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