Time off after breast reduction
I am a 30 yr old with 38h cup. I work in a high volume automotive production plant doing manual labour, including heavy lifting, extensive reaching, and heavy pushing/pulling and am planning on a reduction. Most answers I've seen regarding how long to take off of work don't answer that question in relation to what I do. So my question is how long would be adequate healing time for me to be able to back to work in the industry I work in?
Thank you for asking. Breast reduction patients may need 1-2 weeks off depending on how they feel and what type of activity is required at work. Many patients go back to light duty work after a few days. Heavy lifting or strenuous physical occupations may need adjustment and a little more time off on a case by case basis. See your local plastic surgeon who can evaluate your specific needs. Best wishes!
After breast reduction, for patients who perform manual labor, it's best in my experience to take 3 weeks off.
If you had a relatively sedentary job, I would have recommended 1 - 2 weeks off (mostly to restore your stamina before going back to a full work day.)
But, in your case, with the relatively strenuous job you perform, frankly I would recommend 4 weeks off, in order to minimize risk of hurting yourself at work, which could further delay your total healing time. Not everyone can take that much time off work, but consultation with your plastic surgeon can fine-tune the best solution tailored just for you. Hope that helps!
Patients will typically have 1-2 days of pain, 1-2 weeks of soreness, and it will take 1-2 months to feel like you're back to 100%. In the last year, I have had an attorney who was able to work the next day (using her laptop from home, making conference calls, etc...) and a police officer who took a full six weeks of leave (because she can get kicked in the chest by a bad guy). Your surgeon should be able to work with you to help you and your employer understand any restrictions that may be specific to your line of work.