I’m a massage therapist, how much time will I need off after tummy tuck and breast lift with augmentation?

Healing and recovery are patient dependent. During recovery, you do not want to place a strain on your incision. Most of the time the incision is healed by 4 to 6 weeks. Swelling after a tummy tuck usually lasts 3 to 6 months, but most of the swelling is gone after a few weeks. You may find yourself hunched over for a few days post op; this can be attributed to a combination of repair and incision. The muscles have been irritated to a certain extent by plication and the surgery itself. The abdominal wall may need several months to get accustomed to the changes. Most patients need 1 to 2 weeks off before returning to a sedentary job and 6 weeks before strenuous activity. BL recovery may take up to two weeks. You do not want to do anything strenuous or that requires you to bend or stretch.

Dear Tummytuckbreastlift2021,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Recovery time is dependent on the patient. The incision is typically healed within 4-6 weeks. Most patients need approximately 2-6 weeks off depending on how involved surgery is. It is important to avoid applying strain on your incision during the recovery period. You should consult with a plastic surgeon in your area for further information.

Hi there, thank you for such a great question. Generally speaking, after approximately 2 months you will be restriction free and may resume normal activates. Depending on your type of work and employment, you may need up to 2 weeks off of work.

Dear TummyTuckBreastLift2021, thanks for sharing your question, in order to get a proper post op protocols may vary from surgeon to surgeon. I do recommend unless 8 weeks to go back to work. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks! Dr. Luis Mejia.

I appreciate your concerns and I would plan on holding off on any strenuous activity like massage therapy, weightlifting or even cardio for 4 to 6 weeks after mommy makeover surgery. Within the first four weeks the concern is bleeding within the pockets of your breast augmentation and the other concern is allowing plication of your abdomen to heal. discuss your concerns with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Thank you for sharing your question. I would typically recommend at least 6 weeks before returning to providing massages.

Typically patients can return to work in a non physically demanding job after about two weeks. Because your career requires physical exertion you will likely need longer, likely 4-6 weeks. If you are able it will probably benefit you to begin part time when you return to work in order to allow your body to adjust gradually. Your surgeon will advise you of recommended time off based on your surgical plan and how you're progressing through recovery.

Massage therapy efforts can take on many forms; stretch, deep tissue, hands, feet, total body, facial. It would be presumptuous to know your full range of effort.

It takes 6 weeks for wounds to obtain substantial strength with slow increases up to two years. This is true across mammalian species.

You won't want to stress with heavy efforts until healed. At 4 weeks wounds are at 50%. Moderate efforts seems reasonable at that stage. Use elbows and hands. Avoid peak pressures and long movements. Walk don't run.

I hope this helps in your scheduling.

ALWAYS best to ask your surgeon what his/her recommendations are.... In my practice I use 6-8 weeks as my earliest return to physical work schedule.