Returning to physical job after breast augmentation?

Question

Hi! I'm a little stressed out that I get enough time to recover, if I have four weeks off work after surgery. My job is physical, but I have the opportunity to start work one shift a week after a month of recovery. I will avoid gym and jogging etc. of course but is it enough? The implants will be installed partially under the muscle and the size will be about 300-320cc. Thank you for answering!

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Hi there, thank you for your question. Normally, you can start working 1 week after the surgery. If your job is physical, one month will be more than enough for recovery. You can start your job confidently. Good luck!

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I recommend no heavy lifting or working out for 4 weeks after surgery.  After that time I recommend starting off slowly and listening to your body.  Each surgeon will have their own post operative instructions they wish for their patients to follow.  I would suggest speaking with your surgeon and following their recommendations.  Best of luck to you.

Bora Ok, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. After the surgery, usually we recommend after 4 weeks. Keep consulting with your doctor.
Regards,Dr.Bora Ok

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I advise my patients that the timeframe for returning to work depends on what your job entails. More than 90 percent of my patients go back to work on the fifth day after their cosmetic breast surgery if they work in an office setting. Women who must use their arms to lift, push or pull (such as nurses, hairstylists or waitresses) normally return to work toward the end of the second week, around the 14th day after surgery. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Guray Yesiladali, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

I recommend my patients to avoid forcefully using their chest (pectoral) muscle for 6 weeks. The capsule around the implants is build after 2 weeks but it is better to wait longer until it gets stronger.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. That vary from surgeon to surgeon, but I usually recommend taking at least 4-6 week off of work after breast augmentation surgery. I also advise my patients of lifting restrictions for 1 month. It is important that you discuss your back to work plans with your surgeon so that he or she is able to tailor a plan of care for you accordingly.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! I like my patients to hold off on physical activity for 3 weeks following breast augmentation. It sounds like you are giving yourself ample time to recover. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Boobiegoals,
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.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

My recovery protocol is, no heavy lifting/pushing/pulling anything greater than 10lbs for 6 weeks. Walks only for exercise and keeping heart rate low. This protocol decreases risk of postoperative bleeding. Even the smallest bleeds can occur until 6 weeks post surgery. This can increase risk of capsular contracture (the largest risk of getting implants). If your job is physical, I would take 6 weeks off.

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

Returning to physical job after breast augmentation?

Answers (15)

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