DrjHokins DallasTX Homepage MeettheDoctor Desktop V6 copy

Medically Reviewed by Dr. J. Hopkins

Contact

June 1, 2022

697733 30BlogImages 06 062520Any cosmetic surgery procedure will require some downtime. It is good for you to plan accordingly for time off from work and some of your normal activities. You may also want to coordinate help around the home or care for young children.

We have put together a general guide to recovery times for some of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. Remember that every patient’s experience is different, and various factors can affect your recovery. These factors include your age, overall health, and the complexity of the procedure. The team at J. Hopkins Plastic Surgery has put together average times for when to return to work, but complete recovery often takes several weeks or months.

It is always a good idea to take enough time off so that you do not feel rushed and can allow your body to heal. Recovery involves more than what you see on the outside – your body is healing on the inside as well.

Breast Surgery

Whether you are undergoing breast augmentation, breast reduction, or a breast lift, the recovery period is similar. Your chest will be sore for a few weeks, but it should not be debilitating. Many patients are up and walking around after one to two days and feel well enough to return to work within one to two weeks.

You will still have some bruising or swelling during this time and should continue to wear a compression garment for additional support. You will also be limited to lifting no more than 15 pounds for at least two weeks and should avoid strenuous activity.

Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)

Many male patients compare discomfort following male breast reduction surgery to the soreness after a rigorous chest workout. While you will be sore and should avoid strenuous activity, you should feel well enough to return to work within about a week.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The abdominal muscles make up the central part of your core, so it can take longer to regain your strength and move comfortably. Expect to take about two weeks from work, though you may be able to return to a desk job sooner. Wearing a compression garment will help alleviate swelling and support your stomach muscles. You should refrain from strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least six weeks after tummy tuck surgery.

Liposuction

You may feel some soreness for several days, but you should be able to resume most of your normal activities within a week. Many patients are up walking around and caring for themselves two to three days after liposuction surgery. Bruising is normal for the first week or two as your body heals.

Rhinoplasty

Since your nose is so prominent, you may want to plan for additional recovery time to allow bruising and swelling to decrease. A splint is often worn for the first three to five days to maintain the shape of the nose and give the skin time to adapt. Dr. Hopkins may recommend taping for an additional one to two weeks after the splint is removed.

You should feel well enough to return to work within seven to 10 days, but your face may still have some discoloration from bruising, and you may feel congested. This will resolve over the next week or two, but complete recovery from a rhinoplasty can take several weeks.

Facelift

Some swelling and bruising are normal after a facelift, but the pain is often minimal. You should be able to resume normal activities within a week. Still, many patients wait about two weeks before they feel comfortable returning to work, especially if working with the public. Any lingering bruising or discoloration can be covered with concealer.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Your eyelids are delicate and bruise easily, but downtime after eyelid surgery is relatively short. After two or three days, you should be up and about, able to return to many day-to-day activities. You may prefer to wear sunglasses while out in public, but after about a week, many patients can wear makeup and return to work.

Mommy Makeover

Since mommy makeover surgery typically combines multiple procedures, you will want to allow yourself extra recovery time. You may experience swelling, bruising, and soreness throughout your body and should take it easy. Do not overexert yourself. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, it may be three to four weeks before you are moving around more comfortably and feel well enough to return to work. Plan to have someone help around the home and with young children since your activity and lifting will be restricted.

During your consultation and before surgery, Dr. Hopkins will let you know what to expect and how long to plan for recovery. He will answer any questions or concerns you may have so that you can feel confident that you are making informed decisions about your care.

Turn to J. Hopkins Plastic Surgery for a customized treatment plan that fits your needs and goals. Call us at (972) 298-6641.

You May Also Like