How soon can I return to work after a breast augmentation with implants if I work a desk job?

Question

I work a desk job where I sit the majority of the day. I am curious if I’d be able to have the surgery done on a Friday afternoon and then return to work on the following monday.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

In my hands, it is recommended to take off 2 days from work after a breast augmentation. Each surgeon has his own postoperative protocol so it is recommended you discuss this with your surgeon. Best of luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear hannahkayy,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. But every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kamran Azad, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Recovery time is highly dependent on the 
patient and how their body responds to breast augmentation surgery. The 
initial recovery period after a breast augmentation is 24 to 48 hours, 
with an additional reduced activity period for a few weeks. You may 
return to work after a few days if you feel up to it, as long as the job
 is non-active (i.e. sitting at a desk). However, 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. You will need to
 avoid any vigorous activity, such as running or jumping, as that will 
make your breasts bounce and possibly open your wounds or dislodge the 
implants. 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 discuss with your plastic 
surgeon any specific protocol he/she may have following your surgery.Kamran Azad MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Joshua Kreithen, MD · Answer

Dear Hannah,
You should be able to work on Monday, however you might still be quite uncomfortable.  If you are able to work a 1/2 day... or have the option to go home if you aren't quite ready... would be much better options.  Hope this helps and good luck!

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

I usually recommend taking a week off, after breast augmentation, before returning to a desk job.Remember, swelling usually hits its peak around the 3rd or fourth day post-op, so that might be an uncomfortable time to be at work.

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

You should not have any problems going back to work 3 days after a breast augmentation, whether the implants are placed behind or in front of the muscle. Generally, with the Rapid Recovery technique, patients can return to routine activities in a couple of days, with the exception of heavy lifting and exercising. 
Thank you for your question, and good luck.

David A. Lickstein, MD · Answer

Generally, you can be back a desk job in less than a week.  It depends on the person, and the job.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to returning to your specific line of work. He/she will know how you are progressing, whether or not you have experienced any complications, and exactly what the details of your occupation (specific activities) are. 
Generally, most patients are able to return to a “desk job” within 5 to 7 days. More strenuous work, for example involving lifting or extensive upper body movement, will require more time off.  I ask patients to ease back into activity slowly and "listen to their bodies" as they do so.
Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Return to work timeframe depends on the nature of the surgery, the extent and location of incisions, patient health, and the type of work. It also depends on how quickly you can be off narcotic medications. A week is often enough for clerical/administrative/executive work, though I've had some patients go sooner and others take longer. But 1 week is a good ballpark for straightforward augmentation; when combined with a lift, it may take longer as the incisions are longer and there is more wound healing to do. I think return to work in less than 72 hours may be a bit unrealistic; if you DO go to work that soon, I probably wouldn't let you drive yourself if I were your surgeon.

Joseph D. Alkon, MD · Answer

my patients are typically home from work for about 5-7 days, but this depends upon whether or not you are still requiring pain medicine, need to drive for work, etc.  you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon to determine what is safest for your specific situation.

How soon can I return to work after a breast augmentation with implants if I work a desk job?

Answers (16)

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