Going Back to Work After Plastic Surgery: Patient Information
In order to ensure the best short-term and long-term results after plastic surgery, it's important for patients to get a lot of rest. Rest allows you to save your energy and dedicate it to healing. Since surgery results in bruising and swelling, rest also allows you to get through the most obvious side effects before you're in public again.
This is something we always stress to patients at The Landings Surgical Centre here in Halifax, particularly after major body contouring and sculpting surgery. One of the keys to resting is taking time off from work. Let's go over some of the basics with regard to this issue.
How Much Time Off from Work Is Needed?
The amount of time you take off from work will vary depending on the type of surgery you undergo. Below are some general recommendations for time off for different kinds of surgical procedures.
- Liposuction – 1 week off from work
- Breast Enhancement Surgery – 1 week off from work
- Male Breast Reduction – 1 week off from work
- Facelift – 2 weeks off from work
- Nose Job (Rhinoplasty) – 2 weeks off from work
- Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) – 2 weeks off from work
- Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty) – 3 to 4 weeks off from work
- Mommy Makeovers – 3 to 4 weeks off from work
- Body Lift Surgery – 3 to 4 weeks off from work
Keep in mind that the above times are estimates. You may need more time off due to issues with recovery, more complicated surgical needs, and other factors that can be discussed as part of the consultation process.
Extra Time Off May Be Needed for Certain Jobs
If you work in a physically demanding job, you may need to take extra time off from work in order to recover. Physical exertion such as strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting can place a great deal of stress on your incision sites. This can cause problems with full recovery.
If you work in modeling or other sorts of occupations in which your appears is part of your occupation, extra time off may also be recommended. This allows you to fully heal before you're back at work, and reduces the prominence of scars and swelling.
Taking extra time off allows you to prevent problems as you heal and ensure ideal long-term results from surgery.
You May Need to Avoid Certain Job Duties
Even when you are back at work, it may be smart to avoid performing certain job duties for the time being. For a few weeks after surgery, you'll be asked to limit physical exertion; it may be five or six weeks until you're able to resume light exercise.
Be sure to avoid heavy lifting, straining, and other kinds of potentially harmful duties at your job until your surgeon deems it appropriate.
Take Things Slow and Steady
Being conservative about work duties and recovery is a smart idea when it comes to your overall surgical needs. We can go over all of these post-op considerations during your consultation at the practice so you have a better understanding of what's to come.
Learn More About Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
To learn more about your options for aesthetic enhancement and rejuvenation, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery practice today. The team at The Landings Surgical Centre is here to help you look great and feel great.