How long after a tummy tuck and breast lift can I return to work? I have a desk job.

A tummy tuck is a life changing surgery but it does take a bit of time to recover.  I usually tell patients that they are moving slow the first few days, are gonna feel pretty good by a week and will want to get back to everything by two weeks.  A desk job...you could get back to in a week.  If you have the option for a second week even better.Dr Rodger ShorttOakville Plastic Surgeon Assistant Clinical Professor &Director of Cosmetic Surgery Training,McMaster UniversityPerforming plastic surgery for Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Georgetown, Milton, Hamilton and Toronto.

Every patient heals differently, I tell my patients who have a desk job that they will probably be able to return to work within 10 to 14 days. Good luck.

Your return to work will really depend on your individual recovery.  Typically though, patients in my practice take two weeks off work before returning to a desk job and at least 6 weeks before resuming strenuous excercise or physical activity.  Best to allow a minimum of two weeks.

The tummy tuck is a major operation associated with major physical and emotional recovery time. As you can imagine, every patient's experience will differ after the procedure. Therefore, return to work times will differ from one patient to another. Ultimately, your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to guiding you; he/she will see how you are doing and whether or not you have experienced any complications or set backs.Generally speaking, most patients are able to return to a “desk job” about 2-3 weeks after surgery; more strenuous activity (such as your job) may require 4 to 6 weeks of time off (or longer). In my opinion, promises of returning to work earlier than this is overpromising.If you do decide to return to work as scheduled, do not be surprised if you fatigue much quicker; probably best not to return to 12 hour shifts immediately. Generally, it may take patients several months before they are back to full strength and stamina.For the sake of patients considering the tummy tuck surgery in the future: it is a major operation which again involves a significant physical and emotional recovery ( often underestimated by surgeons and patients alike). A few words of advice may be helpful:
1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself) and that you have realistic expectations. Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life situation. You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.
2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.
3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.
4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.
5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina of your caretakers.
6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.
7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.
8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).
9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience.
10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.
11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.
I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.

This is a great question! Following a tummy tuck and breast lift or reduction procedure easing back into normal daily routines is key. Yes it is common for patients to go home the same day following these procedures although this does not mean you are jumping right back into daily life. You will find that your posture for the first 5-7 days may be a little forgiving due to the tightness from the tummy tuck and that you may require help getting up from a sitting or lying position, which this is all perfectly normal. I typically will find my patients are easing back into there daily routine around 10-14  days post-operative. I request, if possible, a full 2 weeks off of work following surgery and then only returning to low activity work much like a desk job. If you are unable to take the full 2 weeks at minimum 1 week with both weekends allowing for 9 days before returning to a low impact job. This is to allow your body time to heal. These are large surgeries you are having at the same time which is handled very well by patients although it is important to understand the need to recover as well. It is difficult sometimes to slow our lives down for recovery and healing but I promise it is worth it in the end. I do hope you have found this information helpful and I wish you luck!