Question:
What is the normal amount of time needed off after a breast reduction?
I had open gallbladder removal in 11/99, open RNY 10/00, hernia repair/panniculectomy 12/01. I am nervous about asking for two or three more weeks off for a breast reduction because we are going to be very busy at work. Has anyone had a breast reduction and been able to return to work in a week or less? I would be mostly sitting at a desk. Thanks! — Helen C. (posted on February 21, 2002)
February 21, 2002
I went today for my Breast reduction consult..the surgeon told me a week
off from work then 4-5 weeks thereafter no heavy lifting...Hope this helps.
— mjvallee
February 21, 2002
I had a tummy tuck and a breast lift done at the same time. I took off for
1 week and that was enough. It was the first couple of days I was sore but
that was it. Best of luck!
— [Anonymous]
February 21, 2002
Hi, Helen. I had a breast reduction about 4 1/2 years ago, and I took off
2 weeks from work. When I went back to work it was without pain, and
everything was fine. I'm not sure what kind of work you do, but I'm a
secretary, so it was not physical work of any kind. If you're like me, you
will still be a little swollen and they :) will be black and blue... but
you should be fine. Also, if you're worried about pain level, don't be. I
had NO pain, Zero, post op. Just take your painkillers every 4 hours (or
whatever the Rx. says) and you'll be fine. Good luck.
— KelBurt
February 21, 2002
Sheeeze! Mine was in 1993- and I guess I am whimpy girl here! I took, I
think close to 4 weeks off.... The first week, I was imobilized- I probably
could have made it to work after wk. three, but not after wk. one or
two....
— Karen R.
February 23, 2002
OK, I'm here to give you a different answer than those listed before. I
had my breast reduction 5 months after WLS. The first day was a little
tough, but I can honestly say that I was not in pain, just mild discomfort.
Days 2 and 3 (sutures were removed), I just took it easy. However, on Day
4 I went out on a boat ride with my boyfriend as a 1st date. I had no
intention of missing my chance to go out with the guy I've been pining over
for the last 5 years! It may have not been the smartest thing to do, but
everything turned out fine, I did not have any real pain to speak of. I
bound up those puppies nice and tight! They say that breast surgery is one
of the least painful cosmetic procedures. You should be fine going back to
the office after a week. Of course, speak with your plastic surgeon first.
Good luck...
— DOROTHY A.
May 23, 2002
I had a breast reduction in April 2000. The surger was on a Wednesday
morning. I came home Thursday afternoon. Spent the weekend in the bed and
went to work full-time on Tuesday. The first couple of days, there were
times of discomfort, but I found if I got up and moved around, it was
relieved some. I was definitely tired though at the end of day and needed
a nap before fixing dinner and doing evening events. My reduction was
virtually painless - just keep up on the medications! Good luck!
— Sue H.
May 23, 2002
I had a breast reduction in April 2000. The surger was on a Wednesday
morning. I came home Thursday afternoon. Spent the weekend in the bed and
went to work full-time on Tuesday. The first couple of days, there were
times of discomfort, but I found if I got up and moved around, it was
relieved some. I was definitely tired though at the end of day and needed
a nap before fixing dinner and doing evening events. My reduction was
virtually painless - just keep up on the medications! Good luck!
— Sue H.
February 2, 2003
Hello All.
The responses below are VERY typical. Most women seem to have very little
pain after breast reduction, just soreness. A few require more medication
and have a slower recovery. I tell patients 10 days to 2 weeks before
returning to work. Overhead reaching/lifting will be hard for 3-4 weeks.
The key is for the doc to assess why there is pain...I may prescribe
regular narcotics, muscle relaxants, or even an anti-anxiety medication
depending on the nature of my patient's complaint. Pain has a physical as
well as emotional component, and one makes the other worse ! Both
components have to be addressed.
JL
— DrL
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