I'm a local truck driver, and I'm getting ready to have a tummy tuck. How long should I wait to go back to driving?

The best advice will come from your PS as the answer to this question depends upon your anatomy and the skill of the PS. I only tighten the abdominal wall to return it to an anatomic norm rather than tighten it as much as possible. This produces a functional result without producing prolonged discomfort.  You will likely be bent over for a few days following the TT because of the tightening of the deep layer muscle fascia and the removal of lower abdominal skin. Two weeks recovery is probably a reasonable period of time before returning to a sedentary job or normal day-to-day activities. You should not engage in strenuous activity for 6 weeks although walking or light cardio, and short distance driving can likely be resumed at two weeks. My patients typically wear an adjustable compression garment as much as possible for six weeks.  Should the swelling resolve faster than usual, they will opt for a smaller size garment.  I have received no complaints about wearing the garment other than its itchy quality.  Wearing a soft t-shirt under it resolves this problem.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

HI Teresa,  You need to be careful when returning to work as a truck driver, especially if you need to load heavy things. Jumping in and out of a cab also will be strenuous and could result in a breakdown of your wound.If you are driving long distances and sitting for prolonged periods, you can also increase your chances of having a blood clot in your legs ( this is a well known risk for TT's). The blood clot, in some instances, can lead to a pulmonary embolism which is very serious.If you were my patient, I would advise a rest period, especially if you abdominal muscles are tightened, for 5-6 weeks after surgery.Best Wishes and Good luck!Dr. Christine Rodgers

Recovery time following a tummy tuck depends primarily on how extensive the
procedure is, whether the abdominal muscles were repaired, and your individual
ability to heal. It also depends on your type of work. Following a tummy tuck,
most patients are able to work at home during the first week and resume
returning to work at a sedentary job in 1-2 weeks. Driving long distances without strenuous lifting should be delayed 3-4 weeks. However, in a patient with a
strenuous job requiring heavy lifting, I would recommend waiting 4-6 weeks.
You should discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon, who should be
certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), that you trust and are
comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.
It is important to follow all of his or her instructions.
Robert Singer, MD FACS
La Jolla, California