Returning to work as a RN after breast augmentation. How long should I take off?

Question

I have a physical job, how long should I take off from work to have breast augmentation?

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Generally implants are placed under the chest muscle making lifting painful and difficult.  Your surgeon will have a protocol for return to work.

Luis Macias, MD, FACS · Answer

I ask my patients to take 5 days off and then return to RN work on light duty for another 5 weeks, as I ask my patients not to lift anything heavy for 6 weeks.  It is best to ask your surgeon their post operative regimen as it varies from surgeon to surgeon and can be based on technique.  I hope this helps and best wishes.

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  My advice would be to take a week off following your surgery and avoid heavy lifting for another week after returning to work. Best of luck,

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

How soon you can return from a breast augmentation depends on the type of work you do.  Most of my nurses return to work in a few days.  They have other nurses help them when physical exertion is required.If you work alone you might have to adjust your schedule or take a few more days off from work.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi

Michael J. Brown, MD · Answer

Hi,

Thanks for posting your question. I am happy to try and help
you. It is important to remember that a board certified plastic surgeon will be
your best resource when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, and
concerns.

Having said that, I typically recommend 5 days before returning to work. If your job requires heavy lifting or active use of arms then it would be better to take a few more days off. If you can return with light duty or administration duties, then 5 days is good. I recommend no heavy lifting for 3 weeks &  4 weeks before going to the gym. By then you should have
a pretty good idea about what activities hurt. As a general rule, if it still
hurts, then don't do it.Best wishes

Henry F. Garazo, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. We perform many breast augmentation surgeries on local RN's. They typically take one week off of work. Strenuous activities, such as patient lifting, are best not performed for 3 weeks after surgery.Upon their return, coworkers will frequently assist them the first couple weeks afterwards.   Return to full activity is usually 4 - 6 weeks.Best of luck with your surgery!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. If you are able to avoid heavy lifting you should be able to return to work within 7 days. Otherwise you may have to wait 4 to 6 weeks. As you know, recovery time after any type of operation will vary from one patient to another. Your plastic surgeon will be able to guide you more specifically depending on how you do postoperatively. Generally speaking, I do have to remind my RN patients to be good patients and follow instructions… Best wishes for a result you will be pleased with.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

A question better answered by your surgeon. And much depends upon the type of nursing you do. If you need to move heavy patients, you may need 4-6 weeks off, whereas if you are in a clinic, a few days may be enough. Some large organizations (hospitals) may have "light duty" assignments for employees recovering from surgery, which can dramatically decrease your down time. All the best.

Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have high physical demands on your job, such as full transfers like in the ICU, and you're not able to get colleagues to help with that part of the job, my recommendation is that you take the same amount of time off of work as I would recommend that you take off of strenuous physical exercise, like weight lifting.  For most of my patients that is a month, and then I let them test the waters and try their normal activities.  If there is still some pain or discomfort, we extend the time away from the offending activity until this is resolved.  The main issue, I think, at that point is causing damage to the capsule, such as a tear which can lead to intracapsular bleeding and hematoma.  As long as you avoid sudden pulling, jerking, and pushing actions that should be minimized at that time.  Best of luck to you.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi sbubenik87, thank you for your question. You mention you have a physical job, as most RN's. I recommend my patient's not to lift items above 20 lbs and to avoid pulling and pushing heavy items the first 4-6 weeks after breast augmentation. You can certainly go back to work after 2-3 days off, but with light duty. Best of luck.

Returning to work as a RN after breast augmentation. How long should I take off?

Answers (12)

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