likely be able to return to light duty work within 1-2 weeks, depending on how you feel and when you are able to stop pain medication. Return to exercise recommendations vary from surgeon to surgeon, but typically range from 4-6 weeks. 

Recovery varies from patient to patient. Much of the variation is attributed to the manner in which one heals and their unique degree of pain tolerance.I typically prepare patients for 7-10 days of recuperation, after which time they can return to most activity. I discourage exercise for a month and strenuous heavy lifting for 6 weeks.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).