Nursing school and recovery - is 2 months enough?

Question

Hello, I plan to have a breast augmentation hopefully this year if the consultation and everything goes well. I want to do it in late June or early July, since I will have a summer break. Would 2 months be an adequate amount of time for recovery? My school requires a lot of mobility such as lifting patients, giving IV, etc.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question.
Typically 2 months is a sufficient amount of time to recover and heal from breast augmentation surgery, even if the implants are placed under the muscle. 
I would encourage you to seek a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry.  Most of my patients who are nurses (even those with jobs that involve heavy transfers in the ICU, ER, medicine floor etc) are back to their full duties by 6 weeks postop.  If you are planning to go to nursing school 2 months after this procedure typically there would be no work restrictions.  That stated, there can be healing delays with any operation so your plastic surgeon would follow you along postoperatively and advise when it is safe to return to work.

Angelica Kavouni, MD, PhD, FRCS(Eng) · Answer

Hi there it usually takes 6 weeks for the breast implants to settle especially if they are paced under the muscle . It makes sense to have Ann extra couple of weeks available in your case because of the amount of physical activity required for your job. Also occasionally there are some setbacks like setons (fluid collection) that may add 1-2 weeks of recovery So I think you have planned it well

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants and they choose what looks right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you. That is so great you are in nursing school. Two months is enough time for the incision to heal, it is enough time to return to physical activity. It is safe lift but remember initially maybe sore or weaker, especially if you go with a under the muscle placement.

Andres Taleisnik, MD · Answer

You shouldn't have any problems returning to your nursing school activities, even strenuous ones, 2 months after your breast augmentation. I typically allow my patients to do virtually all activities after 2-3 weeks, except that I limit STRONG use of the chest/pectoral muscles until 6 weeks after surgery. Best of luck!

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Two months is adequate time to recover from breast augmentation surgery.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! Two months should be more than enough time to recover for school. I would double-check with your specific surgeon, but I'm sure he/she will agree. Good luck!

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!
Yes - 2 months should be ample time for recovery after breast augmentation. I typically recommend limited upper body exertion for about 4 weeks.
Best of luck to you!

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Sunnieday thank you for your question. Yes, two months are enough for recovering from a breast augmentation surgery and get back to your activities. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD FACS