Recovery time for a tummy tuck

Nine days recovery sounds realistic after a tummy tuck since you have a desk job and will have assistance in lifting heavy objects.

Recovery depends on your body’s ability to heal and they exact type of tummy tuck procedure you are looking to have.

It is most important to listen to your body and not stretch out the abdomen or over exert yourself as to not cause complications during the healing process or add additional pressure to the incision site which may cause unfavorable scarring. (Tarick K. Smaili, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

I do not think that you are unrealistic to think that you can go back to work about 9 days after your tummy tuck. As long as their is minimal exertion you should be OK. You may be a bit tired fromt he energy you will expend to heal but otherwise if all is OK you should be fine. (Steven Wallach, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

Recovery time for a tummy tuck image

I wish all of my patients had the get up and go attitude that you have and reading your question I bet you will be up and at work in a weeks time.

Discomfort, tightness and pain are subjective after any procedure and we can’t always know where our patients will fit on the “curve”. We insist that our patients are up and moving immediately after tummy tuck as they feel better and actually reduce risks such as DVT or blood clots which is a recognized complication.

We have developed a technique which does not require any drains and this too allows our patients to move better, get into the shower, and feel better about their recovery. As a caution, you should have a back up plan if you cannot meet your goal of working after the week you have allowed yourself. Also, too strenuous activity may produce a fluid collection or seroma which can prolong recovery. Finally, driving is an issue as driving these days often requires a quick response to avoid mishaps. (Peter E. Johnson, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)

Recovery time for a tummy tuck operation

There is no doubt that a woman of your fortitude will be capable of returning to work 10 days after your surgery. Listen to what your board certified plastic surgeon has to say and please don’t overdo it. (Kenneth R. Francis, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

Nine days is too soon for the average patient, even with abdominoplasty alone. When you add the breast augmentation, it would be more difficult. Having said that, I have had several patients who accomplished what you are proposing without problems. You are correct in seeking the advice of your surgeon, because he or she is most familiar with how quickly patients recover from the procedures he or she performs. Whatever you decide, follow instructions carefully. Do move about early as much as your surgeon suggests, but don’t over do it. Don’t force or strain things. Don’t go from inactivity directly to a full day at work. Best wishes for your recovery. (Sutton Graham II, MD, Greenville Plastic Surgeon)

Recovery time for a tummy tuck surgery

While an abdominoplasty may include muscle tightening, this is not always the case. If you will get little benefit by muscle tightening, leaving this out may make your recovery less traumatic and painful. Your recovery will depend on what is done in your particular tummy tuck. Doing a breast augmentation simultaneously may be a common and reasonable combination but might prolong your recovery. While it is certainly not unreasonable to be back at a sedentary job, you must take into consideration the possibility of prolonged healing from side effects or any complications, your ability to be able to drive comfortably and safely, and whether you might still be on pain medications. (Robin T.W. Yuan, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

It is very reasonable to return to clerical work 9 days out if all goes well. careful not to do anything arduous for six weeks, no matter how good you feel. (Bruce K. Barach, MD, Schenectady Plastic Surgeon)

The recovery time for a tummy tuck

The initial pain and discomfort lasts 2-7 days. The subsequent soreness, which may not preclude you from going back to work can last up to 3 weeks. Some patients complain of being tired for up to 2 weeks, and they are more tired toward the end of the day. I would bet that you could return to work in 9 days if you are motivated. (Robert M. Freund, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)

It is possible to go back to work as early as 9 days.However, i think it is much better to plan on a longer time off in case you need it. Over the years i had patients who went back to work after the first week. It is very important to avoid lifting heavy weight,drains should be removed and the wound healing well. (Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS, Orange County Plastic Surgeon)