Returning to an office job after abdominoplasty.

Hi Becky,While most of my patients return to work after only 2 weeks – they’re not “recovered” in my opinion. When they do return to work, I recommend shorter work days (4 to 6 hours) for the first 2 weeks whenever possible. Therefore, for most patients, it is best to prepare for a “recovery phase” of 4 weeks after tummy tuck.



It is also not unusual for patients who undergo plastic surgery to experience “the blues” and get moody. Emotional swings may range from depression to elation. Both of these extremes are not good. In the depressed state you find yourself asking, “why did I do this to myself?.”



While with elation, you tend to be overly physically active and pay the price the next day with increased soreness and the return of a worrisome depressive state. I believe, it is best to anticipate that emotional swings do occur after tummy tuck, and to surround yourself with a good support system and people/family who will provide good care of you at home.



To avoid falling into the trap of emotional swings, I suggest you concentrate on doing the things that are recommended by your surgeon to improve your results and speed swelling. These may include walking periodically, breathing exercises, meditation, wearing your garment, etc. It is also important to find other avenues for your mind like movies, books, and family to take the focus off the minutia.



Swelling will test your patience. It typically takes 6 to 12 months to see the “final results” when all the swelling is gone.  Keep in mind, as long as you have swelling, I would recommend a tight compression garment.   Additionally, areas with hardness need frequent/daily deep tissue massage (aka lymphatic).  Untreated areas of hardness can progress to scar tissue, which can result in a contour/shape problems.



Always stay in communication with your surgeon and call to address concerns on a timely manner.

After tummy tuck surgery, I advise the patients to take two weeks off from work. The patients may return to work, but may not engage in any strenuous activity. At two months, the patients start low impact cardio. At three months they can engage in more strenuous physical activity. If anything hurts or causes swelling, we ask them to back off somewhat. If you exercise or do some particular activity that results in pain or swelling you are doing too much for your personal recovery at that time.  Not everyone heals the same.  You need to make sure that you don’t cause more swelling.  Fighting the swelling or working through the pain will certainly backfire. I prefer the patients to stay in town for two weeks if they from more than 2-3 hours away.  I do not allow patients to fly before 2 to 3 weeks at the very minimum.

It’s important to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions when it comes to your recovery time. Even after the initial phase of recovery, you will still need to refrain from strenuous activities such as heavy lifting, for several weeks after surgery. Since you have an office job and you have the three weeks off, this presumably won’t be an issue. Of course, each person’s recovery is different and it’s important to consult with your plastic surgeon to help you figure out what to expect.

I normally say 3 weeks before you feel ready to return to work, however my last lady who also has a desk job as been just fine after 2 weeks.

I think that most patients can return to a sedentary job at 2 weeks following the tummy tuck procedure.

Thank you for your question.   I think it sounds quite reasonable, barring any unexpected post operative complications, for you to return to a relatively sedentary job 3 weeks following your abdominoplasty.  I am glad to hear you will have help with your children following your surgery.  Just be mindful of those post operative restrictions imposed upon you by your plastic surgeon for the weeks following your procedure, especially if you have young children.  Putting the effort in to adhere to "the rules" in the immediate post operative period will benefit you in the long run.  Best of luck to you!

In our office we recommend about two weeks off for a tummy tuck.  One can't judge until surgery is completed and a few days have gone by, but, in general, two weeks is sufficient for an office desk job.  More time is needed for strenuous jobs.  Review in detail with your surgeon for best advice.  Best wishes.