9 to 5: How to handle plastic surgery recovery in an RTO world
During and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work was king. Now, it seems like remote positions are rare as more companies seek to bring workers back into the office and return to a traditional 9-to-5.
Remote work flexibility allows plastic surgery patients to be more discreet about their recovery. This way, recovery can take place in the comfort of one's own home at the patient's own pace, without invasive questions or sideways glances from coworkers at the watercooler. Body procedures are easy to hide when your boss and coworkers can only see your face on camera, and even facial procedures can be disguised by filters and clever camera angles.
As more companies seek to bring workers back to the office, patients need to understand how to manage plastic surgery recovery in a 9-to-5 world more than ever.
Let's talk recovery
Recovery is a complicated subject, as what works for one patient may not work for another. There's no one recovery timeline that applies to all patients.
"It totally depends on the procedure, but in general, I would say recovery times have shortened," said Kristy Hamilton, MD. "For breast surgery with implants, since I typically preserve the pectoralis major muscle, patients often feel fine even the next day and can return to office work. I let breast augmentation patients return to full exercise in a week! Smaller, finesse facial procedures, such as upper blepharoplasty, could be performed on Friday, with a return to work on Monday, albeit with sutures in place. So, it also depends on the comfort level of the patient."
The type of procedure, the patient's baseline health, postsurgical nutrition, activity levels and how closely a patient follows their aftercare instructions can all play a role in determining the length of a patient's postsurgical recovery.
"Depending on the procedure, downtime can be as short as a few days but as long as a month or two," said Karen Horton, MD, MSc, FACS. "Having a complete understanding of what the total downtime is after a plastic surgery procedure, both surgical or nonsurgical, is vital to having a smooth postoperative recovery experience and avoiding complications. This process is called 'informed consent' and is absolutely vital before you commit to a surgical procedure."
That means having a candid conversation with your plastic surgeon about the procedure and what to expect postop, including when you can return to work, which postop garments you may need and how to manage your wound and sensitive scar tissue.
However, even before your postop aftercare, a swift recovery also depends on the work you put in before the procedure.
"Part of ensuring a smooth recovery also means appropriately preparing for surgery," said Anureet Bajaj, MD. "This means optimizing your nutrition and muscular strength prior to surgery. Good nutrition is a necessity for good wound healing and decreasing the risk of wound-healing complications. Muscular strength is also important to ensure that you are able to get around after surgery."
Avoiding the tush to return to work
Realistic recovery timelines depend on your personal recovery benchmark and the type of procedure you are considering, and rushing the recovery process can be one of the worst things you do to your body and your mind. An incomplete recovery may compromise your aesthetic results and leave you coping with serious medical complications and potential disappointment over your results.
"If you are too active too soon after surgery, you put yourself at risk for postoperative bleeding, prolonged swelling and bruising, wound-healing issues or infection," said Dr. Horton. "Not to mention the increased psychological distress from hurrying back too soon and feeling overwhelmed when you really should be resting at home and healing from surgery!"
Returning to strenuous activity too soon can also delay wound healing, compromise the integrity of scar tissue and lead to infections, all of which can result in poor health outcomes and undesirable aesthetic results.
Now is the time to give yourself some grace and let your body heal. It can be challenging for some patients to go and not feel like they need to control every aspect of the situation.
"It's difficult to be a 'patient patient,' especially if you are a strong, independent woman who is used to taking care of herself, but it's important to know what your restrictions are after surgery and follow them strictly, playing it safe to help avoid complications," said Dr. Horton.
Tips for managing recovery in an RTO world
Returning to the office in a post-remote world can be challenging enough. Returning to the office after remotely working and undergoing a plastic surgery procedure can be even trickier to manage. With some planning, preparation and strategic wardrobe choices, you can comfortably get back to the grind while avoiding complications and awkward questions from coworkers.
"I think that going back to work is easier if you have prepared for it," said Dr. Bajaj. "In other words, clear your to-do list before surgery, so you have nothing hanging over your head."
When you know you are planning to take time off for a procedure or have a firm RTO date from your company, work with your plastic surgeon to pick a reasonable surgery date and aim to complete big projects or work-related tasks ahead of time when possible. This helps you feel prepared to take time off and can alleviate the stress of unfinished work or unexpected phone calls while you are away. Stress and worry about what is happening in the office can potentially compromise wound healing and recovery. It can also leave you feeling mentally pressured to return to the office before you are physically ready.
Dr. Horton also recommended getting your home in order, which can help reduce stress and physical exertion during the recovery and return-to-work period.
"Get your house cleaned, meal prep and freeze healthy food for when you are healing, get groceries delivered, hire a dog walker, ensure your other physical tasks can be taken over by someone else while you have lifting or activity restrictions, like taking out the garbage, doing laundry, emptying the dishwasher, etc.," said Dr. Horton. "Arrange rides to and from work when you do go back, rather than driving, especially if you've had surgery in the chest area. Ask for help and receive it with grace!"
You can also make the return to work more comfortable by making strategic wardrobe choices. Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen or bamboo won't irritate sensitive skin or scars. Smart-looking maxi or wrap dresses are an excellent choice, especially when paired with a cardigan or blazer. These fabrics and cuts also have the added benefits of helping you disguise swelling, compression garments and other signs of surgery.
Crisp high-waisted or drawstring pants are also office-appropriate and comfortable for patients with abdominal scars following a tummy tuck or for those who have recently had skin removal surgery or liposuction. Pair with a blazer or button-down, and you look work-ready without feeling like you want to crawl out of your own skin.
"Often changing your hairstyle, glasses, facial hair (men) or even adding eyelash extensions can slightly change your look and draw attention away from surgical swelling or incisions after facial surgery," said Dr. Horton. "You can easily conceal swelling and compression garments with loose, flowy clothing."
After facial procedures, ask your doctor when it is safe to apply makeup. Keep your back-to-work skincare routine simple to help avoid irritation and redness, and for all patients, sunscreen is a must, even if you work in an office, because it protects sensitive skin and delicate scar tissue.
Your secret is safe with your plastic surgeon
One of the most uncomfortable parts of the RTO mandate is that nosy coworkers may ask why you look so refreshed or what you did with your time off. For starters, your secret is safe with your plastic surgeon.
"It is no one's business, especially your employer's, to inquire about why you are taking time off work," said Dr. Horton. "However, sometimes it's helpful to disclose that you are having a surgical procedure, and that it's not cancer. People tend to leave you alone when they know you have had surgery and may be experiencing pain or swelling afterward."
Ultimately, experts say how much you share – and how you say it – comes down to setting clear personal boundaries.
"As for what you tell your coworkers, I would keep it vague and firm," said Dr. Bajaj. "Just say that you are taking time off to have a procedure and don't open the door for questions or conversation. And looking different, you just took some time to rest and relax."
You don't owe anyone an explanation for your absence or why you may look dewy or voluptuous. You also do not owe anyone an explanation about your medical history. If you return to work and need accommodations or light-duty work, such as avoiding lifting heavy objects, your workplace doesn't need to know that your surgery was aesthetic.
"No one will be checking out your figure or face when you return to work," said Dr. Horton. "I recommend speaking to your HR department if you're at a large company and tell them how long your surgeon recommends you be off work completely, when you can start light work from home, when you can return to the office and when you have zero physical restrictions. It's better to state how long you might be off rather than minimize your recovery and need to request more time off if you're still in pain, bruised or swollen and truly not ready to come back."
So, can you discreetly ask for accommodations at work after a plastic surgery procedure?
"Absolutely," said Dr. Bajaj. "They are still allowed to protect their privacy, and when we give doctors' notes, we do not specify the procedure that a patient had done."
If you are adamant you don't want to discuss the details of your procedure, then don't. The only one who can share the details of your procedure and recovery is you. Keep those recently filled lips sealed, and no one is going to know you spent your vacation or last remaining remote work time recovering from plastic surgery. Then, when the RTO mandate comes down, you can return to the office looking refreshed, healthy and ready to take on the world.
To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.
