Question:
What is recovery time for a tummy tuck with breast lift and implants?

I am having a tummy tuck, breast lift with implants and some medial thigh and abdominal liposuction. I am wondering how soon I can go to work. I am a Massage Therapist, so I do have a somewhat physical jop. By the way I went back to work full time in two weeks after my lap RNY. I was a office job, but I experienced no problems going back this soon other than being a little tired. Just wondering if the plastics are comparible in recovery time to my origion gastric bypass. Thanks for your help! 264/134/155 Below goal!    — missysworld (posted on July 17, 2004)

July 17, 2004
I went back to work after 2 weeks for just an Abdominoplasy. I am scheduled for Breast reduction at the end of this month; with estimated time of 10 days off. With the TT - you have drains; which do not come out for at least 2 weeks.. which would keep you at home for sure. I was just 'curious' thou..... just the Abdominioplasty it self is a long surgery; and my BR is 'scheudled' to be apx 4 hours. My surgeon would NOT do so much PS at one time... was surprised to read your agreed to do SO much in one sitting.
   — star .

July 17, 2004
I'm scheduled for a breast lift, hernia repair and TT w/muscle work and was told it was about 4 hours of surgery. I work as a personal trainer, so am taking at least 3 weeks off - my ps said with multiple procedures, that was the ballpark figure. My drains will come out 5-7 days after surgery, so after those little buggers are out, I'll have a better idea of my recovery time. Good luck to you!
   — Rachael B.

July 17, 2004
First of all....I too am surprised your PS will do both TT & Breast lift at the same time. Mine does not do both together. I had a breast reduction/lift at 9 months post op from Lap RNY. I aslo am 11 weeks post op from a full TT (hip to hip) Had the 2nd ps 4 months after the 1st one. Having 3 major surgeries in a 14 month span was a piece of cake for me. I never took a pain pill/morephine...nothing! My drains for my ps came out in 7 days for both ps procedures. I can assure you, if you have stomach muscles tightened...you won't be at work in 2 weeks! Unless, your walking bent over. lol It took me a good 6 weeks to stand straight and I still have to hold my tummy when I sneeze or cough. But, the flat tummy is worth it all. I wasn't allowed to drive for 2 weeks for Breast surgery and 4 weeks for TT. I was walking a mile the day I returned from the hospital with my Lap. Exercise is the key, besides protein/water to good healing! Good Luck!
   — Hazel S.

July 17, 2004
I had a full tummy tuck, breast lift/implants with no liposuction 7 months ago. I was standing straight up in a week but I took 3 weeks off for recovery. I am glad I did. I am an interpreter for the Deaf so I use my hands and arms a lot. The breasts didn't bother me to sign even though they did kind of get in the way because they are bigger LOL. However.. I could not stand for longer than 30 minutes at a time at 3 weeks post-op. I hear the liposuction part of it is very painful and could extend your recovery time. Also, I had my implants done under the muscle and anytime I had to lift or push anything my chest muscles would tighten and it would be very uncomfortable as if the implants were sliding across my bones/chest bones. I would greatly limit my appointments if I were you the first month. It took me about 3 months to feel back to 100 percent. It wasnt painful at all but it was the "NO ENERGY" thing. I would have just enough energy to work until 3 (I was sitting down) and then had to come home and take a nap. I just kept hitting that lethargic "brick wall" at 3:00 pm. The only pain I can see you having is the standing all day part and the pushing and pulling.. your implants will be sore from that. You may want to use that little hand thingie that looks kind of like a shoehorn to get those people who need deep tissue. I am not sure what it is called but I have had it used on me before. Good luck to you!
   — danabky

July 19, 2004
Everyone is different. Also are you having hernias repaired? I had a complete abdominalplasty/panniculectomy and 2 hernia's repaired just 4 weeks ago and I am taking 6 weeks off and boy am I glad I did. This was the most painful thing I have ever been through. I still cannot stand staight up and have lots of swelling. I have done extremely well in all my surgeries and always get back tow ork very quickly. 4 weeks after gastric bypass, 4 weeks after hysterectomy but this one kicked my butt so to speak. My Dr. said no less than 6 weeks for proper healing, you dont want a relapse or have incisions open back up.
   — lmonroeny

July 20, 2004
Hi I am 14 days out from a full TT w/ muscle repair. Today is onw of my better days. The gastic bypass was a piece of cake compared to this. You should take at least 4 weeks off for a decent recovery, espeically w/ you type of job. there can be swelling for 6 mo.-1 year after TT. There is an excellent site called makemeheal.com they have forums on all kinds of PS. The TT is the best for info and support. This is a real tough major surgery!! I've had about 10 surgeries and 2 C sec. and this by far is the worst.
   — Cindee A.

July 20, 2004
Hi I am 14 days out from a full TT w/ muscle repair. Today is onw of my better days. The gastic bypass was a piece of cake compared to this. You should take at least 4 weeks off for a decent recovery, espeically w/ you type of job. there can be swelling for 6 mo.-1 year after TT. There is an excellent site called makemeheal.com they have forums on all kinds of PS. The TT is the best for info and support. This is a real tough major surgery!! I've had about 10 surgeries and 2 C sec. and this by far is the worst.
   — Cindee A.

July 23, 2004
Hi Melissa. My opinion on combining procedures is more than just that. Recent studies (and years woth of older data) support clearly that there is NO increased risk to combining surgeries. If done in a proper facility, there should be no issue. Please see http://www.cosmeticsurgerytimes.com/cosmeticsurgerytimes/article/ articleDetail.jsp?id=98610 I also have the article as text if the link is down. Separating the breast and tummy surgeries does not make sense to me from a safety standpoint. Separate surgeries means 2 exposures to anesthesia, 2 recoveries and risk of blood clots, 2 times off work and on pain meds plus antibiotics, 2 fees for anesthesia and O.R., etc. In answer to your question...2-4 weeks off work, with a 2 month gardual return to normal activity and most excercises.
   — DrL