When is it safe for a massage therapist to return to work after breast augmentation?

Thank you for your questions. I think the return to work is different depending on your job. For most patients after breast augmentation, they are usually off pain medication within a few days and for people with desk jobs and no significant lifting requirements, it is usually fine for them to return to work in 3-7 days. However, for those with more strenuous job requirements, I usually suggest more caution. While the scar tissue around the implants is healing, it is important not to disturb them and create too much movement of the implant. If you are placing a large amount of strain on the muscles, this is displacing the implants, and I would not advise that. In your case, I would not return to strenuous activity for 6 weeks, but it is always best to discuss with your board (ABPS) certified plastic surgeon.Best of luck!

Hi Michelle8557,

Downtime and recovery after breast augmentation surgery varies.
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. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after surgery to avoid blood clots in the legs. When it comes to exercising, it may also vary depending on the type of exercises you are going to perform.

I suggest that you follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions, especially on the level of activity that you can do and your scheduled follow up checkups, for faster and recovery.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello Michelle8557, 
It’s a pleasure to answer your questions! Every patient is unique and will have different recovery deadlines and processes. Most of my patients can resume desk-type employment and regular activities, one week after breast augmentation with implants. You may be instructed to expect a longer recovery time before you return to work since you have a physically demanding job. Have in mind that under the muscle implant placement is typically more painful, have a significant risk of double-bubble or snoopy deformity of the breast, and it’s associated with a longer period of recovery, and more post-operative discomfort. I would suggest contacting your plastic surgeon to discuss your specific needs and concerns. He/she has intimate knowledge about the procedure to be perform and detailed familiarity about your potential complications. Best regards! Dr. De La Cruz. 

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery!
Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.
It is important to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is crucial for healthy results.
It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place.
Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).
Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.
During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

I allow my patients to return to full activity after one week.  It is likely you may need 2 weeks off with your strenuous work. It may take 4 to 6 weeks until your implants are in good position.