I have a computer job and was wondering how long I would have to wait to go back after Breast Reduction?

Question

I edit press releases for a franchise marketing firm. So main job is sitting at the computer desk, typing. I need to figure out how much time I will need to take off work. Could someone give me a little insight here? Just found out today that the insurance approved my surgery and surgery will be in less than 2 weeks - on Dec. 4th. Not much time to get nervous, but I wasn't really prepared for it either :-) ..

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Typically we ask that the patients take a full week off from work after breast reduction.  It does not matter that you have a sedentary job.  Getting up and ready, and getting to work is just as stressful to the healing as sitting in from t of a computer screen at your desk.  i would stay home for a week.

Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS · Answer

Every plastic surgeon has their own guidelines for returning to work after a breast reduction.  It would also depend on what occupation the patient is employed in.  Two weeks is probably a reasonable expectation for returning to a desk job after breast reduction surgery, but there are various factors that can affect the recovery period.  Your plastic surgeon can advise you on when he or she thinks it would be ok for you to return to work.  Good luck!

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Each surgeon has his or her guidelines for postoperative care. The norm is about a week to return to a desk job. Ensure that you are realistic and prudent about the extent that you work initially. Consult your surgeon as he knor she knows the scope of the surgery and the specifics about you.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

I advise my patients to expect to go back to work 2 weeks post operatively for a desk job with no heavy lifting involved.  There are varying factors that can affect the recovery period, for instance, patient'spain tolerance, pre-existing health issues, are they a smoker?(these all can cause delayed wound healing).   I discuss this in detail with my patients on consultation.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your decision (and obtaining insurance authorization) to proceed with breast reduction surgery; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.Patients who have more strenuous occupations may require more time off than patients returning to a desk job,  depending on exactly what is involved at the workplace. You may want to run your question by the surgeon involved after detailing your job  acquirements.  Generally, assuming no complications, you may benefit from 2 weeks off ( for a “deskjob”) and 3-4 weeks off more strenuous work.  Best wishes.

Craig Harrison, MD · Answer

Post op recovery can vary depending on many variables including your pre op condition and specific procedure utilized.  Most of my patients plan to return to work 2-3 weeks post op. Your physician can better guesstimate your recovery.  Good luck

Lisa Lynn Sowder, MD (retired) - Account Suspended · Answer

You could start working again once you are off narcotic pain medication, probably a week or so after surgery.  Be aware, however, that your energy level will be way down for several weeks after surgery.  Don't over schedule yourself or you will just end up sore and frustrated.

Fred Suess, MD (retired) · Answer

In all likelihood if you had to, you probably could go back to walk a week adter surgery  You will have sweling and tenderness but it should not be very painful.  As long as you are working on the computer and not lifting, it should be fine.

L. Dwight Baker, MD (retired) · Answer

Assuming you have no post op complications which are rare, you should be able to safely go back to such desk-job type activities at 5 to 7 days after your surgery.  Best wishes to you.  You will feel much better after the surgery than before.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

If you are otherwise healthy and have a desk jpb as nopted in your question, I would usually suggest a week off. But all patients vary in their speed of healing.

I have a computer job and was wondering how long I would have to wait to go back after Breast Reduction?

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