I am having a mommy makeover and work as a nurse in a rehab. How long should I be taking off of work?

Hello and thank-you for your question.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

Since you are having a tummy tuck as part of your mommy makeover, I typically advise patients to take two weeks (schedule on a Friday and it will reduce the actual work days that you need to miss). However, you will need to avoid strenuous exercise for an additional 4 weeks. My best,Dr. Sheila Nazarian@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Thank you for your question. A common concern for patients preparing for a mommy makeover surgery is how long is recovery. I usually advise my patients that 2 weeks is an appropriate amount of time to be out of work (returning to light duty). 4-6 weeks you can resume normal activities of daily living.  I would recommend consulting with your board certified plastic surgeon for further individualized advice.

Thank you for your question.  Depending on the amount of heavy lifting you would be expected to perform (moving, pushing, pulling patients) I would recommend taking off between 4 and 6 weeks to allow for a comfortable recovery.   You would be able to do light duty at 2 weeks, if this is a possibility, but speak to your surgeon. They can offer you a better idea of timing based on the details of your MM. 

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!