I am a nurse and on my feet constantly. When should I return to work after Breast Augmentation?

Question

I am a dialysis nurse, so I am constantly spiking saline bags above my head, repositioning pt's chairs in the trendelenberg position (only if they are crashing) and lifting saline, dialyzers, etc. How long should I wait to return? I know that use of your arms is a tedious thing after BA surgery, and I would not want to go backwards in the healing process by doing too much, too soon.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

I usually recommend my patients take about 5-7 days off of work and not to lift anything heavy until about 6 weeks after surgery. That means you may have to wait until about 6 weeks before returning to work. However, please ask your surgeon for their advice as they may have different guidelines.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

2 weeks is a reasonable course of time to return to work.  Strenuous activity should be avoided for 6 weeks.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Vijith Vijayasekaran, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.I recommend at least 2 weeks off however you could return at a week depending  on your level of activity. I would recommend you use your your garment when working.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

I agree with the other docs I think 2 weeks would be ideal, if you went with a small implant above the muscle one week would be fine

Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

After a breast augmentation, 7-14 days is usual for return to work if you can get someone to assist with heavy lifting.  Longer if you must resume all lifting activities at work.

George C. Peck, Jr, MD · Answer

The fastest any one of my sub-pectoral breast augmentation patients went back to work after is 3 days. The longest is about 10 days. Obviously, desk jobs take less time than jobs requiring lifting or manual labor.The surgery takes less than one hour to perform and it is an outpatient procedure. A sports bra is your dressing for a week or two. In my NJ practice the total cost for the procedure is $4100 + implant costs. The fee includes the board certified professional fee, b/c anesthesia fee, and medicare approved surgicenter fee.Best wishes

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource given that he/she will know exactly how you are doing and what activities you are planning on returning to. In my practice, for nurses who perform your duties, I suggest about 2 weeks off work ( as opposed to one week for patients returning to a desk job). Best wishes.

Mel T. Ortega, MD · Answer

Leslie14785One week with most patients is needed ,i do suggest you refrain form lifting over 10 pounds for the first 2 weeks . After that time you want to keep it to the lowest weight as possible while always wear you post surgical bra .

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think that returning to work  depends upon your activity level. Most desk work can be done within a few days.  Heavy lifting should what several weeks.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

For office workers, a few days is enough. For ditch diggers, 6 weeks. Your job fits in between the extremes. If there are others there who can do the heavier work or at least assist, a week or 10 days might do. Otherwise, 2 to 3 weeks.It will be best to discuss the specifics of a day at work with your surgeon.All the best.

I am a nurse and on my feet constantly. When should I return to work after Breast Augmentation?

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Answers (12)

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