Return to Work 10 Days After Tummy Tuck with Breast Lift and Implants?

Although a Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation Recovery happen simultaneously so the recovery is the same for a tummy tuck alone 10 days is NOT enough time to recover. BTW: My personal favorite way of doing a breast augmentation at the same time as a tummy tuck is through the tummy tuck incision therefore there are NO BREAST SCARS for the tummy tuck.Frequently, additional enhancing surgeries such as breast augmentation or liposuction to improve the waistline or other regions, pubis lift or other breast surgery can be performed at the same time as a tummy tuck without delaying your recovery period. That is what a "mommy makeover" is all about. Following the TT surgery, you will be walking in a bent-over position to keep tension off the newly tightened skin incision site. Although strenuous activity, and lifting more than ten pounds, must be avoided for 6 weeks, some people can return to work and daily activities as soon as 2 weeks after surgery. Softening of the surgical scars, return of sensation, and loosening of the tight sensation may take several months to a year or more.Abdominoplasty involves a recovery period of 10 to 14 days longer than most plastic surgical procedures. Initial discomfort and decreased mobility is typical. 3-5 days or more of assistance at home is usually indicated. You will be encouraged to move and walk regularly starting the day of surgery. Wearing your TED stockings at all times, except while washing, to prevent venous clots (deep vein thrombosis) is mandatory. Light activity is comfortable in 10-20 days. No sports or heavy lifting for 6 weeks or more – please discuss with your doctor for specific questions. Tweet

Thank you for your question. Of course it is best that you follow the advice of the plastic surgeon who is performing your surgery about how long to take off of work after tummy Tuck and breast surgery. A dental assistance job involves a lot of standing, using your upper body and arms, not to mention that you'll be exposed to many different people with different bacterial skin flora. My own opinion is that 3 weeks may be necessary for you to be comfortable returning to your work.

A tummy tuck is a big procedure and does require some getting used to after surgery.  If you have a desk job and your pain is relatively well controlled, and the overall degree of surgery is on the low-to-average range, then I think this amount of time if feasible.  If you do a lot of walking around, then you may plan to have a transition period at work (i.e. shorter work days to begin with or lighter duty).  You should be completely off narcotics prior to returning to work.  Consider a pain pump to help manage your post-op pain so you require less narcotics.  The recovery from the breast lift/implants is usually much easier to cope with and is common to address both of these at the same time.  I would be extra prepared to ensure that you prepare for the post-operative activity restrictions such as minimal lifting until you reach 4 weeks time (ideally six).  The more you make accommodations beforehand, the easier it is to cope with the recovery process.