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

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!

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.

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.

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.