What is the typical recovery timeline after heart valve surgery?

Most patients begin light activity after 4-6 weeks and feel near baseline by 3 months, though complete healing takes longer.

• Weeks 1-2: managing incision pain, taking short daily walks, building stamina.
• Weeks 3-6: activity increases; many patients can drive if off narcotics.
• Months 2-3: most people return to work and daily routines.
• Months 6-12: sternum and chest wall continue to fully heal.

Minimally invasive approaches (mini-thoracotomy or mini-sternotomy) often shorten hospital stay and speed up recovery by several weeks compared with full sternotomy. Recovery also depends on baseline health, age, and completion of a structured cardiac rehabilitation program.

You may also find this article interesting: "Travel After Heart Surgery: When Is It Safe?"