How much time before I can return to work (waitress) after a BBL and BA?

Question

I plan to get a BBL and BA (at separate times). I am a waitress in a busy restaurant. I am on my feet 10-11 hours a day, carrying large trays of food and lifting full bus buckets. My restaurant also has a staircase that I am constantly going up and down. How much time should I take off of work after these procedures? Also, I'm aware that I'll have to wear pressure garments after a BBL. How often/long do i wear these garments, and will they affect my mobility (if so, how much)?

Nicole L. Nemeth, MD · Answer

Hi&mdash;
It sounds like your job is very strenuous.  It’s still possible to have these procedures with the demands of your work, but you will need to take some things into consideration.
First, most people have bruising and swelling for at least a couple of weeks after liposuction and BBL.  In my practice, I will have you avoid pressure or sitting on your buttock for a minimum of four weeks.  One of the special pillows designed to keep pressure directly off the fat grafted areas of the buttocks helps with the practicality of this :)
You will also wear a well-fitting compression garment / fajas for two to three months.
If you were only having the BBL, then you may be able to handle work after 10-12 days.  You will do best avoiding heavy lifting (nothing more than 5 pounds in either hand) for no less than 4-6 weeks after a breast augmentation.      You’re going to be feeling and looking great before then, but this time is to allow for proper healing.
As always, you should have this discussion in depth with your board-certified plastic surgeon, and be sure he or she is familiar with the recovery for these combined procedures.

Best of luck!

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank your question and provided information as well ...Based in the exposed case, the ideal would be that a month after surgery that you can raise your arms, I would say that if you start loading light trays because to lift heavy objects it would be good to wait 3 months.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Allie.   Recovery from BBL requires no sitting for at least two weeks after surgery however modest lifting is certainly possible. The constant use of stairs may be an issue as it may decrease the fat take of your buttocks. Recovery from breast augmentation requires at least three or four weeks with no heavy lifting, so heavy trays of food may be an issue.  Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to review your options and limitations regarding work right after surgery. Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Always ask your PS as this will depend upon surgeon preference and specifics of your surgery.
Most of my patients take off 7 to 10 days for a BBL and BAM. Anything earlier is probably pushing the limit, but some of my patients have returned to light work after 5 days. I tell my BBL patients to minimize sitting.  If they have to sit, it is critical that every 30 minutes or an hour that patients get up and stand for a few seconds to take the pressure off.   This reduces the chance for fat necrosis.  After 6 weeks the fat has revascularized, and you have a very good idea of your final results.  You will have to take it easy when returning to work with the heavy lifting and going up and down stairs. If your PS recommends that you wear a compression garment, he/she will tell you the duration for wear.  Mobility when wearing the garment should not be a concern if it is adjustable.In general patients experience three or four days of spasms following breast implants.  However, the size of the patient, the anatomy, the size of the implant, and individual pain tolerance factors impact the recovery process.  
Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

How much time before I can return to work (waitress) after a BBL and BA?

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Answer: How much time before I can return to work (waitress) after a BBL and BA?

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How much time before I can return to work (waitress) after a BBL and BA?

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Answer: How much time before I can return to work (waitress) after a BBL and BA?

Answer: How much time before I can return to work (waitress) after a BBL and BA?

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