Desk job & tummy tuck recovery?

Question

I am 15 days post tummy tuck surgery and feel well enough to return to work. I am an attorney, so I spend the majority of my day sitting and working from my desk. I've read sitting for prolonged periods of time post tummy tuck surgery can be problematic and cause excess fluid to collect in your pelvic area, seroma, etc. Is this a concern and/or is there a time-frame guideline and/or any helpful recommendations for this type of work/post surgery situation? Thank you!!

Luke J. Curtsinger, MD · Answer

It sounds like you are doing very well.  Congratulations!  My patients typically return to a desk job in 1-2 weeks, so you are ready when you are ready.  I advise that you move about every 60-90 minutes to avoid swelling and to keep the blood flowing through your veins.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Healing and recovery are patient dependent.  You should feel well enough to return to your attorney responsibilities after 15 days post TT. During recovery, you do not want to place a strain on your incision.  Most of the time the incision is healed by 4 to 6 weeks.  The muscles have been irritated to a certain extent by plication and the surgery itself.  The abdominal wall may need several months to get accustomed to the changes.  You should not perform strenuous exercises for 6 weeks (no core muscle or lifting over 10 pounds) in cases of uncomplicated healing or until instructed by your surgeon.  Take a break from your reading to stand and walk to the break room every 30 minutes or so.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank-you for your question.The recovery following a Tummy tuck depends on the extent of surgery (mini, modified, full, or extended tummy tuck), the amount of liposuction, number of additional procedures performed, ect.  There has been a break through in the technology of post op pain relief for tummy tucks.  A new medication named Exparel is now being used that will provide for 3-4 days of post op pain relief, speeding up the recovery process!  The procedure can be done as an outpatient, but an overnight stay may be recommended.  Individuals will generally take a week to 10 days off of work.  Most of my patients are able to stand upright at 2 to weeks. It is normal to still feel tired and not quite yourself 3 weeks after a tummy tuck with liposuction. My patient report that they typically start to feel better 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure and report feeling "normal" 6 weeks post-operatively. With my own patients, I do my best to keep the lines of communication open and do everything possible to speed their recovery.	Best of luck,	Andrew Lyos, MD, FACS

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

Hi, Thank you for your post. I recommend that my patients wait at least 2 weeks before returning to a desk job. I would continue to take Motrin and wear the compression garment the entire time. Often patients feel tired from the healing process but I don't see a problem with returning to work. Please check with your plastic surgeon to see what their protocol is.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!I often tell my patients they will be fine for return to work 2 weeks after TT. You are right there. You may get more easily tired and find a shorter day may be helpful - definitely get good rest at home at night. I recommend Spanx like compressive girdle to help support the abdomen. Ibuprofen around the clock may also be a good idea.You should certainly discuss with your plastic surgeon - she/he best understands your situation. Best of luck!

Robert V. Mandraccia, MD · Answer

Sounds like you have not had a complication so getting back to work is a great idea. I agree with most of the suggestions but would add thigh length compression stockings as well as an abdominal garment( like Spanx) for at least a few more weeks.Exercise should be controlled by your surgeon as he or she knows the amount of muscle repair you may have had.BestDr MandracciaFt Myers, FL

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Most of my patients go back to desk work within 7-10 days. If all is going well, then at 15 days your are probably fine.

Richard J. Wassermann, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for reaching out. Returning to work after a tummy tuck is pretty common at 15 days, especially for those involved in administration work. Be sure to have a bail out plan for your first few days back, maybe only working a half day to not push your stamina. Also use common sense, if it hurts, don't do it. Be sure you and your employer are on the same page as far as your restrictions (if you have any) to ensure the best result. Best Wishes

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for posting your question.  Most of my tummy tuck patients are ready to return to an office type job at 2 weeks.  However, I stress that they will still feel tired and recommend that the first few days be a "half day".  Be sure to get up from your desk and walk around the office every hour and stay hydrated.   Your plastic surgeon will have recommendations for you as well during your postoperative recovery.  Best wishes.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

By 2 weeks after your tummy tuck, you should be fine to return to working a desk job. Just make sure you're continuing to take things easy and don't push yourself. Be prepared to take plenty of breaks if you need them, or possibly even work shorter days initially. And of course, check with your plastic surgeon about any specific recovery timeline that he or she recommends you follow. Best of luck to you!

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