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Return to Work after Breast Reduction: A Comparative Study
Nora Holopainen1, Carlo M Oranges2, Pietro G di Summa3
1Department of Plastic and General Surgery, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, 20521 Turku, Finland.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|January 21, 2023
Summary
Postoperative complications significantly prolonged return to work after reduction mammaplasty. Increased intraoperative blood loss may predict longer sick leave, suggesting a 3-week recovery is reasonable for breast hypertrophy patients.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Surgical Outcomes
- Patient Recovery
Background:
- Breast hypertrophy impacts quality of life globally.
- Recommendations for return to work post-reduction mammaplasty lack clarity.
- This study investigates return to work timelines after reduction mammaplasty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess return to work duration after reduction mammaplasty for breast hypertrophy.
- To identify factors influencing prolonged sick leave.
- To compare postoperative complications based on sick leave duration.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of reduction mammaplasty patients.
- Exclusion of patients not in the workforce.
- Division into normal vs. prolonged sick leave groups based on 75th percentile.
- Analysis of demographic data, comorbidities, and wound healing complications.
Main Results:
- Mean return to work was 4.0 weeks; 77 patients had prolonged sick leave (mean 5.5 weeks).
- Prolonged sick leave correlated with increased intraoperative blood loss and higher postoperative complications (infections, wound dehiscence).
- Preoperative factors like BMI, smoking, and comorbidities did not significantly affect sick leave duration.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative complications are the primary driver of extended return to work periods.
- A 3-week recovery period is suggested, acknowledging individual variability.
- Increased intraoperative blood loss may serve as a predictor for prolonged sick leave.
