Estimated Time off of Work from Abdominoplasty with Complications?

asked 7 months ago by HollyG in Northern Wisconsin
Latest answer by Remus Repta, MD
Question viewed 142 times
Tags: 2 weeks post-op, time off work

I had an abdominoplasty with plication on 10/12/11. The procedure lasted around 4 1/2 hours. Later that same night while in recovery I had internal bleeding and had to undergo emergency surgery to stop the bleeding. That procedure lasted another four hours. I lost 3 pints of blood in total and two days postop required a blood transfusion (2 units). I am curious as to how much time off of work is typical for this situation. I have up to 12 weeks allowed through disability. Thank you!

8 answers to Estimated Time off of Work from Abdominoplasty with Complications?

It depends, but time off should be comparable to standard tummy tuck

Hello, The bleeding that you experienced may lead to an increased chance of pseudobursa or seroma formation but in general should not require that much more recovery time than a standard tummy tuck procedure--one without complications. Your estimated time of disability should be more than enough time. I would wear your compression garment religiously and have your doctor keep a close eye on you for seroma formation. All the best, Dr Repta

Remus Repta, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

Time off work after abdominoplasty

Most women need about 2 weeks off from work after an abdominoplasty and 3 or 4 weeks if their job is more physical. After complications such as bleeding that was stopped by return to surgery, you may need more time but by six weeks most poeple have healed enough to return to their jobs. The exact details will depend on your unique situation and should be something that you discuss with your individual surgeon.

Adam Hamawy, MD
Westchester Plastic Surgeon

Returning to work following an abdominoplasty with complications

Your disability time available should be far more than adequate to cover your time off from work. When you return would depend on multiple factors including your type of job (desk vs manual labor), the speed of your particular recuperation and your general healing. Your doctor can probably provide you with a more accurate answer. Here is a question to you: " Is your doctor a board certified plastic surgeon or another type of doctor?" The answer can be very important in your... more

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

Complicated tummy tuck and recovery

Some complications from tummy tuck can have a significant impact on your time back to work. Early bleeding after tummy tuck, and early intervention and correction can set you back several days, however the quick response to the situation certainly saved the day and you should do well and return with only a short delay. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Length of recovery after complications

Sorry to read about your complications. I hope you had surgery with a board certified plastic surgeon. I have never seen a case requiring transfusion in over 25 years in practice. Generally, patients can return to work two weeks after abdominoplasty but without knowing the cause for the bleeding and what surgical steps were taken to correct it, I can't comment on the duration of your recovery period. Speedy recovery to you!

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck, complications, and work

Thank you for your question. I'm sorry that you had this complication. It is safe to say that it will probably take at least 3-4 weeks to get off pain medication and start driving. You may not have the energy to get back to work for several weeks after that. 4-6 weeks is an estimate, but healing can take longer with complications. It is also going to be unpredictable how long your drains stay in place. Drain output can take longer to come down after this type of... more

J. Jason Wendel, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Time off work

There are 2 questions. The first is what you are allowed to do which was addressed well in the other post. The second is what you will have the energy to do. Having significant blood loss with prolong your recovery and one can not say how this will be for a given person.

Michael Hueneke, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck Recovery?

Thank you for the question. I'm sorry to hear about the complication you have experienced; hopefully remainder of your recovery will be very smooth. The time off of work will depend on how well you recuperate as well as what type of work you do. Both of these factors can be best assessed by your operating plastic surgeon. For most types of work, even with the complication that you have experienced, you should be okay to return 4 to 6 weeks after surgery (... more