When can I return to working in the restaurant industry after breast augmentation?

We typically suggest one week off of work. Once work is resumed, you must still avoid any lifting for several more weeks. We review each person's work and home situation to help guide them through the recovery process. Some can return in as little as a few days if they have desk jobs with no lifting or excessive arm movement. Others may require longer time out of work because they have physically demanding jobs. I would recommend asking the surgeon you select for your surgery.

AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY
Rest: After surgery you will be groggy from the anesthesia. We recommend going home and resting or sleeping on your back by propping yourself up with several pillows.
Food: Once you feel up to eating, start with bland items such as toast or crackers or even a smoothie. Test your stomach to make sure you do not feel nauseous when you eat. Try to maintain a healthy well-balanced diet to improve your recovery process. Be sure to eat fiber rich foods, because the medications you are taking can cause constipation.
Medication: Be sure to begin taking all mediations as prescribed. Initial discomfort of the breasts is controlled with pain medication and a muscle relaxer.
Showering: You may shower three (3) days after surgery.
Dressings: These will vary from patient to patient. Some patients may be placed in a sports bra; others will wear a stabilizing elastic support strap. Your doctor will decide after surgery and in subsequent weeks, what is necessary for your needs.
Sutures: Most sutures dissolve on their own within a few weeks.
Walking: Once the anesthesia has worn off, begin walking around the house periodically throughout the day. This will help minimize swelling and bruising and help with the healing process. You do not want to lay in bed for days and days without some mild activity.
Driving: You can usually drive a few days following surgery, if you feel comfortable doing so. Your chest may be sore and your arms may be limited in movement, so take this into consideration before you get behind the wheel of a car. You cannot be under the influence of pain medication or muscle relaxers when you drive.
Work – Most patients can return to work in a few days, unless their occupation requires particularly strenuous movements and lifting. In such a case, up to 6 weeks off may be required depending on the physical demands of your job. Some employers will modify a person’s job duties so they can back sooner, but without physical activity. Our office can provide you with a note stating you are not to engage in strenuous activity for a specified period of time. The note will note disclose what procedure you underwent.
Breast Appearance – The final appearance, shape, and movement are not exactly the same as normal breasts. The surgically enlarged breasts do not move in the same way as normal breasts. They tend to be firmer. The contours are usually somewhat different than normal breasts. In some patients these discrepancies may be rather noticeable. Although every effort is made to place the implants symmetrically, complete symmetry is rarely achieved. Immediately after surgery, the breasts are swollen and firmer. The final shape and size is approximated after 2 to 3 months, but up to one year may be required for the end result.
Massage – Your doctor may require you to move or massage the implants within the breast pockets during the postoperative period. Textured implants do not require breast massage. You will be informed about this at your post-operative visit.
Physical Activity/Exercise: Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for six weeks. You may, however, do normal activities at any time if they cause no pain or discomfort. Let your body tell you what you can or cannot do. Aerobic exercise will raise your blood pressure, which could cause late bleeding and harm your result. Once you begin exercising again, start gently and let your body tell you what it can tolerate. Don’t rush!! It may require the full 6 weeks before you can do any upper body work-outs, yoga, etc.
Exposure to Sunlight: Scars can take at least one year to fade. During this time, you must protect them from the sun. Even through a bathing suit, a good deal of sunlight can reach the skin and cause damage. Wear a sunscreen with a Skin Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 at all times when in the sun. Be extremely careful if areas of your breast skin have reduced sensitivity.

2 days is most likely too soon to go back to work. Since you’ll probably be on your feet all day long, I suggest waiting at least 5 days to be on the safe side. However, this is a question you should ask your operating surgeon. They’ll be able to make a more informed decision, since they’ll be more familiar with your situation.