Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Back to Work One Week Post TT?

Since my husband and I work together and carpool, and I have a desk job, is it possible I could have a tummy tuck and take just one week off of work?

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27 Doctor Answers | Asked by Sinderella414 in Scottsdale, Arizona

Doctor Answers (27)
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Take two weeks off for a tummy tuck!

I routinely perform abdominoplasties (tummy tucks) with liposuction and I think it is important to plan to have two weeks off. I have had patients that went back to work at one week and I think they did fine, but really most of them wished they had taken a second week off. Even at a desk job, prolonged sitting can be quite uncomfortable after a tummy tuck and it is something to expect. If you attempt to go back at one week, you will not have your "usual" stamina... more

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Not all Tummy Tucks are alike and not all women heal at the same rate or return to the same level of activity. While some women can return to desk jobs in as early as 7 days, it is best to allow yourself a more realistic period of 10 - 14 days off. You can always return to work sooner if you are feeling up to it. Dr. Peter Aldea

Recovery Time after Tummy Tuck Varies

The time required to remain off work following a TT varies, both with patients as well as job requirements. It certainly is possible that you could return to a desk job one week post-op if you husband drives you. I would plan on 10-14 days, however, and return a bit early if your surgeon concurs. Some patients whose jobs entail lifting and straining may need 4-6 weeks before returning to work.

When to go back to work after a tummy tuck

Patients who have this procedure should anticipate a significant recovery process. In our practice, we tell patients that their recovery time will depend on the procedures that we perform as part of the surgery, their own physical health, and the rate at which the body heals. Many of our patients are able to return to work 10 to 14 days after surgery. We ask all patients to take at least two weeks off after the surgery for a recovery. If they heal rapidly and feel like they are ready to... more

Return to work after a tummy tuck

A one week return to work after a TT is a bit ambitious as you will find out after the surgery is done. You will slow the overall recovery down by not giving the early recovery the necessary time. I'd wait 10-14 days if I were you.

Return to work after tummy tuck

Each patient is different and can tolerate a different level of discomfort (which in the case of an abdominoplasty, also depends on how much the abdominal tissue was tightened). For most people with desk jobs, a return to work after 1 week is reasonable. You have someone to drive you to work so that should make it easier. As you recover and return to work activities, make sure you are not taking any narcotic medications that could affect your driving or decision making ability. more

TT recovery

The recovery from an abdominoplasty varies on many things, including whether their is need for rectus muscle plication. This part of the procedure can cause more discomfort and lengthen recovery time. If this is not required, it is not unreasonable for a patient to return to a desk job after one week but I always recommend 10-14 days. Every patient heals differently and interprets pain in their own way, so recovery and functional capacity vary among each... more

Returning to Work After Tummy Tuck

You should be OK to return to a desk job 7-10 days after your tummy tuck surgery. You may still have a drain in place and you may get tired at work easily. Remember, you are still healing from your procedure. But talk to your surgeon to get his/her thoughts.

Return to work 1 week after tummy tuck

The operative word you use is: "is it possible?" but the real question is: "is it likely that you will be back to work at one week following abdominoplasty?". That is a more difficult question to answer and I generally advise my patients to plan 2 weeks off. Your recovery will depend on several factors including the extent of the surgery (mini versus full), muscle repair and pain tolerance.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Back to work one week after Tummy Tuck reasonable for desk job if no complications of surgery

Recovery time for tummy tuck varies with the procedure. If you have a desk job with no lifting and if you have had a minor tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck you may well be able to return to work after a week. This assumes no complications and that your wound is healing well with no drains in place. If you have a major or full tummy tuck with muscle repair of a Diastasis Recti you may well need 10 days to two weeks for recovery. Of course this will depend on your surgeons... more

Returning to work after a tummy tuck

Thanks for the question. It is reasonable to expect to be back to work one week following a tummy tuck given that you work at a desk job. Ideally, at this point, the drains will be removed and you will be fairly mobile, although still with discomfort. In our practice we restrict our patients from heavy lifting for a period of no less than 8 weeks. Proceed with caution and use common sense if you do decide to return to work. Best of luck, Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS... more

Recovery after a tummy tuck

There are several factors that determine when you can go back to work after a tummy tuck. Some of the most important ones are how fit you are, how extensive your tummy tuck was, how physical your job is and your pain tolerance. In general 10-14 days is a good estimate of back to work time for a desk job, after a small tummy tuck in a fit person. Although the pressures to return to work may be significant - best not to overdo it by going back too early.

Returning to work after a tummy tuck

It is possible to return to work one week after a tummy tuck, provided that all is perfect, and you do not need to do any heavy lifting. You will probably feel winded and tired a bit more than usual after surgery.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Return to work 1 week after tummy tuck

It is possible to return to work after one week after an abdominoplasty, just keep in mind you won't be at 100% of your preoperative energy level. You will tire much more easily. Plan ahead. You may not be able to stand completely upright. You will still be sore. Not pain, more like you really overdid it at the gym 2 days ago. Ibuprofen will be your friend. You may have a drain or two. Wear creative clothing and make sure they don't get caught... more

It's possible to go back to a desk job 1 week after a tummy tuck but don't count on it.

Most patients a week after a tummy tuck are up and about. They can get in and out of a car and walk up and down stairs. But not all. One has to factor in the variables associated with conalescence and make a prediction.

Working just one week after tummy tuck

With courage and motivation, and the right kind of job, working may be possible one week after tummy tuck. If your job is physical in the least, or you must do the driving, two weeks is a better solution. The amount of discomfort will depend on the muscle laxity and tightening which can be different for some. Try planning two weeks off, and then go back a week early if you can. This can help you avoid frustration or discouragement. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Tummy tuck downtime

Most people are able to return to work by 10-14 days after a tummy tuck. One week would be calling it close as you may still have some discomfort. Also if you overdo it too soon it could lead to healing complications such as delayed healing of the incision with worse scarring, fluid collection or infection. Despite returning to work at 10-14 days, full recovery and return to all activities takes 4-6 weeks.

Recovery & return to work after Tummy Tuck

Recovery after tummy tuck depends on a lot of factors. Generally, I recommend taking off 10 to 14 days. However, you must consider the following factors before taking time off. First, the extent of the surgery. There is mini tummy tuck to full-tummy tuck. Second, the occupation. People with desk job are able to return to work sooner. Third, Pain and discomfort. Since pain and discomfort is a subjective thing, people differ on the amount of discomfort experienced after tummy tuck. Fourth,... more

One week off for a Tummy Tuck

One week is pushing it for a tummy tuck. If you are thin and do not need diastasis repair, then you may be okay. Otherwise, I would recommend at least 10 days office. Perhaps have it on a Thursday, take the entire next week off, see your doctor on the next Monday and then return to work. However, ever patient is different so it is impossible to tell you with certainty. Good Luck.

Recovery time varies significantly by procedure and person

Everyone is different in how soon they can return to work after surgery. A major factor is the physical requirements of your work. As long as you are off of all pain medications (narcotics), many people with sedentary jobs (office/desk) can return to work by a week. It may take longer if you have to lift heavy objects or are on you feet much of the day.

Back to Work One Week Post TT?

It is possible but not probable! Best to take 2 weeks for healing and your safety. Healing time is longer on larger surgeries. From MIAMI DR. Darryl J. Blinski

Returning to work after a Tummy Tuck

It really depends on how extensive your tummy tuck was to determine if you will be able to return to work after a week. You will most likely still have drains in so you may find some minor irritation from them. I would recommend asking your plastic surgeon what he thinks would be the best option for you....

Time off work after Tummy Tuck

Yes, it is possible especially under the circumstances that you give. The main issue will be your discomfort level. I have had many patients get back tto work very soon after tummy tuck but it depends on the patient.

Back to work after tummy tuck

The recovery after a tummy tuck is dependent to some degree on what is done. Pain is usually caused by irritation or sutures in the muscles and the degree of tightening. Some patients do not need muscle tightening. Recover is also dependent n the soft tissues (skin) healing without complications and the tighter you make the skin the higher the likelihood of delayed healing. While you might expect and plan for a one week recover back to a sedentary job, you should make contingencies if you... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Can I return to week 1 week after a tummy tuck?

The answer is...it depends. If you truly have a desk job and are not incredibly mobile, then you are probably fine to go back to work. If you are doing any significant lifting, bending, or stooping then you should probably take at least 10 days and maybe 2 weeks before you return. Increased activity following a tummy tuck can increase the risk for development of a seroma and so you should really use caution following your procedure. I would follow the... more

Abdominoplasty and time off from work

I like my patients to take at least 7-10 days off from work and there are many reasons why this is preferred. The more you move around the more fluid you will produce in your drains and that means the longer they stay in and even after the drains come out you still want to minimize your activity so that you do not develop a seroma. The other factor is the incision, the more time you allow that incision to heal with no stress the better it will heal. Even though you state that you only... more

Tummy Tuck Surgery Post-Operative Restrictions

In my practice I recommend that my tummy tuck patients take off at least 7-10 days after the procedure. Normally at the 6the day they are seen post operative and I remove a JP drain. After the drain is removed the patient is more comfortable and then can return to her work. If the drain is still removing fluid at your post-operative visit then it needs to remain for a few more days. As you add more activity earlier in the post operative stage then you may again have... more