How long to return to work after tummy tuck with muscle repair?

Really depends on what your job entails. I see women in my practice who work on road construction, landscaping and in the steel mills. They generally need 6-8 weeks off before they can return. Patients with more sedentary jobs like working in an office generally need 4-6 weeks. My realtors and others who work from home can go back to part time work once the drains come out - often in 2-3 weeks. Good luck

Most patients will be
placed in an abdominal binder, which they will wear the first week. There is
usually a fair amount of swelling and the binder should be opened  several times a day so that there are no
pressure points. After the first 7 to 10 days the patient is placed in an
elastic garment for compression over the next six weeks.

Swelling can persist for
several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months,
six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and
penis area for men can become very swollen and discolored during the first two
weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.

You can return to full
activity without restrictions at 6 weeks.

Good question, but one that does not have an exact answer.  Most of my patients will not return to work until after 2-3 weeks.  This depends on how fast a patient is recovering and what type of job they will be returning to.  Patients who follow post op instructions by eating well, drinking a lot of fluids, taking vitamins, ambulating often, taking deep breaths, and taking prescribed medications as ordered seem to recover more quickly.  Best of luck to you.,

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your tummy tuck surgery. Most patients are cleared to return to work four to six weeks following a tummy tuck.  This time frame may vary depending on your occupation.  It is best to have an in-person follow up examination with your plastic surgeon for recommendations regarding what you should and should not be doing at this time. Good luck in your recovery.

     For most patients, the muscle repair done with the majority of abdominoplasties or 'tummy tucks' is the limiting factor in returning to work or other activities.  Recovery is a gradual process and not a set event so it does go through stages.  Much will depend upon the type of work and whether or not the abdominal muscles are engaged in the work activity.  The muscle repair involves the rectus muscles and these are activated in most movements in the trunk or core of the body.  The answer will also depend upon your pre operative physical condition, the extent of your repair, and the amount of stress or lifting involved at your job.  It would be best to discuss these issues clearly with your surgeon and get specific and personalized advice.  Wearing a support garment or binder is usually helpful during the early stages of recovery.