Returning to work as a dental assistant after Tummy Tuck.

Your plastic surgeon would be the best one to advise you, but figure 3 or more weeks to return to work as a dental hygienist. Light walking but not running begins immediately after surgery once you are home. In general for most of my patients, after the operation, basic exercises are recommended, such as walking immediately and progressive activities beginning on the third week. Walking can usually begin in a few days after surgery. Normal activity may be resumed at 3-6 weeks post operation to tolerance and that would include elliptical and light cardio. At 6 weeks core exercises especially crunches (starting slowly and building each week to tolerance) is particularly helpful to show your results following a tummy tuck. Specific time periods for resumption of daily activities, work, and exercise with be further discussed by your surgeon post surgery.

There is no definite time period for return to work after a tummy tuck because everybody heals differently.  You most certainly cannot return to work while you still have drainage tubes in place because of the risk of infection, and the increased mobility will slow down your body's ability to stop draining fluid.  Drainage tubes are normally present for 7-10 days but can take longer based on a patient's size and activity level.  Once the drains are removed then you can return to your employment providing you do not have to lift anything too heavy or bend over too frequently.  Make sure that you stay wrapped really tightly so that you minimize swelling that can occur with you being on your feet all day.             Good luck!

As a dental hygienist I think you would be able to return comfortably to work in About a week to 10 days. Previous C-section should have no significant effect on your convalescence.