Recovery for nurses. How long will I need to take off work after a breast augmentation surgery?

Question

I'm a nurse and I'm looking into a breast augmentation. How long will I have to take off after surgery or expect restrictions. What type of things will I not be able to do at work after surgery? I'm usually off a week at a time. Is that enough time to recovery enough to get back to work?

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

A week off from work will be enough after surgery.  You should not try to push, pull or lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for the first 6 weeks.  Your surgeon will give you specific instructions for after your surgery.  Best of luck to you!

Kamran Azad, MD · Answer

Every surgeon has a different recovery protocol and everyone heals differently, with that said, most patients are able to return to work after a few days, as long as the job is non-active (i.e. sitting at a desk), but you mentioned yours is physical and I'm not sure if that involves heavy lifting. You should only raise your arm to shoulder level for the first two weeks to make sure any wounds do not pull open, and you should also avoid lifting objects (or children) heavier than 5 lb during the first two weeks. Soreness and swelling can be expected for a few weeks. Exercise and normal activity can resume typically 6 to 8 weeks after your breast augmentation surgery. I would consult with your plastic surgeon to see what his/her protocol is and what they would recommend for you.

Kamran Azad MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Kamran Azad MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

James Lacey, MD · Answer

Hi Bcsar,
I typically recommend my patients who are nurses to take 4 weeks off work, of course this depends on the type of nursing practiced, but you should refrain from lifting for 4 weeks.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question.
Typically, downtime following breast augmentation surgery is 1 week, and 4-6 weeks to resume full exercising and weight lifting, but it can also depend on the individual healing time.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in order to discuss your goals and concerns for the best cosmetic results. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. 
Best wishes and good luck. 
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants and they choose what looks right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! Most of my nurses will go back to work in 4-7 days with some light duty restrictions. I prefer my patients not to lift more than 10-15lbs for the first 3 weeks following surgery. If you can go back with light duty, then you should be fine. Good luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Every person is different. Most plastic surgeons will recommend 4 to 6 weeks before resuming strenuous activity with a lifting limit of 10 to 15 pounds. The incisions should be healed and durable before subjecting them to any real stress. This time may be extended based upon how you heal and your overall health. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will be able to provide you with the estimated length of recovery based upon your medical history.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and your contribution to healthcare. Typically with a breast augmentation placed under the pectoralis muscle, you are limited to lifting and pushing heavy items for 4-6 weeks. We ask our patients to not raised their arms above their heads for at least 2-3 weeks. They can start showering after week 1. The first 3-4 days will be the most painful but most of our patients are off of their pain killers after 5 days. Although you can go back to work after one week, you can not be doing a lot of physical activity including lifting or pushing. Your body will also be fatigued and you may notice you are not as energized throughout the work day.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bcsar,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Most nurses do take off a week and then return to light duty with no patient lifting and no CPR. If you need a note for work, please ask your surgeon.

Recovery for nurses. How long will I need to take off work after a breast augmentation surgery?

Answers (15)

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