When Can You Return to Work after Facial Plastic Surgery? By dsherris on January 17, 2017

One of the most important factors in achieving the best possible results from your facial plastic surgery procedure is to follow the post-operative instructions provided to you by Dr. David A. Sherris as diligently as you can. Dr. Sherris will discuss these instructions with you during your initial consultation, as part of determining your candidacy for the facial plastic surgery procedure or procedures in which you’re interested. Your willingness and ability to follow these instructions will play a large role in how well and quickly you recover from surgery and, therefore, whether you are a good candidate for surgery.

One of the questions most commonly asked of Dr. Sherris during consultations is “How soon can I return to work after facial plastic surgery?” In discussing the issue of returning to work after facial plastic surgery during consultations at his Buffalo, NY practice, Dr. Sherris informs patients of the factors that come into play, many of which are in their control. In general, most patients are able to return to work one to two weeks after surgery, depending on the nature of their jobs. However, other factors may determine whether they return to work sooner or later than that.

What will your recovery from facial plastic surgery be like? To find out, please schedule your initial consultation with Dr. David A. Sherris at The Clinic of Facial Plastic Surgery today.

Factors That Determine When You Can Return to Work after Facial Plastic Surgery

Dr. Sherris generally advises that patients take one to two weeks off from work to recover from facial plastic surgery. While it may be possible to return to work after one week, and many patients successfully return to work after ten days, two weeks is optimal in general. Amount of time off depends on procedures performed. Patients who undergo complete facial rejuvenation such as facelifts combined with eyelid and brow surgery typically need up to 3 weeks off. Rhinoplasty patients typically take 1 week off.

Regardless of how much time patients take off from work, that time should be spent resting and taking it easy. While patients will want to get plenty of rest during the recovery phase, they can also do lsome ight walking and activity, increasing the amount they do as their energy level starts to build up. This is essential to proper recovery.

When resting or sleeping, patients should keep their heads elevated to help decrease swelling.Patients are also restricted from any exercise, getting the heart rate over 100, heavy lifting and moderate activity for two weeks post procedure. Most initial pain will subside within 48 hours of surgery; any lingering discomfort should be well-managed by over-the-counter pain medication after that.

As long as Dr. Sherris’ instructions are followed, it may be possible to return to work within seven to ten days of surgery, with his clearance. However, many patients do not yet have the energy level to work full-time at this point. Others may still feel uncomfortable appearing in public with the bruising and swelling that may still be obvious at this point. Usually, any remaining bruising can be covered with make-up after all sutures have been removed. With increased walking, most patients should have significantly more energy by the end of the second week, too.

Patients with extremely strenuous jobs will have to arrange to take more than two weeks off, or they will have to arrange to perform alternative tasks while recovering from surgery, as such strenuous activities are not allowed during the first tfew weeks after surgery.