How Much Time off Work is Appropriate for Breast Implants? I Wear Body Armor in my Job.

Question

I work in security and wear body armor. I want breast implants but don't want to risk damaging them by returning to work too soon. I have read the many comments on when to return to work, but my job is a little different than most. I do not have my vest on 24/7. But do need to have it on at least 30 minutes out of the day. I do not want to damage my implants or cause any undue pain by returning to work to early. Have their been any other patients that have jobs where vests, guns, and ammo are the norm, and what was the recommended recovery time for that?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

I normally recommend patients plan to be off work for up to 5-7 days if their work is sedentary. If your work involves heavy lifting, you should wait at least 6 weeks. If it is only physically demanding, which I assume it is, then plan to be off of work for 3 weeks. The weight and pressure of your body armour should not interfere with your implants after you've recovered.However, you should ask your surgeon for their advice. They may have different guidelines. You can see that the answers here vary greatly as well.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Dragontails,

	I have had the honor of performing breast augmentation on over two dozen Women in Blue hear in Los Angeles, as well as a few security guards too.  They've ranged from officers, detectives, gun specialists, and regular patrol. I've told all of them that two weeks was plenty (those with desk jobs, two to three days), and to return to the gym at that time too, most complying with my recommendations. I have them lifting their arms over their heads 5 times every hour and lie on their chest as well, starting the evening of the surgery day.  Their only medication they take is Motrin. It is all part of a complete program that all my breast augmentation patients follow. Most surgeons' recommendations will probably differ, but this is a proven program that I adopted from Dr. Tebbits in Dallas 10 years ago.

	Best of luck!

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Depending on the range of your responsibilities, 5 - 7 days is the norm to begin light activities. Your surgeon may restrict you from your full duties for much longer most likely 3 - 6 weeks. Discuss in detail with your surgeon.

Teanoosh Zadeh, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Dear patient

	Wearing body armor will in no way damage implants. I&rsquo;ve operated on many officers and security agents that are required to wear body armor or vests. Returning to work is generally possible after 4 weeks.

Ralph R. Garramone, MD · Answer

I don't think the vest should be much of a problem if you wait about two weeks after the surgery.  You will know when you put it on if it is too tight and too compressive which may be uncomfortabel. Your body will tell you if what you are doing after surgery is too much too soon.  Ask your surgeon to be sure he or she does not feel otherwise.

	Thank you for your question and good luck.

How Much Time off Work is Appropriate for Breast Implants? I Wear Body Armor in my Job.

Answers (10)