I’m a truck driver wanting TT and BBL. Is it possible for me to have these procedures done?

Question

I work 12 hr shifts 5 days a week, and lift 50/75lbs frequently. Is it even possible for me to have these procedures done? How long would recovery take? Are these procedures covered by FMLA?

William Bruno, MD · Answer

The recovery from a combined tummy tuck and BBL would be about a week and a half with no heavy lifting for four to six weeks. Consult with a few plastic surgeons in person to be sure you are a good candidate for this, as you must avoid direct sitting for about 3-4 weeks. You may be able to drive with the assistance of a pillow to reduce trauma to the fat cells in the buttock area.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Robert Frank, MD · Answer

A BBL requires staying off your butt for at least a couple weeks if not longer. With your line of work, I don't think you'll be able to go back for four weeks (by that, I mean a job where you'll be sitting without relief for hours at a time). Good luck.

Ashley B. Robey, MD · Answer

It is possible to perform an abdominoplasty and a Brazilian butt lift at the same time. I usually recommend 2 weeks of no strenuous activity and 6 weeks of lifting less than 15 pounds. Transferring fat to the buttocks as part of a Brazilian butt lift also comes with postoperative sitting restrictions - usually 2 weeks of no sitting and another 2-3 weeks of sitting restrictions after this. Many patients are able to utilize their FMLA coverage if the surgery is for a "serious health condition" or if an overnight stay is required. For the duration of surgery you are proposing, an overnight stay would likely be recommended. So, yes, it is possible you could get FMLA coverage, but not definitely.

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear amberd4wn28,Thank you for yoru question. I usually advise my patients to avoid doing a Tummy Tuck and BBL at the same time. There are some surgeons who will do both procedures, but it greatly increases the risks and also is extremely uncomfortable for the patient. After a tummy tuck, you cannot lie on your belly and after a BBL you cannot lie on your backside. So...you really don't have a good side to lie on while you are recovering. Usually cosmetic procedures are not covered by FMLA. For my patients 3-4 weeks at a minimum before you can proceed with strenuous activity. Most are back to work much earlier than that but for a physical job it would likely be 4 weeks. Good luck,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  Real Self Hall of Fame

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello Amber,Great question. Based on your description, it is possible to have both procedures performed at the same time. Recovery time will be around 6-8 weeks. Please visit a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed surgical plan to achieve your desired results.

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for sharing with us your question.
The recovery time for this combination it will be between 6- 8  weeks, the healing time is different for every patients. You should avoid bending, pushing or lifting.
And for FMLA policy you need to work with your HR department.
Best of luck,
Dr. Quiroz!

Deborah Sillins, MD · Answer

It would take 4-6 weeks before you could perform any heavy lifting. Also to drive a truck would take a good month to feel comfortable.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  You may wish to consider separating the procedures into two, but a tummy tuck requires at least 2-3 weeks of recovery and 6-8 weeks prior to lifting heavier equipment, while a BBL would require you to avoid sitting on your glutes for a similar length of time. I would discuss your concerns with an ASPS surgeon to ensure you have the requisite recovery time available.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is possible for you to have these procedures done given your work requirements.  With your occupation you will want to give yourself plenty of time to heal.  You will be limited in the amount of weight you can lift for about 6-8 weeks.  The best place to begin is a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more about the procedures and to determine if you are good candidate.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. They can be done in your case. It will take 6-8 weeks before you lift heavy weights. Please consult with a board certified PS for evaluation.

I’m a truck driver wanting TT and BBL. Is it possible for me to have these procedures done?

Answers (13)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (13)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Tummy tuck 8 weeks ago and I've had discharge coming out of my belly button. PS says he will need to cauterize the wound?

Can you have a tummy tuck after being diagnosed with pancreatitis? (Photos)

Will an extended tummy tuck smooth out my upper outer thigh? (photos)

How do the costs and results of a floating abdominoplasty compare to a traditional TT?

Can I get a tummy tuck surgery if I only have 1 kidney?

8 weeks post-op and stomach is still as distended as it was pre surgery. I don’t look like I had anything done. Advice? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS