INTRODUCTION: Breast hypertrophy is a prevalent condition among women worldwide, which can affect different aspects of their quality of life. Uncertainty exists in the medical literature about recommendations for return to work or driving after reduction mammaplasty procedures.
The aim of this study was to assess the return to work after reduction mammaplasty for women with breast hypertrophy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study composed of chart review of all reduction mammaplasty performed at a single institution due to breast hypertrophy was considered. Patients not in working life were excluded. Demographic and comorbidity data were secondary predictor variables. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of the sick leave duration: normal versus prolonged. Prolonged sick leave time was defined as times greater than the 75th percentile for the respective sample data. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of prolonged sick leave. Secondary endpoints were specific wound healing complications and late complications.
RESULTS: From a total of 490 patients, 406 of them were employed at intake. Mean time to working return after reduction mammaplasty was 4.0±0.9 weeks. Prolonged sick leave occurred in 77 patients and its mean duration was 5.5±0.9 weeks. No differences in age, preoperative BMI, comorbidities, operative time, and resection weight were detected. Postoperative complications were significantly higher in the group who experienced a prolonged sick leave (26.5% vs 11.2%, p<0.001), particularly infections and wound dehiscence incidences were higher. However, no differences in late complications (>30 days, 6.5% vs 7.6%, p=0.729).
CONCLUSION: The occurrence of postoperative complications incresed the patients’ return to work time. Comorbidities and preoperative parameters did not affect the length of sick leave. It appears reasonable to suggest a recovery period of approximately 4 weeks subject to individual variations.