Why am I feeling so tired 1 month post op? Had thigh lift 4 weeks ago I feel very tired and lethargic?

Question

I'm sleeping good just very tired no pain just stiff and still swollen. Went back to work Wednesday

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

There are many reasons that can cause your lethargy after surgery, including your age, overall health, and your own body's ability to heal and bounce back from surgery.  I advise every patient on how long to take time off work and how long to limit activity after work, giving standard advice to every patient, but the truth is that everyone recovers at a different pace.  If you are at all feeling short of breath or have swelling that extends into your lower legs and ankles, it is important to make sure that you don't have a blood clot that can be contributing to your symptoms, so follow up with your plastic surgeon is important at this early stage in your recovery.  If you lost a significant amount of blood during the procedure and/or were anemic going into surgery coupled with the blood loss during surgery, a low blood count could be another reason for your fatigue. But in all likelihood, it is simply going to take a little more time than average for you to recovery fully from surgery.  Best of luck with your continued recovery!

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your thigh lift, gene0022!
It’s normal to feel run down and fatigued up to six weeks after your thigh lift. After all, your body is still recovering, and wound healing takes months to complete.
Although you can definitely go back to work (provided it’s a desk job and it’s completely sedentary), I still advise you to devote ample time to rest and relaxation. Make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep a night and take naps in the afternoon. Watch your diet - avoid anything high-sodium because it will encourage fluid retention and increase your fatigue level. Avoid stressful situations and do gentle exercises.
And don’t forget to go on follow-up check-ups with your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon so he can monitor your recovery.
Best of luck!

Michael Hueneke, MD (retired) · Answer

Your fatigue could be due to a variety of reasons. The best person to ask is your surgeon. Maybe there is a cause that could be determined by an examination.

Carmen C. Munteanu, MD, FRACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question!
It is normal to feel tired, your body is recovering after a large surgery. Swelling testify for that.
Some sleepiness, extra rest needed, maybe medication as well.
However if you are concerned, see you surgeon or GP, you might need something else, you might be iron deficient and the surgery has just depleted you.
I am not sure about the extent of your surgery, sometimes it takes longer or some of the personal factors might influence in some way.
Going back to work pushes you further.
Take care and not be too harsh on yourself!

Why am I feeling so tired 1 month post op? Had thigh lift 4 weeks ago I feel very tired and lethargic?

Answers (4)

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