How long after breast augmentation can I return to work and do I need to take time off college?

Question

I'm planning to get Breast Augmentation soon as I finally have enough saved. I work 12 hours a week in a Laundry which involves transferring clothes from baskets to washing machines, to then dryers, to then folding etc. How much time do you think I would need to take off as I'm not sure my employer will give me much time. Also, I am a full time student, does this matter at all/will it affect my BA (would I need time off college)? Thanks :)

Max Polo, MD · Answer

Megmarie, thank you for your question. Recovery from breast augmentation should not require too much down time. You probably will not need to take more than a few days off from school, especially if you plan your surgery before a weekend. By 3-4 days after surgery, you should feel well enough to return to your classes. Your work however is a different matter. It sounds like you are required to do some heavy lifting at work, which should be avoided for 2 weeks after surgery to avoid bleeding complications. As with school, you may feel well enough to return to limited duty at work 3-4 days after surgery. It would be ok to fold clothes at that point but you should not lift heavy baskets of wet clothes until 2 weeks post-op.

Luke J. Curtsinger, MD · Answer

I recommend that my BA patients can safely return to a desk job in 3-5 days, but heavy lifting is deferred for two weeks.  Ask your PS what their recommendation would be.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question,Typically patients can return back to normal activity at 6 weeks post op. As long as your job duties are not heavy and strenuous you could be able to return earlier. Please speak with your surgeon as every surgeon has different protocols.Regards,

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Following Breast Augmentation Surgery you can return to most daily tasks, work and activities within a few days, but strenuous or repetitive activity must be avoided for 6 weeks. Some pain can be expected in the few days after breast surgery. This is usually minimal and many patients describe it as ‘uncomfortable’ rather than ‘painful’. There is always some swelling in the tissues and it takes approximately 3 months for breasts to soften and feel normal after surgery.In terms of going back to school, you should be fine t go back after a few days.Please ensure you speak with your surgeon for more advice

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

In general some patients are able to go back to their regular activities a few days to a week after their procedure. But every patients varies. We advise that patients to plan to take a week off after surgery, limiting activities to staying home, watching TV or reading books. This important time of rest will allow your body to devote its energy to the healing process. About two weeks after surgery you can start to exercise gently: walking and stairmaster is allowed, but no upper body workouts, running or high-impact workouts should be done for one month. Heavy lifting should not be done during this time. For any more questions or concerns I would speak to a highly qualified, board certified plastic surgeon and follow their recommendations closely.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Most of the discomfort occurs during the first few days. More than 90 percent of my patients are back to work or to college by the fifth day after breast augmentation surgery. My patients who use their arms a lot – nurses, police women, hairstylists, bartenders, veterinarians, etc. – return to their work activities around the 14th day. They are a little sore and, if necessary, they can alternate takingTylenol and ibuprofen every 2 hours. They are all completely fine by the third week. Hope this information is helpful and reassuring.Dr. Ted EisenbergBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I perform breast augmentation through all 4 incision approaches, and I do not think that incision makes any difference in pain.  The pain will come from muscle dissection which is necessary in all methods, Recovery will take 4 weeks in most cases, though many patients can return to sedentary activities in a few days. Resuming strenuous activity is not recommended until 6 weeks post op.  I would caution you not to lift over 10 pounds during the first six weeks.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Every surgeon will have his/her own preferences as to recovery for specific procedures. In general, recovery after a breast augmentation can be very straight forward with the right surgeon.  Precise technique with minimal trauma leads to little pain after surgery, with many of our patients going out for dinner the same night as surgery. Patients return to their normal activities about a week after the surgery.  Most important is a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon regarding this procedure.  Don’t settle for less!

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Recovery is generally very quick from breast augmentation.  You can expect to miss between 2 and 5 days depending on the nature of your job.

Michael Horn, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Down time will vary patient to patient depending on the type of work you do. I recommend discussing this with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. He will let you know when it is safe to return to work. I typically advise my patients to stay away from heavy lifting (over 10 pounds) for a full 6 weeks following their procedure.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your questions.  Although post operative instructions do vary from one plastic surgeon to another, my advice is that you not lift anything greater than 15 pounds for four weeks after breast augmentation.  Time out of work or school is generally 1 week.  My advice is to seek an in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your particular circumstances.  Best of luck.

How long after breast augmentation can I return to work and do I need to take time off college?

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