Source
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK. hagenschumacher@yahoo.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Uncertainty exists in the medical literature about recommendations for return to work or driving after breast reduction surgery.
METHODS:
A survey was sent to 138 plastic surgeons in the United Kingdom enquiring about their recommended timing of return to work or driving a car depending of level of activity. Data was evaluated with univariate ANOVA test and a p<0.05 significance level.
RESULTS:
Out of 73 surgeons who responded, 13% did not give any specific advice regards to return to work and 30% for return to driving. The remainder suggested to return to work and driving after about 19 days each.
CONCLUSIONS:
Based on this consensus of opinion of plastic surgeons with an interest in breast surgery it appears reasonable to suggest a recovery period of approximately 3 weeks subject to individual variations. Further evidence is needed to comment on the interaction of wound healing and pain and return to driving and work.
Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.