How long after a panniculectomy can someone return to desk job? No lifting or physical activity, mainly data entry.

Thank you for your question.  In general I recommend at least waiting a week or two to go back to work.  You will likely still be sore, but getting back into routine is a great way to speed recovery.  The first week you still may need narcotic pain killers, and that can affect your capacity to function at work.  The bigger concern is to keep moving the first few weeks after surgery.  Panniculectomy has been proven to be a risk factor for developing blot clots in the legs (DVT), so concentrating on frequent walking would be better than sitting at a desk all day at work early on.

Hi. Two weeks for returnign to work will be ok, if as you said you do not lift weight.
International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)

We would suggest 2 weeks off of work after a panniculectomy, if you can. The soonest we would request would be 1 week, but with a "bail-out" plan in case you did not feel up to it. Often within the first week, you are still going to be taking pain medication, and this can hinder your ability to drive and to do your job to your best ability. Patients can also still have drains at 7-10 days postoperatively, so that my not be comfortable at your job as well. Consult your BC Plastic Surgeon for your specific time frames!Best of Luck!