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

Every plastic surgeon has a specific protocol regarding going back to work after surgery.  This should be clearly explained to you prior to surgery.  Call your plastic surgeon's office to clarify.  Because you are a supervisor, if you are no longer taking any narcotic pain medication or muscle relaxers and have a driver you should be able to go to work within a few days after surgery.  If your job requires any strenuous activity or heavy lifting then you should wait 3-4 weeks.
William L. Reno III, MD

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.

Thank you very much for your question and
congratulations on your upcoming breast augmentation. Most women are feeling
good enough to return to work within the first week after their surgery.
However, this will depend on your healing progression and how physically strenuous
your job is. From your description, it sounds like your job as a fast food
manager will not put undue strain on your breasts. Every physician has their
own recovery protocol, though, so I recommend bringing your question to your
operating surgeon for their advice. Carefully follow his/her instructions for a
safe and satisfying breast augmentation recovery.