Returning to Work After Plastic Surgery: What You Should Know
The team at our Dallas practice is proud to provide patients with advanced cosmetic solutions for a whole host of cosmetic needs. We offer anti-aging and wrinkle reduction surgery for the face as well as procedures that enhance the contours and curves of the body.
After undergoing any sort of surgery, it's important that patients take time off from their job to recovery. Let's look at some common timelines and guidelines for time off, and then consider some other issues that are important for healing and full recovery.
Time Off from Work for Facial Plastic Surgery
After undergoing facial plastic surgery procedures, it's important to let the bruising and swelling go down around the face. The following times off from work are recommended to patients:
- Brow Lift – 1 to 2 weeks off from work
- Facelift – 2 weeks off from work
- Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) – 2 weeks off from work
- Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) – 2 weeks off from work
Time Off from Work for Breast Enhancement Surgery
After undergoing breast enhancement surgery, it's crucial that the initial pain and discomfort from surgery fades. Since incision sites are covered by your clothing, patients can return to work a bit earlier than facial surgery. The following times off from work are recommended to patients:
- Breast Augmentation Surgery – 1 week off from work
- Breast Lift Surgery – 1 week off from work
- Breast Reduction Surgery – 1 week off from work
- Male Breast Reduction Surgery – 1 week off from work
Time Off from Work for Body Contouring Surgery
Body contouring surgery can be rather extensive, causing discomfort to your torso and other parts of your body. Longer healing times may be required in some cases. Patients are typically given the following recommendations when it comes to time off from work.
- Liposuction – 1 week off from work
- Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) – 2 weeks off from work
- Thighplasty (Thigh Lift) – 2 weeks off from work
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) – 3 to 4 weeks off from work
- Mommy Makeover – 3 to 4 weeks off from work
- Body Lift – 3 to 4 weeks off from work
Extra Time Off May Be Needed Depending on Your Job
The above times are common for most occupations that involve minimal physical exertion, such as office work and retail occupations.
If you have a job that's physically demanding and requires a lot of straining or heavy lifting, such as construction or sports, it's important to take more time off from work to give your body an opportunity to heal.
The same goes for jobs that involve modeling or wearing outfits that could be potentially revealing. Extra time off allows bruising, swelling, and scarring to be less of an issue.
Take Things Slow as You Go Back to Work
As you return to work, be sure to take things slowly. Do not try to push yourself too hard or too quickly. This could potentially aggravate an incision site and increase your risk of serious complication. Follow your surgeon's orders regarding physical activity and job duties, and continue to follow all other post-op instructions provided.
Learn More About Plastic Surgery Recovery
For more information about plastic surgery procedures and how we can help you look your very best, be sure to contact an experience cosmetic plastic surgeon today. The team at our practice looks forward to your visit and discussing these matters in greater detail.