Recovery Time for Abdominoplasty and Brachioplasty

I've scheduled surgery for both procedures for mid-December, but now I'm quite concerned about how long I should take off work or if I should separate the procedures. My PS thinks the 3-1/2 weeks will be adequate (although he would prefer 4-5 weeks), but since I'm a high school teacher, I can't take off more time. After reading other posts, I'm considering doing the abdominoplasty in December and the brachioplasty next summer, but that will cost approx. $4000 more.  I have complete confidence in my PS, and I'd really like to be up and active for summer vacation with my scars well on the way to mending, but I don't want to return to teaching and have complications.  As you can see, I'm conflicted. Your ideas and experiences will be appreciated.

Hi Susan,

This is a hard one to answer as everyone heals at different rates. I had 3 procedures and was in tip top shape for them. My first surgery I healed in record time. Second one not so fast and the third one really took awhile.  Have you ever had any surgeries before? How did you do? If you don't have anything to compare to,  your best option is to go with the trust you have in you're Plastic Surgeon.

Good luck to you and please be sure and take those before and after photos. We can't wait 

Regards,

Member Services

Thanks for your comments.  Were your surgeries quite close together?

I realized after posting that I should have included more information. I am 58 and in good physical condition--walk 4-6 miles daily and life weights 3 times a week. Seven years ago I had a complete hysterectomy and was off pain meds within a week. The following week I drove by myself to visit relatives 6 hours away and had to take some pain meds for a couple of days, but after a week's visit was fine to drive home again. Six months after the first surgery I had bladder repair surgery. Even though I took six weeks off from teaching for that surgery, I could have gone back after four (but felt great when I did go back!). After my gastric sleeve surgery 2 years ago, I was able to walk 2 miles after five days. Compared to the first two surgeries, the sleeve was a breeze!

 

 

I would think you can do it at 3 1/2 weeks! I believe, even though it would have been hard, I could have gone back to a teaching job as long as I could pass out on the couch as soon as I got home. I would prepare to have someone do all the housework for you so ALL you have to do is your job. 

Thanks for your encouragement. For the first two weeks, I intend to plan lessons that involve both standing and sitting time for each 1-1/2 hour class period and not much grading to do after work. That's kind of hard to do for an English teacher, but I'll figure it out. I love your suggestion to have someone else do my housework :) Since I live alone, my house won't get to messy while I'm recuperating. And my daughter will stay with me for the first ten days, so she'll help with housekeeping and meals. Maybe 3-1/2 weeks will be enough time. Thanks again.

 

I just had a panni and brachioplasty on 7/22 - Monday will be 3 weeks and I'm good to go back to work.  I started minor housework back the first week - out of necessity - cooking for the family and laundry with help-  I planned to go back after 2 weeks and could have done it with some trouble.  I really wanted the staples out and the drains out before I went back and that happened yesterday.  I think you can do it but give yourself a week extra buffer "just in case" -

 

Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I'm amazed at how quickly you were up and doing so many things; that may have  helped your progress.  Continued good luck with your recovery.

 

I am amazed at all of you. I just had the anchor incision tummy tuck with muscle tightening and doctors orders was 8 weeks off. Heck, I didn't straighten up until week 4. There was no way I could have stood for longer periods. Power to you! Good luck!

Although I didn't have my arms done, I had an abdominoplasty at the end of May.  I was off for three weeks - the pain in my tummy wasn't all that bad after the first couple of days, but the anesthesia really takes it out of you.  If you can rest/sit, you will likely be able to do it.  

Best of luck!

Nancy

 

Thanks, everyone, for your comments. I asked my PS's assistant what it would cost to do the two procedures separately and was pleasantly surprised that it would only cost $600 more. That's manageable for me (I'm paying for this myself--no insurance.) Since I couldn't get past my fear/worry about returning to teaching after only 3-1/2 weeks, I've decided to have the brachioplasty done in December and wait until June for the abdominoplasty. Even though I'd really like to have a flat stomach for the summer, I feel better about having longer to heal and recoup and it will be fun to return to school in August looking better.

Thanks again. Your comments always help.