How long is the length of recovery for a skin only Belt Lipectomy without muscle repair or drains?

Question

I work as a nurse and took about two weeks off for my procedure. So technically I'll have exactly 14 days following my surgery to return to work. Is that enough time? There will be no muscle repair and my PS won't be using drains.

Joseph Hunstad, MD · Answer

There are many forms of belt lipectomy, which is a
procedure removing excess skin and fat all the way around the body. It is
usually performed after significant weight loss and can be quite transforming
giving a dramatically improved shape and contour. If the procedure is done
without the use of drains or without tightening the muscle, also known as
muscle repair, then the recovery can be quite swift and usually patients feel
like they are able to return to work in less than two weeks and often one week. Just make sure that you book your surgery with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps!

Charles R. Day, MD FACS · Answer

Recovery times are hard to quote as they vary from patient to patient. In most cases, patients are ready to return to normal daily activities within a few weeks of surgery and more strenuous physical activities a few months after surgery. Your plastic surgeon should be able to give you more specific information as you begin the healing process based on your individual results.

Glenn Lyle, MD · Answer

While your plastic surgeon should be answering this for you- I have operated on many nurses and generally 2 weeks suffices. Especially without a diastasis repair. That is not to say that you will completely "back to normal" at that point. It usually is closer to 4 weeks before you are not feeling the aches and pains. A lot depends on the type of nursing you are doing- lifting and turning patients? On you feet the entire day? All of these factors are important as is your general health and pain tolerance.Good luck!

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello. Thanks for your question. Recovery time of any plastic surgery varies from person to person, usually between 14 days to 2 months.

Robert S. Feins, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

There is no absolute answer to the question.  As a nurse you know the extreme variability in patient response to surgery.  With no muscle work and no drains, two weeks is feasable but by no means guaranteed.I would tell my patients to plan on three and they can go back earlier if there are no problems.Good Luck

How long is the length of recovery for a skin only Belt Lipectomy without muscle repair or drains?

Answers (5)

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