Time off work after tummy tuck

What would be the minimum time to request off work for a full tummy tuck?

With a full tuck, I’m assuming a full muscle plication and possibly adjunct liposuction. The muscle plication is somewhat more painful, and adjunct liposuction usually means slightly longer for the drains to be present.

That being said, for a full tummy tuck, I tell my patients with ‘sit-down’ jobs at least one week for recovery and if possible to take two.

This gives us time to remove the pain pump, wean off pain meds so they can drive, and remove the drains. Though this process sometimes only takes 4 or 5 days, some patients may need the full two weeks.

The time off work after tummy tuck

If a patient has a labor intensive job, then time off is determined on a case by case basis based on what their job entails. Patients are instructed to begin mild exercise at two weeks, and almost everyone is released to do any exercise they want by 6 weeks. (Shayne Webb, MD, Nashville Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy Tuck Recovery Time

I agree with all my colleagues. Here is some basic science for you. We generally take six weeks to maximise our scar formation, this scar is typically 85% the strength of normal skin. At 10 days post-op we have approximately 10% wound strength, the stitches are essentially doing all the work. At weeks 3 and week four the scar strength improves exponentially. So, as my colleagues have said, if you have a job that does not require heavy work then a couple of weeks makes sense, if your job entails lifting, pulling etc more time is your friend.

Time off work after tummy tuck operation

Most importantly check with your operating Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, he /she will tell you they feel will work best for you based on what procedure they perform. (Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS, Nashville Plastic Surgeon)

Minimum time off for a tummy tuck

The time you need off after a tummy tuck depends on the work you do

Working from home 7-10 days,
Office work out of the home 14 days,
Physically demanding work, e.g. nurse on her feet all day long, 4-6 weeks.
Physically strenuous work – landscaping, construction – 6-8 weeks.

Always consult a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.Hope this information helps. (Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)

Time off work after tummy tuck surgery

I think one week off of work is the minimum while two weeks is ideal. You’ll want to avoid strenuous activity for about 4 to 6 weeks. (Justin Yovino, MD, FACS, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

The answer to your question remains individualized and largely depends on you job situation and the amplitude of your surgery. Most patient are able to be active and possible drive their car in a week or so. In my opinion, 2 weeks is a reasonable time to be able to get back to work, if you job does not entail major physical activity. (Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)

Time off after tummy tuck

Time off work after tummy tuck images

If you have a desk job, my minimum is two weeks, subject to postop healing. If your work is more physical in nature, you might need more time off. It is important not to underestimate the time you will be out and leave your employer annoyed or worse if you aren’t ready to return as hoped. (Robert L. Kraft, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)

As a general rule, I typically have my patients take two weeks off from their regular activities at home or work. Depending on what they do, they might have to return to their job on a light-duty status for a period of time.

Of course these recommendations need to be individualized in many cases as patients heal at different rates. This question will be best answered by your surgeon. (Erik Miles, MD, FACS, Charlotte Plastic Surgeon)