When can I return to work as a waitress?

Question

Will it be okah to return to work loftimg olates etc 5 weeks after tummy tuck and 3 weeks after breast reduction and lift

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I recommend that you give yourself six weeks to heal, with the main concern being the breast lift and reduction for the type of work that you are doing.  Please see your operating surgeon to see what he or she suggests regarding your post-op care.All the best,

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Assuming the plates and trays don't weigh more than 10 lbs, I think you could return to work at 5 weeks after your tummy tuck.Good luck with your recovery.

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  As each surgeon has their own set of post op instructions that they often will tailor around your recovery experience, discussing your concerns with your surgeon is the best course of action.  That being said, typically after breast augmentation and tummy tuck procedures we advise our patients to not lift anything over 5-10 lbs for the first several weeks.  Best regards,Dr. Lane F. Smith, MDPlastic SurgeonLas Vegas, NV

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Many people return to work that requires some kind of lifting of 15 pounds or more at about two weeks. This is only possible if the patient can make arrangements to have other people help them do this. It seems that as a waitress, you may be able to accomplish this.

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

Every surgeon has different preferences regarding time off work after surgery.  In general, I recommend that my tummy tuck patients not lift anything more than about 5-10 lbs for 6 weeks after surgery, so you would be cutting it close.  Be sure to check with your surgeon regarding his/her personal preferences.  It would be a shame to go through the expense and pain of surgery to have the results ruined by returning to heavy activity too soon.  Best of luck!

Karl William Schwarz, MD · Answer

You could return now. In general it is safe to resume all activities 6 weeks after any surgery as your incisions are usually 90% of the strength they will end up being at one year.

You could start exercise at six weeks as well. I have included a video on exercises after a Tummy Tuck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Typically patients can return to a non physically demanding job about two weeks after surgery.  Your situation is a bit different though.  Generally patients who have had a Mommy Makeover have lifting restrictions in place for six weeks.  After that time most can return to strenuous activity as long as their surgeon has cleared them.

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

Yes , 5 weeks post op seems like a good time to go back to work. Especially when it is with a job that requires a lot of physical activity. Best of luck

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

Typically a Mommy Makeover is a combination of some type of breast recontouring, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and and liposuction of the hips and thighs.  Of these 3 components tummy tuck requires the longest recovery.  You should plan on staying home for 2 weeks after a tummy tuck.  After that you can begin to reengage many day to day activities.  Athletic activities which create stress on the abdominal wall should be carefully reintroduced at 8 weeks progressing to 12 weeks.  More aggressive exercises such as sit ups and abdominal crunches should wait for up to 12 weeks.  Upper body restrictions will depend on the type of breast surgery performed.  If a breast lift, without an augmentation, or a breast reduction is performed it is best not to raise your arms high above your head until healing is achieved.  This normally takes up to 3 weeks.  Unrestricted upper body activity can normally be resumed at 4 weeks.  If an implant is used either for breast augmentation or in conjunction with a breast lift normal day-to-day upper body activities can normally be resumed in 2-4 days.  It is best not to lift more than 10-15 pounds for 4 weeks after an implant is placed.  Reintroduction of activity following liposuction is dependent on patient tolerance.  There are usually no specific restrictions associated with liposuction.  Considering these guidelines it would be best as a waitress to take off 4 weeks.  5 weeks is better.  Good luck

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I think it is best to prepare for a “recovery”  of 4 weeks after tummy tuck  surgery. Descriptions of recovery times shorter than this,  in my opinion, is over-promising. Of course, every patient's recovery experience is different; your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to returning to your specific occupation. He/she will know exactly how you are progressing ,whether or not you are experiencing any complications,  and exactly what type of activity you are returning to. I do have another word of advice for you. Patients who are about to undergo tummy tuck surgery spend a lot of time thinking about the physical preparation for the procedure (for example weight loss issues) but do not spend a lot of time thinking about the emotional aspects.It is not uncommon for patients who undergo the procedure to experience severe “mood swings”. These emotions may range from depression ( “why did I do this to myself”) to elation  (which may lead to over activity). I think it is helpful to be aware that these emotional swings do occur postoperatively.Suggestions I have for patients undergoing this procedure: 1. Make sure you have a strong support system in place who have time/patience to take care of you. 2. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. 3. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies. 4. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work too early and let others take care of you (for a change). 5. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience. 6. Keep in mind the end result!

When can I return to work as a waitress?

Answers (12)

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