How long will it take to recover after heart bypass surgery?

This can vary. The average is two to three months, but people over the age of 80 may find it takes longer than this. It’s not unusual for it to take six months to a year to derive the full benefits of heart bypass surgery.

Will I have a scar?

The traditional heart surgery technique will create a long scar down the middle of the breastbone. There will also be scars on the legs and/or arms if blood vessels are removed from these sites. The size can vary depending on the technique used to remove the blood vessel. Scars will be pink at first and usually fade over time.

How long is a heart bypass operation?

On average, the operation takes three and a half hours.

• Learn about the difference between heart bypass and angioplasty.
• Read our Focus on: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.