Suzanne Yee, MD

Taking Time Off Work After Plastic Surgery

Feb 14, 2017 @ 10:00 AM — by Dr. Suzanne Yee
Tagged with: Plastic Surgery Recovery

Healing and proper recovery is a crucial part of successful plastic surgery. That's something we always stress to patients at our Little Rock practice, whether they're undergoing body contouring and sculpting procedures or facial rejuvenation surgeries.

Since we receive many questions about downtime and healing, we'd like to discuss how much time you may need off from work after a surgical procedure. These are general timeframes, so keep in mind that you may need more time in certain circumstances.

Resting Should Be Your Main Concern

After you have undergone any sort of surgery, your primary concern should be resting and healing. Do not overexert yourself in these first few days and weeks after the procedure. While walking a little bit to promote circulation is encouraged, patients should take time off from work and avoid strenuous physical activities for a few weeks.

Of course, the type of surgery you undergo can affect the amount of time you need off from work.

Time Off Work for Facial Plastic Surgery

For facial plastic surgery procedures, you'll need enough time for bruising and swelling to not be so apparent. These are general timelines to follow.

Time Off Work for Breast Enhancement Surgery

For breast enhancement surgery procedures, your torso will typically be covered from view even if bruising and swelling are present. Because of this, these are general timelines to follow.

Time Off Work for Body Contouring Surgery

For body contoruing and sculpting procedures, the timelines can vary a great deal depending on the nature and extent of the work that's done. Your torso may be covered, but your body still might need time to recover before getting back into a normal daily routine. These are general timelines to follow.

Extra Time Off May Be Needed

While the above timelines are a helpful guide, there are a number of cases in which a patient may need more time off from work than scheduled.

For example, complications and poor healing may require an additional few days or a few weeks off from work. This is just to ensure you are well enough to get around, and that you will not experience any further complications or issues.

If you have a physically demanding occupation, you may need to take extra time off from work just so you can perform normal job duties. This is important to consider if you are an athlete, a physical trainer, work in construction, have a job in emergency response, and so forth.

Take It Slow When Back on the Job

Even if you're back at an office job, it's important that you not strain yourself or overexert yourself. Take time to get back into the groove of things, and don't be ashamed to ask for assistance. Sometimes a little helping hand can mean a faster road to full recovery.

Learn More About Plastic Surgery Recovery

For more information about recovering from plastic surgery and helping you get back on your feet as soon as possible, be sure to contact our cosmetic skin care and plastic surgery center today. Our team will discuss these issues with your in greater detail to ensure you have a problem-free recovery time.