Is two weeks enough after tummy tuck before going back to work?

Question

I'm getting a tummy tuck next month and I work retail, specifically in the clothing department. I spend my 6-9 hour shifts folding and hanging clothing. I am on my knees for maybe half that time folding low tables/shelves and picking up clothes. I generally do not sit down aside from my 15/30min break. Looking over other people's recoveries, I'm thinking I won't be able to be back at work after 2 weeks, which is what I already asked for from work.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Your surgeon will give you post-surgery care instructions that you should follow. 2 weeks tends to be average, and it may be sufficient if you haven’t had muscle repair done. However, since you spend most of the work day on your feet, with a lot of bending up and down, I would probably suggest a little longer than 2 weeks depending on your recovery rate and the extent of your tummy tuck.

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear Mommywolf,Thank you for your question. Recovery time to go back to work is different for everyone, and further depends on the type of tummy tuck you will be having. Based off  your job description, you may want to take more time off. You will still be significantly sore doing the activities you mentioned after two weeks, especially if you are planning on having a muscle repair. It is best to talk to your operating surgeon about your concerns. Best of luck!

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

All tummy tucks are not equal so it's important to determine what kind of tummy tuck you will have. Muscle tightening or no? Without muscle, you may be ok. With muscle  -  and a physical job like you have - you may want to take 3-4 weeks. If you have a surgeon, be sure to discuss the physical requirements of your job with her/him, so you can understand time off you will need after surgery. It's clear you don't want to impair your healing, which is an important concern to address now rather than later.
Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This may be enough time to return to work.  The key is not to put any stress on the incision.Kenneth Hughes, MD

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear MommyWolf,    Good luck on your up coming surgery . Recovery and return to work varies from patient to patient . It depends on your discomfort tolerance and type of work. I have patients who return to work after 3-4 days and others after 4-6 weeks. The average, though, return to work after one week, as long as no intense physical activity is required. In your type of work, since you took 2 weeks off, it would appear to me that it is about the right time for you. However, play it by ear and I am sure that your surgeon will extend your time off work if you will feel that it is necessary.               All the best,                                           Dr Widder

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Congratulations on your upcoming surgery.  Two weeks is exactly what I recommend for my patients.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Stefan Rene Adair, MD · Answer

6 weeks is the usual recovery for an abdominoplasty. One can perform light duty after 2-3 weeks, but any significant straining or lifting is ill advised until full recuperation. Seek consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Most of my patients can go back to light duty or desk work within two weeks.  Good luck with your surgery.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

I generally recommend two weeks off. If possible, request modified duty or advise your employer that the two week leave is subject to healing. Good luck!

Gaurav Bharti, MD, FACS · Answer

Timing for going back to work after body contouring depends on your surgeon preference and your level of activity needed at work.  It is not uncommon for my patients to be back at work after 2 weeks but I will make sure patients can take longer off if needed or resume lighter duty work initially.  Goodluck.

Is two weeks enough after tummy tuck before going back to work?

Answers (12)

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