After breast augmentation surgery, you may be wondering, how long after surgery can I return to work? The good news is that you can return to work in about three to five days. As long as your job does not require lifting heavy objects or a lot of physical activity, you can go back to work right after surgery. However, if you must engage in strenuous activity, you will need to take at least two weeks off work. If you need to work in a physically demanding position, you will also need to hire extra help to help you recover.
Recovery from breast augmentation surgery
Post-surgery recovery for breast augmentation surgery is short. In general, you can resume light activity in as little as one week after your operation. Light exercise is acceptable, but you should refrain from strenuous movements. Your surgeon will teach you how to care for your new breasts and incisions. Before you leave the office, your surgeon will likely put a special bra on you to minimize any bruising or discomfort.
Before your breast augmentation surgery, you should make sure you have stable weight and have not breastfed within six months. Your doctor may also provide you with a list of supplements and medications you should not take during the recovery period. Make sure you inform your doctor of any other medications you may be taking. Avoid smoking cigarettes and consuming alcohol, as they contain chemicals that can increase the risks of surgery. After your surgery, you will probably feel groggy, but this is not uncommon.
Depending on the type of surgery, the recovery time varies from one patient to another. While most women bounce back from their surgery after two weeks, others may be out of commission for up to two weeks. Depending on your age, fitness level, and lifestyle, the time you need will vary. While your breasts may appear high immediately after your operation, they will eventually begin to settle. As they settle, you can return to regular bras and exercise.
Avoiding stress
One of the best ways to avoid stress after breast augmentation surgery is to make sure that you don’t engage in activities that raise your blood pressure. If possible, avoid any type of sports, contact sports, or heavy lifting during the first week following surgery. Once your energy level returns to a more normal level, you can resume your normal daily activities, including light brisk walking. A creative activity can also delay the onset of post-operative stress.
Make sure to give your employer plenty of advance notice before scheduling time off for breast augmentation surgery. Although many employers are willing to grant time off for medical reasons, the Family and Medical Leave Act does not cover cosmetic surgery. However, you can ask your HR representative or manager about scheduling time off from work. Some employers let you use your vacation days to have the procedure done, so if you don’t have enough days left, you can request unpaid days off.
If you’ve recently had a breast augmentation procedure, you will most likely be a bit tired afterward. You may feel fatigued and groggy, so make sure you sleep in an inclined position and don’t lift anything heavy. If you have to, purchase a specially-designed wedge pillow to prop yourself up. Otherwise, use bed pillows or a recliner chair. You should also make sure that someone stays with you during this time so they can take care of you and bring you water.
Avoiding all bodies of water
Although many women are eager to jump into the pool after breast augmentation, the first 48 hours after surgery are crucial to your healing process. Your skin will need time to regain its natural water resistance, so you should avoid all pools, lakes, and other bodies of water for two to three weeks. Until this time is passed, you can shower, but avoid swimming or full submersion for at least three weeks.
You will also want to limit your exposure to sunlight while your incisions are healing. Avoiding excessive exposure to the sun is particularly important while they are still pink and tender. Excessive exposure can lead to scar discoloration and hyperpigmentation, so plan your outdoor activities around the time you’ve undergone surgery. You will want to wear a bra for the first few days to help reduce the risk of infection.
Your post-surgery breasts should be kept dry after the procedure. This will help prevent bacterial growth and prevent unnecessary delays in the healing process. The incisions need fibrocytes to regenerate connective tissue to help them heal. Swimming pools and bathtubs can alter the fibrocytes that produce these connective tissues, which can interfere with healing. Bathtubs, however, are okay. During this time, you should avoid heavy lifting.
Getting plenty of rest
Following your breast augmentation, get plenty of rest. Sleep is essential for your body’s recovery and overall wellness. A good night’s sleep after breast augmentation is critical to a fast recovery. You should try to sleep at least seven hours a day. You should be able to feel refreshed and recharged after this procedure. Your doctor will be able to give you more detailed instructions regarding your recovery.
You should also practice sleeping on your back after the surgery. Although you may find it uncomfortable, lying on your side after breast augmentation will put too much pressure on the implants and incisions. This can compromise the final results. Typically, you can sleep on your side after a couple of days, but it’s not advisable until your surgeon gives the okay. Once you have a good night’s sleep, you should be able to return to sleeping on your side.
After breast augmentation, you should try to avoid any activity that uses your pectoralis major muscle. Lifting heavy objects and reaching high can push your implants out of place. It’s best to avoid all physical activity for the first couple of days. Moreover, eating healthy foods after breast augmentation is important to keep you feeling better. Avoid eating junk food and opt for healthy fats and whole grains. Your doctor will be happy to help you with this.
Resuming normal activities too soon
It’s important to understand the limitations of returning to exercise and other normal activities too soon after breast augmentation. The body will need some downtime after a breast augmentation surgery in order to heal properly. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions, such as how long you can return to exercise after breast augmentation. Patients with a very strenuous career should wait longer to begin full physical activity. However, people who don’t do strenuous jobs should discuss their plans with their surgeon and determine the appropriate timeframe for returning to full activities.
Generally, patients are cleared to resume moderate exercise two weeks after surgery. However, it’s important to follow Dr. Lee’s instructions. Start slowly and stop if you notice discomfort or swelling. You’ll also want to refrain from heavy lifting and chest exercises until your body is ready for these activities. During the recovery period, it is best to avoid strenuous exercise for several weeks until your breasts have fully recovered.
The recovery period after breast augmentation varies from patient to patient and depends on the extent of the surgery. The amount of time after the surgery depends on your individual body and the type of implant you chose. However, you shouldn’t expect to experience a significant amount of pain or discomfort after the surgery. Swelling and bruising will likely be present, but the overall recovery time should be short enough for you to return to most normal activities.
Choosing a plastic surgeon
How long will it take for you to return to work after breast augmentation? This will depend on how fast you heal. You should expect to take at least one week off from work and do not resume lifting heavy objects. It may take longer if complications develop. You should plan on waiting at least another three weeks after surgery before returning to work. Your plastic surgeon will also provide you with specific instructions for your recovery.
When choosing a plastic surgeon after breast augmentation to allow you to return to work, consider your job and how much physical activity you will be performing. For example, if you sit at a desk all day, you may be able to return to work a few days after your procedure. For those who are active and need to engage in strenuous exercise, you should expect to take a few weeks off.
You should also consider your surgeon’s reputation. If he or she is board certified and specializes in breast augmentation, then you are guaranteed the best possible outcome. You should avoid going with an extremely cheap surgeon if you have no idea whether they are reliable. You should also carefully read testimonials from previous patients and take a look at before and after photos. You may be surprised to learn that your surgery was so successful.
About The Author
Mindy Vu is a part time shoe model and professional mum. She loves to cook and has been proclaimed the best cook in the world by her friends and family. She adores her pet dog Twinkie, and is happily married to her books.