Going back to work as a teacher after Tummy Tuck procedures. Any suggestions?

Thank you for your question about recovery after Liposuction and Tummy Tuck. Preparation for surgery and preparation for recovery is what I call "patient homework" to optimize your experience and results.Each surgeon will have his or her own specific recommendations, so it is a good idea to discuss your surgery and recovery details with your plastic surgeon. In my practice, I have several recommendations:Pre-op — Focus is on optimizing nutrition and supplementation, healthy activity, and avoiding medications and supplements that may increase bruising and bleeding risk.Post-op — Week 1: Increase walking time each day and wear compression garments as instructed.Peri-operative Light Touch Therapy — I have found massage to be very helpful in speeding recovery and results using light-touch lymphatic drainage starting as early as post-op day 1 and medium-touch and deeper tissue massage later on. I have no doubt that expert post-operative massage decreases swelling, and most patients are able to use a Spanx type garment or discontinue garment use after a 2-3 weeks.Work — Depending on the extent of surgery, many patients will go back at 7-10 days or possibly do some light work from home a bit earlier.Activity — By weeks 2-3, most patients are able to significantly increase walking and perhaps start light aerobic activity such as an elliptical machine, returning at a graduated rate to full activity after 1 month as your body allows.It is also good to go in with the understanding that everyone is different and that you will experience "ups and downs" after surgery before you have fully recovered. Most patients say they have their energy fully back by about 6 weeks after Tummy Tuck surgery. I wish you the best with your surgery and recovery.Hope this helps,Nick Slenkovich, MD FACS

In general, I recommend that my patients who have desk jobs try to take at least two weeks off of work. I feel that it is entirely reasonable for you to get back to work at that point. I would follow the advice of your surgeon and discuss the matter with them extensively. That said, there are a couple of principles that can help:Avoid heavy liftingAvoid aggressive exercise or exertionIf anything does not feel right or good, don't do it!Watch for seroma development.Understand that in rare cases you may still have your drains in place–make any accommodations if needed.
In choosing a surgeon to perform tummy tuck /
abdominoplasty, it's vital that you select a surgeon who is certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery and has extensive experience in body
contouring.

I wish you the best,

Dr. Gabbay.

Thank you for your questions.  Assuming you are not asked to perform any heavy lifting, pulling, or pushing, you may be able to return to work within 2 weeks.  You will still have significant soreness, and will get tired easily, but should be able to teach your classes.  I would voice your concerns with your surgeon to discuss your recovery restrictions. Based on the anticipated amount of surgery, they should be able to give you a realistic expectation as to the amount of time off you will need.  

Recovery from a tummy tuck can take anywhere from two to four weeks,
depending upon the individual and how extensive the procedure is. A tummy tuck
typically involves removal of skin and fat and repair of the abdominal muscle
structure. It also may include liposuction of the hips and abdomen. Most people
are able to return to desk jobs two weeks following surgery, though it’s
important to listen to your body and not push yourself. Stocking your fridge or
freezer with some healthy, ready-to-go meals prior to your surgery will
minimize your exertion as you heal and ensure that you get good nutrition. It's
really important to follow your surgeons post-procedure guidelines, including
such things as avoiding heavy lifting and any strenuous activity for at least
six weeks after your procedure.

Thanks for your question. Most patients are able to return to work in 2 weeks. I advise that you don't lift any heavy weights or do any strenuous activity during this period. It is best to wait 4-6 weeks to resume activities such as exercise.

Hi, Liz0622.Patients heal at different rates depending on their pain threshold and peri-operative recovery course.  Most of my patients do go back to work after 2 weeks if they have desk (non-strenous) job.Please avoid heavy lifting, pulling, pushing, and give your body time to recover.Follow your plastic surgeon's post-op instruction.Even if you have a high pain threshold, expect to be fatigued easily for the fist 2-3 weeks.Good luck with your surgery and recovery.

I think it is best to prepare for a “recovery” of at least 3-4 weeks after tummy tuck surgery. Descriptions of recovery times shorter than this, in my opinion, is over-promising.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!Best wishes.