How long does it take to recover from a chest surgery? A comprehensive guide

September 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Every year, approximately 1.6 million adults in the US undergo heart surgery, with recovery times varying widely based on the specific procedure. The answer to how long does it take to recover from a chest surgery depends heavily on the type of operation, your overall health, and diligent post-operative care.

Quick Summary

Chest surgery recovery varies significantly, ranging from a few weeks for minimally invasive procedures to several months for complex open surgeries. Factors such as the surgical technique, pre-existing health conditions, and post-operative complications all influence the healing timeline.

Key Points

Recovery Varies by Surgery Type: Minimally invasive procedures like VATS have significantly shorter recovery times (weeks) compared to open surgeries like a sternotomy (months).
Patient Health Matters: Pre-existing conditions, age, and lifestyle habits like smoking have a major impact on how fast and well a patient recovers.
Strict Restrictions Apply: Depending on the procedure, strict limitations on lifting, pushing, pulling, and driving are enforced for weeks to months to allow for proper healing.
Manage Common Symptoms: Fatigue, pain, mood swings, and shortness of breath are all normal post-op but can be managed with medication, exercises, and support.
Follow All Instructions: Adherence to post-operative care regarding wound care, activity levels, and medication is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring a successful recovery.
Prioritize Physical Activity: Daily walking and prescribed breathing exercises are essential for improving circulation and lung function throughout the recovery period.

Understanding the Recovery Timeline

The recovery period following chest surgery is not a single, fixed duration but a range that varies dramatically based on the invasiveness of the procedure. It's crucial for patients to understand these timelines and manage their expectations to ensure a safe and successful recovery.

Recovery by Surgical Procedure

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)

This minimally invasive technique involves a few small incisions, which translates to a quicker recovery. Patients typically experience a hospital stay of just one to four days. At home, light activities can be resumed within two weeks, with full recovery often taking only four to six weeks. Patients generally report less pain and a quicker return to normal life compared to open surgery.

Thoracotomy

A thoracotomy is an open surgery involving a larger incision on the side of the chest and spreading the ribs to access the lungs or other chest organs. This more invasive approach requires a longer recovery. A hospital stay of up to a week is common, with a full recovery timeline of six to eight weeks to feel like yourself again. Full strength may not return for several months.

Sternotomy (Open Heart Surgery)

During a sternotomy, the breastbone is cut to allow direct access to the heart. This is a major surgery with the most extensive recovery. The hospital stay typically lasts five to seven days. The sternum requires eight to twelve weeks to heal completely, during which strict lifting and activity restrictions must be followed. Full recovery, including a return to all normal activities, can take three to four months or longer.

Factors Influencing Recovery Speed

Several variables can affect how quickly and smoothly you recover from chest surgery:

Overall Health and Age: Younger, healthier individuals with fewer pre-existing conditions (like diabetes, heart disease, or obesity) tend to heal faster.
Complications: Issues such as infections, blood clots, or prolonged air leaks can significantly extend the recovery timeline.
Lifestyle Habits: Smoking, in particular, has been shown to prolong hospital stays and impede recovery. Adopting a healthy diet and remaining active within prescribed limits can speed up the process.
Post-operative Care Adherence: Following all instructions regarding medication, incision care, and activity restrictions is vital for a smooth recovery.

Managing Post-Operative Symptoms and Activity

It's important to recognize common symptoms during recovery and what to do about them.

Common Symptoms During Recovery

Pain and Discomfort: Incision pain, muscle tightness, and nerve pain are common. Pain medication is prescribed, and over-the-counter options may be recommended later.
Fatigue: Extreme tiredness is normal, especially in the first few weeks. Rest is essential, but so is moderate activity.
Shortness of Breath: This is common after lung surgery. Breathing exercises are key to re-expanding the lungs and improving oxygenation.
Swelling: Swelling in the limbs (especially after bypass surgery) can be managed by elevation and compression stockings if recommended.
Mood Swings: It's normal to feel anxious, sad, or irritable after major surgery. Talking with family and friends or a professional can help.

A Comparison of Recovery Timelines


Feature	VATS	Thoracotomy	Sternotomy
Surgical Approach	Minimally Invasive	Open	Open
Hospital Stay	1–4 days	Up to 1 week	5–7 days
Return to Light Activities	2 weeks	6–8 weeks	6–12 weeks
Return to Driving	2–4 weeks	4+ weeks	6+ weeks
Full Recovery	1–2 months	2–3 months	3–4 months
Pain Level	Less intense	Moderate to severe	Moderate to severe
Breastbone Healing	N/A	N/A	8–12 weeks

A Guide to Activities During Recovery

Immediate Post-Op (First Few Weeks): Focus on rest and short walks. Walking is essential for circulation and preventing complications. Follow strict lifting limits (often less than 5–10 pounds) and adhere to wound care instructions. Use a pillow to brace your chest when coughing or sneezing.
Intermediate Recovery (1–3 Months): As your energy returns, gradually increase activity. You will likely be cleared for driving and more moderate exercise, but heavy lifting and strenuous sports are still restricted. For sternotomy patients, breastbone healing is still the priority. Continue prescribed breathing exercises.
Long-Term Recovery (3+ Months): With your surgeon's clearance, you can begin to return to more physically demanding activities. Cardiac rehab programs can be highly beneficial for a full return to fitness and preventing future issues. Continue to listen to your body and pace yourself.

When to Seek Medical Attention

During your recovery, be vigilant for signs that may indicate a complication. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

A fever over 100°F (38°C).
Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the incision.
Pus or foul-smelling drainage from the incision.
Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain.
Clicking noises from the breastbone that increase in frequency or pain after a sternotomy.

Staying informed and working closely with your healthcare team is the best way to ensure a smooth recovery. For more in-depth resources on managing recovery, visit the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery from minimally invasive procedures like VATS is typically quicker than open surgery. Most patients are discharged within one to four days and can resume normal activities within a few weeks, with full recovery taking one to two months.

For open heart surgery involving a sternotomy, the recovery is more extensive. The initial healing of the breastbone takes about eight to twelve weeks, and a full recovery can take three to four months, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

The timeframe for resuming driving varies. For minimally invasive surgery, it may be two to four weeks. For open procedures, especially those involving a sternotomy, you cannot drive for at least six weeks, or until your surgeon gives you clearance.

The timing depends on the type of surgery and your job. For sedentary work after a minimally invasive procedure, you might return in two to four weeks. For physically demanding jobs after open surgery, it could take two to three months or longer. Always consult your surgeon.

Common side effects include pain and discomfort around the incision, fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling, and mood swings. These symptoms typically improve over time with proper rest and care.

Pain is managed through prescribed medication and often transitions to over-the-counter pain relievers. You will also be taught breathing exercises and how to support your incision when moving to minimize discomfort.

Yes, significant fatigue is very common after chest surgery. Your body uses a lot of energy to heal. It is important to balance rest with gradual, increasing activity like walking, which helps rebuild stamina.