How Long is Downtime for Tummy Tuck?

Question

I'm a 32-year-old LPN and I want to have a tummy tuck. How long will I have to be off work? Is it a good idea to have the tummy tuck now if I am getting married in July?

Lu-Jean Feng, MD · Answer

My patients are back to work in 1-2 weeks after abdominoplasty. I do a nerve block which significantly decreases post-op pain. I also use progressive tension sutures to avoid the use of drains. I follow my patients for one year and encourage them to come back for follow ups every few months.  Attached is my peer reviewed ten year study and research paper on the progressive tension suture technique.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello tyella,

Thank you for reaching out with your question.

The downtime for a tummy tuck can vary depending on individual factors such as the extent of the procedure and your overall health. Typically, it's recommended to allow yourself a full 2 months of recovery before returning to full activity levels. However, for those with less physically demanding jobs, returning to work can be possible within 2 or 3 weeks post-surgery.

Considering you're an LPN and your wedding is in July, I would advise against undergoing a tummy tuck at this time. June would be too close to your wedding date to allow for proper recovery. It's essential to prioritize your health and allow yourself enough time to heal fully before engaging in significant activities or events.

I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your timeline and goals.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, and I wish you all the best on your journey towards achieving your aesthetic goals.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Generally, abdominoplasty involves a recovery period of longer than most plastic surgical procedures. It generally takes 3 weeks to get over the first phase of recovery.
However, downtime for abdominoplasty can vary from patient to patient, depends on the size of the operated area of your body. 
  
The exact downtime will be determined by your surgeon according to your surgery results.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! For my patients having a tummy tuck procedure, I recommend that they take 10 days off of work, three weeks off of cardio at the gym, and six weeks off of weight training and yoga exercise. If you have a job that requires heavy lifting over 10 pounds, I recommend that you work on light duty until you are six weeks post surgery.  As far as having an event post surgery, I recommend that you schedule your surgery date at least 12 weeks prior to the event, so that most of your swelling has gone down by that time. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your Board-certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.After a #tummytuck #surgery, #swelling can persist for several months and will
gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even
one year. Frequently the pubic area can
become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to gravity as
this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.I suggest waiting 6 weeks before returning to full activity without restrictions.Ask your #BoardCertified #PlasticSurgeon what they recommend.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Following surgery, you will be walking in a bent-over position to keep tension off the newly tightened skin incision site. Although strenuous activity, and lifting more than ten pounds, must be avoided for 6 weeks, some people can return to work and daily activities as soon as 2 weeks after surgery. Softening of the surgical scars, return of sensation, and loosening of the tight sensation may take several months to a year or more.Abdominoplasty involves a recovery period of 10 to 14 days longer than most plastic surgical procedures. Initial discomfort and decreased mobility is typical. 3-5 days or more of assistance at home is usually indicated.You will be encouraged to move and walk regularly starting the day of surgery. Wearing your TED stockings at all times, except while washing, to prevent venous clots (deep vein thrombosis) is mandatory. Light activity is comfortable in 10-20 days. No sports or heavy lifting for 6 weeks or more – please discuss with your doctor for specific questions.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Each surgeon has his or her own guidelines for postoperative care. Patients generally can return to light activity 7 to 10 post surgery. More strenuous activity can generally begin 3 to 6 months post surgery. Consult your surgeon has he or she understands the scope of the surgery and the specifics about you.

Gary Vela, MD, FACS · Answer

Downtime for abdominoplasty can vary from patient to patient. 7-10 days is usually a minimum for time off of work. If your job requires you to be on your feet the majority of the day, then 2 weeks more realistic. At 6 weeks you are fully healed and have no restrictions. If you are planning to have your surgery within the next week, you should be fully recovered for your wedding at the end of July.

John P. Stratis, MD · Answer

It takes about three weeks to get to about 60% activity level. By 6 weeks you will be permitted to engage in full physical activities although you will not be doing everything that you are permitted to do. It will take about 3 months before the healing is about 75% done and another 3 months to get to the 90% level.
Although you certainly should be ready by July, I always caution patients who are anticipating major life events to give themselves an excessive amount of time, just in case there are complications.
Your surgeon can go over the risks and the probablities of something happening with you so you can make a good decision.

Steve Byrd, MD (retired) · Answer

We tell our abdominoplasty patients that a general rule of thumb that it takes a full 3-weeks to get over the first phase of recovery. By that I mean that you can probably head back to work by then. You may be able to return to work earlier than that, but 3-weeks is usually a pretty good estimate. At 6-weeks you should be fully recovered and  feeling much improved. 
As for timing the surgery around a July wedding, you'll be fine if you have the surgery now.Considering the 6-week recovery, you could have the surgery anytime prior to mid-May and still be ready for the July wedding. Depending on how many pre-wedding parties/activities you have planned, you may need to move your surgery date accordingly so you'll feel good enough to enjoy all of the festivities in your honor. You'll want to get in touch with a board certified plastic surgeon to set up an appointment for your consultation as soon as possible.    
Good luck, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

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