I'm a dental hygienist, when should I return to work after BA?

Question

My doctor said that some people can return to work after a few days ... but, I'm a dental hygienist and do most of my work with arms... do you think I should take off longer ?

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

Every patient is different, and some would be able to return to such a job after only four days.  However, if you want to play it safe, take a week.  Anything more than that would be uncommon.  Hope this helps.Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Recovery time can vary from patient to patient.  I usually recommend for my patients to take off 7 days from normal activities.  You may want to consider returning to work in a week and maybe work only half days to see how you feel.  Good luck.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  My recommendation for sub-muscular placement of breast implants is no heavy lifting for 4 weeks and return to work in approximately 1 week.  Healing time does vary with implant placement.  Best of luck.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. You are correct that it is important to consider what you will be doing with your arms when you return to work. For my patients who use their arms a lot at work- I usually advise two weeks so that you won't be unnecessarily uncomfortable.Talk to your Plastic Surgeon about your concern.All the best

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

If the implants are placed in a sub glandular position you probably can return to work after a long weekend. If the implants are in a sub muscular position I would budget one week off the job.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.It is completely up to you and your pain tolerance for when you return to work. The fact that you use your arms, may cause some increased discomfort the first few days. The concern would be if you were doing a lot of heavy lifting, then you would want to stay off longer. A week should be sufficient and is in general what most patient take off. Good luck with surgery.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear evollaro,
Time off from work after breast augmentation can vary with many factors including your own tolerance for discomfort.  If you can arrange for more time with the option to return earlier if you feel fine, then you should do so.  It is possible to return after just a few days off in most cases.  Good luck!

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

I would recommend that you plan for 7-10 days off after breast augmentation.  My general suggestion to patients is for one week off but, given your job requirements, you may need more.  When you do return, try to keep your schedule reduced for the first few days to guard against pain and overdoing (as well as disappointing your patients!).

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You may need to take off about two weeks. Heavy lifting and vigorous activities should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.

Shelby K. Brantley, Jr. MD · Answer

Hey Evollaro.  Thanks for your question.  We routinely get questions regarding the time frame off of work.  With each patients pain tolerance and their job duties this return time varies.  Mostly, a patient can return to work after just a few days.  You will be sore and tight but not anything that will hinder you or harm anything in regards to your surgery.  You know you best.

I'm a dental hygienist, when should I return to work after BA?

Answers (12)

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