I'm a hairdresser. I want a tummy tuck/inc. muscles & breast lift at the same time. How long would I need to be out of work?

Recovery times can vary from person to person, and the duration you'll need to be off work after a tummy tuck with muscle tightening and a breast lift can depend on several factors:

Physical Healing: The initial recovery phase typically lasts around 1-2 weeks, during which you might experience discomfort, swelling, and limited mobility. You might need to refrain from physically demanding activities during this time.

Surgical Technique: The specific surgical techniques used and the extent of the procedures can influence your recovery. Muscle tightening during a tummy tuck might require a longer recovery period compared to a simple skin excision.

Individual Healing: Your body's natural healing process and how well you respond to surgery can impact your recovery time.

Job Requirements: The nature of your job and the physical demands it entails can affect when you're able to return to work. Jobs that involve heavy lifting or strenuous activities might require a longer time off compared to sedentary work.

In general, most individuals can plan for a recovery period of around 2-4 weeks before considering returning to work after a tummy tuck and breast lift performed simultaneously. However, it's essential to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions and guidelines for activity and recovery.

Your surgeon will provide personalized advice based on your specific case, taking into account the extent of the procedures and your overall health. They will guide you on when it's safe for you to resume work and activities based on your individual healing progress.

Hi djcacciatore123,
For breast only surgery, I typically tell patients they'll have a five pound lifting restriction and should avoid repetitive motions of the arms (which move the pectoralis and can promote fluid collection) for four weeks.
When you add a tummy tuck, things get more complicated. A tummy tuck removes the lower abdominal skin and fat and closes the defect with a combination of undermining the upper abdominal skin to the costal margin (rib edge) and sitting you up in bed. Most women won't be able to stand up fully straight for the first three weeks, and will have lower abdominal tightness when standing straight up for at least four weeks after surgery.
Finally, your body is diverting all of its energy to healing and you can expect to tire out pretty quickly. If your goal is to stand up straight, have your arms up/out cutting hair, and work a full day without tiring out, I think that six weeks would be the earliest you'd want to return to work (and I'd suggest returning at half days to start!).
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Hi & thanks for your question.
Realistically I would give yourself 2 - 3 weeks. No lifting for 3 weeks. You need to give you body time to heal. Reach out to your surgeon for his/her guidelines/protocol. Best wishes