I'm a police officer and would like to have breast augmentation. How much time can I expect to be on light duty?

I use a One Day Recovery technique but I tell all patients to hold off on strenuous activity for at least 3 weeks. Same for police officers returning to full duty. That said, I have had police officers return to full duty as early as the next day, although I do not recommend it.

Hi FiveO,We have done BA on many police officers as well as combat soldiers and gunners. We tell them they are perfectly safe at 3 weeks. Earlier may increase risk, but some have returned to work earlier and "eased" into it. Your vest will be fine at three weeks. So, assuming normal healing and use of the quick recovery or flash recovery approach, plan to go back on light for 4-5 days as you suggested (or later if you decide not to go back this early), and normal duty with a vest at three weeks. Anything goes after three weeks, and I have never had a problem with this rule. Be sure to see only board certified plastic
surgeons that are members of ASAPS and or ASPS and have an established high
volume breast augmentation practice, doing several hundred augmentations each
year. I am sure you can find a food surgeon in your area (I trained at Madison).   Good luck! "Dr Joe"

I usually suggest holding cardio activity for two weeks and limit strenuous use if the arms (10 #) for six weeks. The sub muscular placement is best for mammography and is not a bad idea, in general, however I don't know how much of a protective advantage this will provide. Wear your vest!!  Best of luck and be careful out there. 

Most patients in our practice are quite comfortable after a few days with breast implants.  Having said that, most of those patients would experience discomfort, and would be in harm's way if they try to struggle with a "perp" 4 days after breast surgery.  For this reason, a safe recommendation is to say that a police officer can likely return to desk duty in a few days, but should wait to feel near normal before going out in harm's way.  This can take 4-6 weeks.

I recommend that all patients refrain from any type of strenuous
activities for two weeks following (subpectoral) breast augmentation surgery.
They are then able to very slowly return to more strenuous exercises/activities
and gradually progress as tolerated over the next several weeks until they
return to normal. Women have more strenuous job requirements, are held out from
these physical activities for 3 to 4 weeks following surgery. I allow them to
return to work with appropriate light duty activities whenever they are
comfortable doing so; which is usually about 5 to 7 days post-op. For police
work that would he physically demanding, you'll need at least four weeks away
from those activities. However, you can return to light-duty work that will not
involve strenuous chest or arm movements, or trauma to the chest, after one
week. Best wishes.

I recommend at least four weeks of recovery from your augmentation. Rupture rates are not dependent on where the implant is placed. Your examination determines the best place for the implant pocket development. Seek several consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons to get the best treatment plan and plan for recovery

Thank you for the question. Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to returning to specific occupation/activities. He/she knows exactly what was done, how you are progressing (every patient has a different experience after breast surgery), whether or not you have experienced any complications or setbacks, and exactly what type of activities you wish to return to.On average, I ask patients to take off  5 days to 1 week after breast augmentation surgery (desk job).  For some professions (such as yours), I may suggest a going back to work with a lighter workload (or in your case, having someone else do the lifting etc.. that would involve the pectoralis muscle).  Ideally, I ask patients not to lift anything heavy or do things ( like pulling/pushing) that contract the pectoralis musle for at least 3 weeks. For my patients, in your line of work who are dealing with “bad guys” and danger situations, I recommend at least 6 weeks off of active duty (safety first...).  Ultimately, it will be important for you to “listen to your body”,  apply common sense, and return to activities/exercises in a  gradual fashion. Best wishes.

I prefer patients to limit aerobic activity for about 3-4 weeks and external strenuous activity for 6-8 weeks.  Best of luck.

Most after breast augmentation can go back to work after several days as you mention, but in law enforcement we would suggest at least four weeks on light duty. Most augmentation will be submuscular for softness and the best look, it is not about implant rupture. Stress on the chest muscle will be sore at least four weeks, perhaps longer so rest if you can befoe taking on the bad boys.

Thank you for your question.  I generally recommend 3 weeks after breast augmentation before aggressive physical activity.  Of course the plastic surgeon who performs your breast augmentation will give you specific instructions which you should follow.  For more information on breast augmentation please read the following link: