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.

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.

Good question.  Tummy tuck is a tough recovery, no question about it, but generally not as bad as people think it to be.  You should be up and walking around your house the day of surgery.  Within a few days, you should be able to take a couple 10 minute walks outside.  By the end of the first week, you should be off pain medicine, and back to most normal daily activities.  With you job, I'd estimate you'd be completely fine to return at 2 weeks.  You can also start light gym at 2 weeks, moderate gym at 3 weeks, and whatever you'd like at 1 month.  Hope this helps!

  Most patients need 1 to 2 weeks off before return to a sedentary job.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

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!

I agree with all of the comments. Usually about 2 weeks off from work will be sufficient. I would get clearance from your surgeon.

If you have an uneventful recovery it is likely that you could return to work in 2 weeks. Your surgeon will be able to evaluate your particular situation and the type of work you do and provide you with the best guidance. Your previous C-section should not affect your recovery. Good luck.For a simple and illustrated explanation of tummy tuck and body contouring
procedures, watch my video.

Most likely you can plan to return to work in 10 to 14 days after an abdominoplasty.  Ask you plastic surgeon for his recommendations.  

Most of the time in my practice I have patients wait for 2 weeks before going back to a light weight type of workplace.  Many times they are ready to go back in one week, but it is smart to have more time available if needed.  Good Luck, Gaurav Bharti

If there is any way to do it, I would recommend three weeks off for such a physically demanding job. If that is not realistic, consider returning to work part time to start and see how it goes. Two weeks would be an absolute minimum in my opinion.