When can I return to work after cosmetic surgery?

The time off work that the UK NHS gives ranges from 1–2 weeks to 4–6 weeks depending on the procedure. The larger the excision, the longer it is.

Source — NHS (UK)

How to read the table

Time off work is not the time it takes wounds to heal; it is the point at which you can manage ordinary work. So for the same operation, the return date differs between a desk job and physical work. Returning also does not mean every movement is allowed.

What these figures do not mean

This figure is different from full recovery. For a tummy tuck the NHS gives 4 to 6 weeks off work while listing full recovery separately at about 6 weeks.

What makes the difference?

• Extent of excision — Surgery that removes skin needs time for the closed wound to heal.
• Nature of the work — Standing for long periods or lifting heavy things delays the return.
• Individual recovery speed — Recovery varies between people even for the same operation.

Return to work and full recovery are different points

Time off work is the point at which you can manage ordinary work; full recovery comes later. The UK NHS gives 4 to 6 weeks off work for a tummy tuck while listing full recovery separately at about 6 weeks. Returning does not mean every movement is allowed, so get a list of what is still restricted after you return, or your schedule will slip.

The nature of the work sets the date, even for the same operation

The table gives general ranges; the actual return date depends on what you do. Standing for long periods or lifting heavy things raises abdominal pressure or strains the operated area, so it is later. Conversely, even a desk job affects recovery through prolonged sitting, so the accurate way is to describe how you work and get a schedule matched to it.

Why time off for breast surgery is relatively short

The UK NHS gives 1 to 2 weeks off work for breast enlargement. The excision is not wide, so the closed wound heals relatively quickly. Lifting the arms is often restricted, however, and return to normal activities is listed separately at 6 weeks, which is not the same as the end of time off work.

What to confirm at consultation

• Say whether your work is a desk job or physical, and get a schedule
• Whether any movements remain restricted after you return

Asking about your own case

The table above gives general ranges and does not apply to you as it stands. Rephrasing the question like this at consultation gets you an answer for your own case.

My job is (desk work / physical work). When can I return, and are any movements still restricted after that?

Common misunderstandings

Am I fully recovered once the time off work is over?

No. Time off work is the point at which you can manage ordinary work; full recovery is listed separately. The UK NHS gives 4 to 6 weeks off work for a tummy tuck and separately lists full recovery at about 6 weeks.

Can I return sooner if I work from home?

The less physical the work, the earlier the return, but prolonged sitting also affects recovery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that little movement during recovery raises the risk of blood clots, so it helps to hear a plan for moving about along with your working pattern.

Related questions

• When can I drive and exercise after cosmetic surgery?
• When do results show, and how long do swelling and scars last?
• When there are several methods for the same area, how do I decide?