How long after a breast augmentation can I return to work if I work in a deli kitchen that is extremely physical?

Hi and thanks for your question!
Typically you may return to work as soon as you are able and feeling okay. You may not do any heavy lifting for 3 weeks. Check with your surgeon for his or her guidelines and restrictions. Best of luck!

It is very common for women to want a breast augmentation and ask about their recovery and when they can start work after surgery.

Obviously the body heals with swelling and inflammation and usually that maxes out at two days and then starts getting better. Most of these patients take no pain medicine (because of the nerve blocks given during surgery) and usually feel very comfortable going out in public the same or next days. I usually call my patients the night of surgery and check on them in person the next day. If everything is fine the next day, I then let them shower and they do not need a dressing over their incisions. At the two week check up, I usually have people start working out and then after six weeks they can do whatever they want.

I routinely tell people to take a few days to a week off work and to hide out but some people are very nervous especially celebrities and they might hide out for two weeks. As with any scar on the human body, initially scars are red, hard and raised and it typically takes six months to a year for them to become a soft thin white line.

Additionally with recovery, there're many things we do to expedite healing such as nerve blocks during surgery, oral supplements, skin care and scar therapy recommendations, lymphatic massage sessions that are included in our pricing.

I strongly feel that it's very important to have an honest conversation with your surgeon about your particular situation, lifestyle, work environment and specifically which procedures you're having done so that you both have the most honest answer about your recovery and are realistic with expectations and results.

I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of silicone breast implants. Good luck with your future surgery!

I hope this helps answer your question. If it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.

In general, I instruct patients to refrain from lifting overhead, or greater than 15 pounds, for 3 weeks postop. Some patients may recover more quickly, and some may take more time. The patient usually has 2 to 3 days of pain during which the patient takes pain pills to provide relief. Thereafter, most patients do not need the narcotics.
Patients can return to work within 1 to 3 days or whenever they feel is appropriate. I recommend no breast massage and do not want my patients to exercise for 4 weeks after surgery. You should follow the post-operative guidelines recommended by the board certified PS who performs your BAM. Listen to your body and adjust your activities as warranted.

I don't know exactly what you do, but hair stylists and waitresses go back in 10 days for me. they still may need some help with heavy lifting.

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

Thanks for your question.  In general, breast implants for augmentation are placed either above or below the muscle.  Also, what do you mean by "extremely physical"?  Are you just standing for long periods of time?  Are you lifting heavy things?  I think a good rule of thumb is at least one week off from work in either case.  If under the muscle, no heavy lifting (greater than 15 lbs) for 2-3 weeks.  Regardless of the type of surgery, most people feel very tired in the 1-2 weeks after a procedure.  Hope this helps!Take care,Dr. Lisa

Hello. 

Thank you for your inquiry.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.
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.
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