I work as a CNA at a hospital, Will I be okay if after my breast augmentation I went back to work anywhere between 3-5 days?

Question

Our hospital has a no lift policy so we have "lifts" we use when we need to lift a patient. I do a lot of walking but get to have good long breaks. my plastic surgeon said I would be fine to go back then I just wanted other opinions.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to returning to specific occupation/activities. He/she knows exactly what was done, how you are progressing (every patient has a different experience after breast surgery), whether or not you have experienced any complications or setbacks, and exactly what type of activities you wish to return to.On average, I ask patients to take off  5 days to 1 week after breast augmentation surgery (desk job).  For some professions (such as yours), I may suggest a going back to work with a lighter workload (or in your case, having someone else do the lifting etc.. that would involve the pectoralis muscle).  Ideally, I ask patients not to lift anything heavy or do things ( like pulling/pushing) that contract the pectoralis musle for at least 3 weeks.  Ultimately, it will be important for you to “listen to your body”,  applied common sense, and return to activities/exercises in a  gradual fashion. Best wishes.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

It's best to listen to your surgeon. However, I generally advise patients plan to be off work for up to 5-7 days, although this can vary from person to person.

Victor M. Perez, MD, FACS · Answer

when i discuss postop care with my patients, I usually tell them, some patients may have minimal discomfort after the surgery, most patients will need pain medication for 10 to 14 days and some patients may have discomfort for several weeks.What group are you going to fall into? no body knows, reason why I recommend to be on the safe side and if possible ask for the longest possible time. Physiologically any wound, does not matter where is located, needs 3 weeks to obtain 80 % of the strengh and there is nothing a surgeon can do to accelerate time.Good Luck in your surgeryBe sure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic surgerery (check the ABPS web site)I only place implants in the submuscular plane (Under the muscle)Sientra silicone implants are only provide by board certified surgeons

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Most of my breast augmentation patients are very comfortable going back to a desk job like activity in a few days after surgery.  However, I recommend no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 3-4 weeks.  As a CNA, this means no lifting patients or moving heavy boxes etc.   Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question. Most patients in my experience who try to return to work in a hospital after 3-5 days find that they are too uncomfortable especially if implants gave been placed under the muscle.My concern is also your exposure to the bacterial flora of the hospital environment and risk of infection. Please follow the advice of your plastic surgeon.

I work as a CNA at a hospital, Will I be okay if after my breast augmentation I went back to work anywhere between 3-5 days?

Answers (6)

Answer: Recovery

Answer: Recovery

Answer: Working in a hospiatl after breast augmentation

Answer: Working in a hospiatl after breast augmentation

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I work as a CNA at a hospital, Will I be okay if after my breast augmentation I went back to work anywhere between 3-5 days?

Answers (6)

Answer: Recovery

Answer: Recovery

Answer: Working in a hospiatl after breast augmentation

Answer: Working in a hospiatl after breast augmentation

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.