Most tummy tuck patients benefit from taking two weeks off of work. A tummy tuck incision low and even is possible.
I would have your prospective plastic surgeon show you before and after photos to support this.
I prefer to use one drain. I think it provides a better result. (Remus Repta, MD, Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon)
Time away from work
Typically, for a tummy tuck and liposuction I recommend two weeks recovery time off work.
I do not perform drain-less tummy tucks soI can’t comment on that procedure.
The plan is to make the incision fall within the underwear line and for the scar to end up even. Sometimes the healing process changes the height of the incision at various points. (Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)
Liposuction and tummy tuck recovery time off work
On average I would expect that you could return to work in 10-14 days following a tummy tuck with liposuction. For those with more strenuous jobs I would advise 4-6 weeks. There are many factors that go into incision placement and scar appearance. Incision placement is determined by the patient’s body habitus and personal desires regarding the final position of the scar. Uneven scars can result from bad planning, unequal tissue resections and differences in tension due to asymmetries inherent to the patient. (Sanjiv Kayastha, MD, Albany Plastic Surgeon)
It is possible to make a low incision though a French cut is now in vogue. As to time off give yourself between one and two weeks. (Frederic H. Corbin, MD, Brea Plastic Surgeon)
Post op care
You have to acknowledge Tummy Tuck is a very large procedure because implies a large surface of the body and also more procedures as are liposuction and muscle repair. I truly recommend (my own experience) at least 18-21 days off. My personal opinion is that incision is extremely important, it is our signature and represents our detailed and fine job performed after a dedicated and precise plan.
I place the incision very low, to be easily hidden under a bikini, very small and feminine belly button and always do a tight muscle repair to achieve the most beautiful small waist. (Laura Carmina Cardenas, MD, Mexico Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy tuck recovery time off work
I typically recommend two weeks off from work (desk job) for a full tummy tuck with muscle tightening. A “drainless” tummy tuck requires dozens of sutures to tack the abdominal skin/tissue back down to the abdominal wall (muscles) to help prevent a collection of fluid (seroma) after surgery. Some surgeons, like myself, still place one drain for approximately one week after surgery even though still placing these tacking sutures. By the time you are feeling well enough to really start moving around, the tummy tuck drain will have been removed and all but guaranteed the prevention of a seroma.
As far as incision/scar location, the final location will depend on your specific anatomy and goals, but mostly on the technique and experience of your surgeon. Look at before and after photos by your surgeon to determine the typical location of scar placement. (Nicholas Tarola, MD, Nashville Plastic Surgeon)
I reccomend you take off at least one full week and preferably 10 days. At that time, you should be healed well enough for desk work. (Vishnu Rumalla, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)
How much time would I need to take off work after tummy tuck?
I think you should be able to return to work at 10-14 days. I have done tummy tuck with and without drains. I now don’t use them the sand haven’t had any problems.
In most drainless techniques the abdominal flap is sutured back to the abdominal wall. The length of the incision is based on the amount of skin that needs to be removed. The quality of your skin preop will have a bearing on your final scar. (Jon E. Rast, MD, Kansas City Plastic Surgeon)