I am having a mommy makeover and work as a nurse in a rehab. How long should I be taking off of work?
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missfluffy
- Florida, FL
- 1 year ago
Doctor Answers 13
If you do the surgery on a Friday and take the next week off [2 weekends (4 days) + 1 work week (5 days) = 9 days] you may be able to return to a desk job the following week. I don't think you will be very happy at work, and you might still have a drain in place.
On the other hand, if you take 2 full business weeks off [3 weekends (6 days) + 2 work weeks (10 days) = 16 days total] the makeover will be a fairly pleasant memory once you are all done. It is a much better idea to take this course.
I recommend to talk about this with your PS, he knows your medical history better than anyone.
Good luck :)
What a great question. If you are like most nurses and moms (like my wife) you tend to put yourself last and everyone else around you first! If you are recovering from surgery, you can not afford to do that! Please give yourself and your body time to heal. Don't rush it. If you start doing too much too soon, you can have serious complications - hematomas, seromas, infections, etc...
For most patients they need at least 7 to 10 days of downtime before they are ready to sit at a desk performing "light duty" without feeling too tired or uncomfortable - especially after such extensive surgery. Use this time to take care of yourself. Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, and loved ones. That is what they are there for and it is a way for them to give back to you all that you do for them.
And most people will need 6 weeks before they can do strenuous exercise or heavy lifting. This timeframe is based on how tissues heal in most healthy people.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you good health and happiness!
Planning ahead is key to giving yourself the appropriate time to heal. A Mommy Makeover is a combination of procedures to reverse the effects of pregnancy and weight gain. As is your case, it may involve breast augmentation, tummy-tuck, and liposuction. Everyone is different in terms of their ability to recover after surgery. You are young, at a good weight and I assume in good health based on your question. You have done well with the recovery after you c-section and I would anticipate that you will bounce back quickly following your Mommy Makeover. However, I would advise that you take plenty of time off to recover. You are investing a great deal of time, effort and money into improving yourself, and you want to protect your investment by giving yourself the appropriate time to heal. Taking a week off may work if everything goes smoothly, but you would be better off taking at least 10 to 14 days of to be sure you will feel up to going back to work. If it is possible to arrange for a flexible schedule once you return allowing you to leave early will give you additional time if necessary. It is better to overestimate the time needed to recover rather than go back too early. It generally takes 6 weeks to get your energy back and feel back to normal.
Our goal as Plastic Surgeons is not only to provide you with the good results you are looking for, but also to make it a safe and comfortable experience. I would recommend consulting with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
Best regards,
Andrew Lyos, MD, FACS
Web reference: http://www.lyosmd.com/before-and-after/mommy-makeover-before-and-after/
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My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram
Web reference: http://www.drsofer.com/mommy-makeover-before-and-after/
Thank you for your question. I would generally recommend 2-4 weeks off from work and any other strenuous activity. Most often the plastic surgeon determines where the patient falls in "time off" needed based on the type procedures being performed for the Mommy Make Over as well as the type job the patient has. Most importantly follow the post operative instructions your board certified plastic surgeon gives to you. I hope this helps and good luck with your recovery!
Web reference: http://www.camillecashmd.com/blog/six-things-know-before-mommy-makeover-houston/
I would suggest the following:
Make sure that your weight is stable, since these procedures are not a replacement for weight reduction.
You should see your primary physician before surgery and get medical clearance before undergoing the combination of procedures.
Make sure that you have the proper motivation to undergo the surgery and that you have realistic expectations.
Allow adequate time for recovery.
Patients who have young children should make sure they have enough help and support at home during the time of recovery.
Seek a consultation with a plastic surgeon that is a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and, ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.
Discuss your desired outcome with the surgeon and be fully informed of the pros and cons of the various surgical procedures
Know the risks as well as the benefits of the procedures.
Understand that healing occurs over several weeks and that you may not see the ultimate result for six months to one year, during which time the results improve.
Be aware that you will feel tired for several weeks after the procedure.
If the procedure is going to be performed in an office based facility, make sure it is accredited by an organization like the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities and that you be observed overnight in an appropriate facility that has had adequate monitoring.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions. You are a participant in your own care.
You can’t shorten the period of recovery, but you can lengthen it by not following instructions.
No matter whether you have an active lifestyle or sedentary a one, there should be no heavy lifting or strenuous exercises for 4-6 weeks.
Robert Singer, MD FACS
La Jolla, California
Web reference: http://www.rottmanplasticsurgery.com/tummy-tuck-baltimore/
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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