How long should I wait after BA surgery before I can bartend again?

Question

I work as a bartender at a busy restaurant, where I’m constantly lifting my arms to pour bottles, to reach things, etc. Since it’s such a physical job, how long should I wait before I can bartend again?

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Recovery after a breast augmentation can be very straight forward with the right surgeon.  Precise technique with minimal trauma leads to little pain after surgery, with many of our patients going out for dinner the same night as surgery.   Every surgeon will have his/her own preferences as to recovery for specific procedures.  I have patients wear a soft bra after breast augmentation for a few weeks to splint everything, and at that point the scars are generally very stable and we move to normal bras (or none) and long term scar management.  I suggest you wait at least 3 weeks before returning to bartending. It's best to be sure that everything is healed. There is always a chance of causing bleeding if you start much before that time. Most important is a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon regarding this procedure.  Don’t settle for less!

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

Following a breast augmentation procedure our patients are
advised that they must take 1 week off work and heavy lifting and exercise should
be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. If your job requires you to lift very heavy
objects, such as a tray of drinks, you may want to consider taking an
additional week off and returning to a modified work schedule. Planning ahead
is key to recovery, perhaps only light trays that don’t exceed 10lbs and arranging
your work station so that you avoid reaching over your head for objects. 
It’s better to be safe than sorry during recovery and taking
more time now will benefit your results in the long run. You should be back to your
regular self at the 6-week mark. 
Speak to your surgeon about specific post operative
instructions following surgery and be sure to give your employer proper notice to
modify your return to work.

Alan N. Larsen, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question. We recommend for the first three weeks after surgery you do not engage in any strenuous physical activity. That includes not lifting and objects over 5 lbs. or increasing your heart rate above 100 bpm. It is especially important that you do not participate in any movements that would continuously contract your chest wall muscles in the early stages of healing.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Every surgeon has different post op care instructions, I usually tell my patients to wait at least 2 weeks, follow you PS's instructions.Best of luck!

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Goldie.    I usually recommend no heavy lifting, cardio workouts or strenuous upper body activity for four weeks after breast augmentation surgery. I appreciate your need to get back to work, and after two weeks, if it is possible to have busboys or someone nearby to do the heavy lifting, you should be able to return to bartending duties. Discuss these issues with your board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi Goldie3232,
  
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 healing 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

Luis Villar, MD, FACS · Answer

FOLLOWING THE HEALING CURVE.
We have our patients resume secretarial activity in one week and unrestricted activity as tolerated in three weeks when they burn the surgical bra and initiate massage.  This is based on the healing process. In the first week, there is budding of the blood vessels trying to find and connect across the wound to re-establish blood flow which occurs about 5-6 days.   Shearing forces can disrupt these, leading to hematomas and seromas. The wound has no strength and is held together by body "glue"( serum and early collagen) and sutures.  By three weeks, collagen strength is about 30%, and the wound cannot be torn apart easily.  By 6 weeks the wound is 80% of final strength, and 60% of original strength.  By 8 weeks the wound has reached maximal strength, which is 70-80% of original strength.
Those who advocate resuming normal activity the day of surgery and/or massage prior to re-establishment of circulation and development of wound strength are flying in the face of mother nature, in my opinion.

Genevieve F. Caron, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questionI recommend to my patient to not lift any weight for at least 3 weeks.You should follow up with your surgeon, and decide together depending if your implants are under or over the muscle.Best WishesDr Genevieve FCaron, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonMontreal, Canda

Bryan Criswell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Recovery after Breast Augmentation varies patient to patient. You can expect to feel soar and tight for the first couple of weeks. Many patients can return back to a desk type job within four to five days, but with a physical job you will need to wait for your surgeon's guide lines. In most cases the patient can resume back to all your normal activity after 6 weeks. It is best to consult your board certified plastic surgeon

Norman M. Rowe, MD · Answer

Good afternoon and thank you for your question.This type of answer can vary from surgeon to surgeon, but I typically recommend my patients to keep it easy for activities such as bartending for at least two to three weeks. For best results, I would suggest seeking the guidance of your personal plastic surgeon.Thanks and have a nice day.

How long should I wait after BA surgery before I can bartend again?

Answers (20)

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