Dental assistant: returning to work after breast aug

We do have activity restrictions after breast augmentation because in order to place the implant under (behind) the muscle part of the muscle's attachments to the ribs have to be divided.  Even though you will be using your arms a lot, as long as your elbows or forearms are resting on something you should be fine after one week.  You might need to alter your routine slightly, but I bet you can do it without much difficulty.I encourage movement right after surgery, so it's not the movement that you want to avoid, it is anything strenuous.You or other women looking for more information about breast augmentation can download my free breast augmentation planner at aBetterBreast.com

This is a question that’s best directed to your surgeon. A week off may be sufficient if you avoid lifting heavy things and take several rests throughout the day, but you should ask your surgeon. 

Since you do use your shoulders a lot in your profession, it would be advisable to take at least 2 weeks off of work.  But since most Plastic Surgeons have their own specific post-operative protocols, this is really a discussion that you need to have with your Plastic Surgeon.  Best of luck with your procedure!-Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

HI Michela, Please ask your own PS  what he/she recommends and follow their instructions. I tell my patients to  not to lift their elbows above their shoulders when they return to work for about 5 weeks. Working with your hands should be fine. Just go slowly and avoid sudden turns and movements. Again, please consult with your own PS.Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Thank you for your questions. Every surgeon has a different protocol so best to discuss it with your surgeon. I think that for most patients, they are able to return to work within a week or even less in most cases. As long as your job does not require heavy lifting or straining, you should be ok. If you have any doubts or want to be overly cautious, then plan for 2 weeks off and then go back early if you feel up to it.Best of luck!

Most of my patients who use their arm a lot at work, return by the 14th day. Always a good idea to check with your surgeon's protocol.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Dear Michelada69,The majority of breast augmentation patients need one week of downtime. Depending on the work environment (heavy lifting, etc) more time off may be necessary. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after surgery to avoid blood clots in the legs. I suggest that you follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions, especially on the level of activity that you can do and your scheduled follow up checkups, for faster and recovery.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello and thanks for your questions.  With the type of work that you do - active arm motion, elbows elevated, etc. - you would most likely have a much easier recovery if you were able to take more than 1 week off.  Two weeks should be more than sufficient.  For those that have less arm-intensive occupations, I usually let them know that they can most likely comfortably return to work after 3-4 days, but this is not the case for your occupation.  Discuss fully with your surgeon.
Best wishes!
Daniel Brown, MD, FACS      Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgeons      Member American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons      Member American Society of Plastic Surgeons       Real Self Top 500

You will be fine to return to work after one week as a dental assistant  without causing any problems with your breast augmentation. I encourage patients to use their arms normally very early on after surgery but just to restrain you from doing any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise or bouncing.

Each surgeon has their protocol so be sure to clarify your post-op instructions with your operating surgeon who will know the specifics of your case. However, I would recommend the two weeks off of work for your position. Best wishes.Karen Singer. M.D., P.A.Harvard GraduateBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon