How much time should I take off of work for an en bloc explant, lift and possible fat transfer. I am a nurse in a busy hospital.

Question

I am interested in en bloc explant, lift and possible fat transfer. I am trying to gauge how much time I should take off of work... What has been your experience for your patients who are nurses and returning to work?? Thank you for your time!!!

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @ktglo, thank you for your question.   The recovery time for an en bloc explant can vary depending on several factors, including the specific surgical techniques used by your surgeon. In my practice, I remove breast implants, perform a total capsulectomy (the tissue is sent to pathology) and perform immediate aesthetic reconstruction. Generally, the patient doesn’t need to be lying in bed without moving, is a medical leave of about 10 days for the patient to be at home but she can perform all normal movement and needs . However, not physical strain. Regardless, it's essential to discuss your specific situation with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will be able to provide personalized advice based on your individual circumstances and the surgical techniques they plan to employ. Additionally, your surgeon can advise you on when you can safely return to work and any restrictions or modifications you might need to ensure a smooth recovery.  Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science”  Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

Time off will depend on the physical nature of your job. If you're doing administrative type work, 10 days is enough. If you're lifting patients or equipment, I would take 3 weeks off to be safe. You don't want to split open your incisions and proper healing needs to take place. I operate on many nurses and this would be my best advice.

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question! Based on my experience with patients that have careers in bedside nursing, I recommend to have off 8-10 weeks, generally. Each patient’s healing journey is different and we want to make sure that you have proper timeframes to ensure you heal prior to providing patient care (i.e. turning patients). Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ktglo,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

With an enbloc capsulectomy, there will be a need for drain placement.  Having operated on many nurses, I generally require them to stay off of work for 2 weeks.  Once they go back the drains will be out by then and they can resume their duties, however.... there still can not be any heavy lifting or turning patients or pushing gurneys or beds.  
At 4 weeks time, all restrictions are lifted and back to normal activity.
Hope that helps.

Bryan Curtis, MD · Answer

Taking time off work for an en bloc explant, breast lift, and possible fat transfer can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of surgery, individual healing rate, and the physical demands of your job as a nurse in a busy hospital. Here are some general guidelines to consider:1. En Bloc Explant and Breast Lift: Recovery time for an en bloc explant and breast lift can vary but typically ranges from 1 to 2 weeks for initial healing. During this time, you may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can affect your ability to perform physically demanding tasks. You may also have restrictions on lifting heavy objects or raising your arms above your head.2. Fat Transfer: If you're considering fat transfer to the breasts in addition to explant and lift, recovery time may be slightly longer due to the additional procedure. Fat transfer involves harvesting fat from one area of the body, typically through liposuction, and injecting it into the breasts to enhance volume and shape. Recovery from liposuction can take several weeks, during which you may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort at the donor site(s).Given your occupation as a nurse in a busy hospital, it's important to consider the physical demands of your job and the potential impact of surgery on your ability to perform your duties safely and effectively. Depending on your specific job responsibilities, you may need to take additional time off work to ensure adequate recovery and minimize the risk of complications.It's recommended to discuss your planned surgery and recovery timeline with your plastic surgeon and employer well in advance. Your plastic surgeon can provide recommendations based on your individual situation and help you plan for an appropriate period of time off work. Your employer may also have policies in place for medical leave and accommodations during recovery.Overall, it's essential to prioritize your health and well-being during the recovery process and give yourself ample time to heal properly before returning to work, especially in a physically demanding environment like a hospital setting.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Typically patients can return to work after two weeks, but you may have some lifting restrictions still in place for up to six weeks.  Your surgeon will guide you as she/he is most familiar with your medical history and surgical plan.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

"En bloc" surgery is reserved for patients with cancer and not just for removing the capsules around implants. You did not state what kind of nursing you did.  Most nurses can return to work within two weeks, but with some weight lifting restrictions. Please discuss this with your surgeon.

How much time should I take off of work for an en bloc explant, lift and possible fat transfer. I am a nurse in a busy hospital.

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