Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Are my Tummy Tuck Expectations Unrealistic?

I am 30 years old, generally healthy, active, etc. I am going in for my first consult next week for a TT and possible breast augmentation (TT is my priority).

I don't have a lot of time available to take off work and was wondering if it's possible for me to have a TT on a Friday, take the next week off, and return the following Monday (so 9 full days off work). I have a sitting job - not much physical involved, and a co-worker said she'd help me if anything did need lifted or whatever. Is it possible for me to go back to work after 9 days?

My previous surgeries, and recovery, include: c/section - 1994, up and around following day, cleaning hospital room two days later 'cuz I was going stir crazy (LOL) laparoscopic tubal ligation, 2003 - hockey game 3 days later ablation, 2006 - no down time supra-cervical hysterectomy, 2008 - took a week off work and went stir crazy.

Went shopping 3 days post surgery, and while "uncomfortable" was still able to walk the mall and go to a parade later that evening. Any advice is appreciated (and I realize I need to talk to my PS myself).

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23 Doctor Answers | Asked by observingsarah in Cleveland, Ohio

Doctor Answers (23)
Community Comments (0)

You should be fine.

One to two weeks off from work should be fine for you, especially since you have a sitting job. I have found that if you are an active person, rarely call in sick to work, and get out of bed the first time your alarm goes off in the morning then you are the type of person who will quickly return to your normal activities after a surgery. Good Luck. David Shafer, MD New York City

Possible but not advised

Hi there- I have done tummy tucks on patients and had them go back to work after 9 days, and for the most part they do fine and still reach their goals eventually, but there is no question in my mind that these patients seem to experience more "bumps in the road" if you will. The increased activity of simply being at work, and the poor attention to nutrition and self-care that it unfortunately often leads to (once we get busy at work, its often hard to pay attention to our... more

Recovery post tummy tuck

A 10 day period of time off is about right for a young, healthy patient with a high pain tolerance, as you seem to have. Patients should remember to keep their legs elevated during the postoperative period, to stay well hydrated, and take frequent walks, to reduce the chance of pulmonary embolism. Most patients report that they are very tired by the end of the day that first Monday back at work, but they did it. Exercise is of course a different matter. We advise our patients to wait 2... more

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You could probably do it

Assuming you find an excellent surgeon who does a significant number of tummy tucks, you could be back at a sitting job in 9-10 days. This is especially true if you have a positive and calm personality rather than a negative anxious one.

Tummy tuck and breast augmentation recovery

While 9 days is a reasonable time to recover from a straightforward tummy tuck, it is difficult to determine if that will be your experience given the limited information. Not all tummy tucks are the same and not all recoveries ar the same. I have some patients who drive themselves to the first visit at 3-4 days while others are still in a wheelchair at 3 weeks. Furthermore, you are also adding on a breast augmentation which if implants are placed under the muscle could add significants... more

You should be recovered enough from a tummy tuck 10 days before for a desk job.

Most patients are drain free and moving about for routine daily activities in 10 days. You will not be 100% but should be feeling well enough to return to a desk job. You will probably feel really tired by the end of the day but would not jeopardize the results of the operation.

Recovery post tummytuck and breast augmentation surgery

Depending on the severity and complexity of the case, many women need about 2 weeks to heal after having multiple procedures such as a tummy tuck and breast augmentation. However, everyones pain tolerance is different and the recovery time may vary as well. Since your job does not require any strenuous activity, you may be able to return to work depending on how you feel during that point of your recovery. Consult with your board certified plastic surgeon before returning to work if you... more

Can you go back to work 9 days after a tummy tuck?

You sound like you handle pain quite well, given your early return to activity after prior surgeries. You likely won't have a problem getting back to a desk job after only 9 days. You should expect to feel quite tired, though, as a tummy tuck is very different surgery from what you've had before. This early return to work is also predicated upon your having no complications after surgery. If something unforeseen arises, you may not be able to get back to... more

Recovery time for a tummy tuck

By about 2 weeks, most women are back to doing non-stressful daily activities. At 9 days you may be fine for return to your job. I would stress no heavy lifting. You will likely still be in a support garment and I would advise working only part time for the first few days until you are sure you can work a full day. If your muscles are tightened, this can lead to a longer recovery period, so this is important to discuss with your surgeon.

David Bogue, MD

6 reviews

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Women heal at different rates, have differing pain thresholds and have different motivations. Women such as yourself should be able to go back to a desk job in 9-12 days after Tummy Tuck surgery. Dr. Aldea

Peter A. Aldea, MD

35 reviews

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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