Question: 

I am desperate for breast reduction surgery.  I am 29 years old and suffer constantly from this deformity.  How much time will I need to take off work after the surgery?  How soon will I be able to do heavy lifting?  I work at the Post Office. 

Answer: 

As a general guideline, I tell most people that they should plan on taking a couple of weeks off from work; however, the amount necessary could be less or more depending upon the individual and the work they perform.  Most patients are up and around the following day; however, they may have drains in and they may be on medication, which would make working difficult. 

Drains which are placed under the skin between the breast tissue and the skin may remain in place anywhere from one day to seven days.  Patients can resume walking and light activities almost immediately; however, it is unlikely that someone would want to return to work with the drains still in place. 

Once the drains are removed, there still are stitches in place - either absorbable sutures which dissolve on their own or permanent sutures which need to be taken out.  Regardless of whether you have absorbable or permanent sutures, the wounds are not at their greatest strength for approximately six weeks.  For that reason, I do not allow patients to resume heavy lifting until the sixth week after surgery.  At the fourth week I do allow patients to do some aerobic activities but I do not want them to do heavy lifting with their upper extremities. 

Posted by:  Dr. Siporin