How long should I stay out of work after a mommy makeover? I'm a hairstylist and am on my feet all day

A combined tummy tuck and breast augmentation and or lift induces a significant amount of strain on the body. It is important to allow the body to heal postoperatively. The first few days you will feel very tired and sore especially when you get out of bed. It is very important to walk and move around several times a day even early in the recovery process in order to prevent blood clots. I use Exparel a long lasting (72 hour pain relief) anesthetic injected into the breasts and abdomen at the time of surgery to help decrease the need for oral pain medication. Additionally, a drainless tummy tuck allows you to move about more freely with less pain after surgery.Since you are on your feet most of the day I would suggest trying to ease into returning to work after 10-12 days depending upon how you feel. You will probably be tired by the end of the day and have a bit of swelling around the lower abdomen early on which is normal.

I appreciate your question.



I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you will be healing following surgery.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.



Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.



Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz



Board Certified Plastic Surgeon



Director-Beverly Hills Breast and Body Institute



#RealSelf100Surgeon

Recovery after “mommy makeover” surgery will differ from one patient to another.  Assuming you are returning a desk job (and a tummy tuck is part of the mommy makeover surgery), I think you should plan on a minimum of 3-4 weeks off.   I would suggest that you be prepared to go back to work on a more part-time basis and/or schedule additional time off, depending on how you are feeling at that time.  If your occupations more strenuous, additional time off will be necessary.  Time estimations less than this are overpromising, in my opinion.

Of course, your plastic surgeon will be the will be your best resource during your postoperative course, given that he/she knows exactly what was done, how you are progressing, exactly what type of activities you plan on returning to.  

Since you considering undergoing a major operation which often involves a significant physical and emotional recovery ( often underestimated by surgeons and patients alike), a few words of advice may be helpful:

1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself) and that you have realistic expectations. Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life situation. You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.
2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.
3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.
4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.
5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina of your caretakers.
6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.
7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.
8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).
9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience.
10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.
11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.
I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.