I'm a Nail Tech, when Can I Go Back to Work After Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation?

   Return to nonstrenuous work activities can probably begin at 1 to 2 weeks, depending upon the nature of the surgery and the pain tolerance of the individual.  No strenuous activity should be performed for at least 4 to 6 weeks.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Great question!

 

The answer to this really depends on how active you are at work and how much potential lifting you may be doing.  If you are working at a desk and not doing much lifting, you're probably fine to return to work in about 1.5-2 weeks but you really need to listen to your body.  

 

For the most part, my patients are generally back to relatively normal activities within 2 weeks but everyone is a little different.  Going back too quickly will increase your risk for wound healing complications and seromas and so it only makes sense to take an adequate amount of time to allow your body to fully heal. 

 

Best of luck.  I hope that helps!

Thank you for your question.

This is an important part of your overall healing and outcome.  If you try to do too much too soon you may have complications.  In general, at least 2 weeks  minimum should be taken off before returning back to work.  If you are not responsible for lifting anything heavy at work than it should be okay for you being a nail tech.  However, expect to feel tired mid-way through your day.  Starting back 1/2 days sometimes helps ease one back into your regular routine.

Best wishes,

Brian Joseph MD FACS

A mommy makeover typically involves a tummy tuck and breast augmentation with or without a breast lift.  The breast part is the easiest to recover from.  The tummy tuck is what requires the longest recovery.  Typically 2 weeks are required until patients really start getting their energy back.  At that time they can drive a car and resume normal day to day activities.  Patients who have a desk job can often get back to half days at that time.  A full day a work can be too tiring.  By three weeks returning to work full time for a desk type job is realistic.  If the job is more strenuous then more time may be needed.  I imagine that manicures are easier than pedicures and by two weeks I could see getting back to work for half days to do manicures.  It would probably take three-four weeks before you could do full days of both manis and pedis.  I hope this helps.  Good luck and make sure you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

In general, I allow my patients to return to work 10-14 days after a tummy tuck and breast enhancement. I ask that they not perform heavy lifting or strennuous activity for 4 weeks. In your case, I would not recommend bending down, for prolonged periods of time, for 4 weeks after surgery. Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.