I am going for a Tummy Tuck next month. I work as a critical care nurse.

Question from Ontario, ON: Is it realistic for me to believe that I am to return to work two weeks post op?

Answer from Dr. Dean Kane, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon from Baltimore:​
The simple answer is no. Every surgeons tummy tuck is not the same and there are numerous considerations:

1.    Absorbable sutures and skin adhesives are (on average) 50% dissolved at 2 weeks.

2.    ​The scar strength from collagen formation at the incision and under the skin flap is minimal at 2 weeks.

3.    ​Your age and nutrition.

4.    Are you a care-giver for other people in your home or else where?

5.    ​How tight (ie, how much skin will be removed) and how bent over will you be for the healing process.

6.    ​Will your fascial girdle be tightened?

7.    Is there a hernia or diastasis to repair?

8.    ​Will you be adding lipo-contouring?

9.    ​Are you prepared for a complication and how will this affect your timing and recovery?

10.  ​Will your work environment include lifting, bending, pushing, pulling? How about contamination from other personnel or patients?

11.  ​and other issues to consider.

Please review your concerns with your surgeon. Stressing yourself to recover will only prolong the recovery.
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​All the best!