Is it possible for firefighters to have breast implants?

Question

I am a volunteer firefighter and I'm worried about the recovery time for implants placed under the muscle. Would having breast implants prevent me from being able to do firefighting?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes! I have several in my practice, as well as police officers, semi drivers, electric lineswomen, and just about any profession you can think of. You do need to heal properly before you engage in strenuous activities, but if you resume activity properly (gradually, over weeks), you can assume full duties in 6 weeks.
Do NOT believe there is some "special procedure" or "unique surgeon" who can give you "overnight recovery," 24-hour recovery," or "flash recovery," to name a few. Careful surgery, meticulous hemostasis, and attention to technical details are what make healing as rapid as possible, but EVERY woman still needs to heal, and there are no "speed-me-up" details.
Make sure you see ABPS-certified plastic surgeons, ASAPS members, who are experienced and do lots of breast surgery (over 100 cases per year). Also, beware those surgeons who claim they do 500 breast augmentations per year; that's as preposterous as the "overnight recovery!" Even if all I did was breast surgery, I would probably not want to do that many. Around 200 per year is plenty, especially with all the other cosmetic procedures a busy aesthetic plastic surgeon performs. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

I understand your concern and I appreciate the important job you do for your community.
Most plastic surgeons have probably done breast augmentations on women whose job descriptions include physically demanding activities, ie,  fire fighters, law enforcement officers and body builder competitors. These people have done well, especially if they follow instructions, which means no heavy physical activity for 6 weeks. Some of our patients are allowed to go back to light duty one week after surgery, so you might want to explore if this option is available to you.
So the answer to your question is that yes you should be able to return to your important job as a fire fighter. 
Again, thank you for your service to your community and Good Luck!

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

HI KayLee,  It certainly is possible or firefighters to have implants. I have performed them on several in my area, and my patients have done very well. You need to wait 5-6 weeks before lifting or engaging in heavy athletic activities, but after that, barring any healing problems, you should be ready to resume your job.God Luck!Dr. Christine Rodgers

Keith Hodge, MD · Answer

I am not aware of any profession that would prevent someone from having implants. There were over 300,000 women who had the elective procedure last year alone in America. Going behind the muscle will require some recovery time before you are ready to lift heavy objects. But, once you have recovered, you will not have any restrictions. God luck!

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast implants will not prevent you from continuing with your job as a firefighter.  The recovery from your surgery may be longer than the average patient as you have to wear very heavy equipment and carry heavy items.  The average patient will fully recover to normal activities around 6-8 weeks.  Discuss with your Plastic surgeon the amount of weight permissible for you depending on your recovery.  Good luck.

Jay Burns, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! During the first 6 of healing from a breast augmentation, any strenuous impact on the chest muscles should be avoided. Considering your responsibilities as a volunteer firefighter, your recovery may be longer than 6 weeks. It is best to start a work-out program back up slowly and then gradually increase severity as tolerated to ensure your job duties can be fulfilled. For a personalized recommendation, be sure to discuss your recovery post-op with your board-certified surgeon.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

There is no reason as a firefighter you can not have breast augmentation surgery. With 10 to 14 day maximum recovery you will be able to return to work without restrictions.

Stacey Folk, MD · Answer

I really can not think of any profession where it is contraindicated to have a breast augmentation, as long as you have adequate recovery time before returning to heavy lifting. My husband has been a firefighter for 25 years, so I have a soft spot for first responders who come into the practice. I had one police officer who brought in her bullet proof vest just to be sure there would be no fit issues after surgery, but I am pretty sure your bunking gear would accomodate pretty much anything.Thanks for all that you do, and best of luck!

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

After healing from surgery you will be able to assume full activities including firefighting. Most activities can be undertaken three weeks after breast augmentation surgery. Recovery time for resuming sternous activity is about twelve weeks.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is possible to have implants. Recommend to wait 6 weeks to lift weights. Please consult with a board certified PS for evaluation.

Is it possible for firefighters to have breast implants?

Answers (14)

More Breast Implants Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (14)

More Breast Implants Questions

5'5", 145lbs. Is 475cc too large? (Photo)

My nipple and an inch of skin around my nipples are numb. When will I start feeling them again?

Want fuller breasts yet not necessarily bigger. Where can I find low profile breast implants?

5 days post op breast augmentation. Is this normal?

Can I get implants without a breast lift?

Plastic surgeon who specializes in XL saline implants (800cc+)?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS