How long is the recovery period for DIEP flap reconstruction and how soon would I be able to return to work?

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JoshLevineMD (Physician - Surgery - Plastic (Verified) ) - 07 / 14 / 2011

I usually recommend that patients take one month off from work to fully recuperate. Depending on what they do, how quickly they heal, and how motivated they are to get back, this can be variable. The only absolute restrictions are no heavy lifting or rigorous activity for 4 weeks. After that, there are no restrictions. After DIEP patients are walking on the first day after surgery, and discharged on the 4th. By that time they can do whatever they need to take care of themselves, like shower, walk stairs and drive a car.
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member9324 (Current Patient) - 12 / 12 / 2011

I am about 4 weeks post op today. I went out on 11/13 and will return to work on 1/23. I'm a nurse and I work in a busy psych clinic. I was active and in good health prior to surgery, but there is no way I could return to work yet. I believe that I will need the full ten weeks to recover.

There is a big psychological component that needs to be processed during this time. It is a time to be gentle with yourself, I believe it is important to give yourself enough time to heal both physically, and emotionally.
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