How did you change your career and still work at your current job?

It sounds like you have already given this some thought. You are doing the right thing by returning to get more education. For now you need to concentrate on a speedy recovery from your hip replacement surgery. Follow your physician's instructions to heal up from the surgery. While recuperating, you might spend some of your time reading about skin care and talking with people at the hospital or care facility that work in skin care. You don't mention whether or not you have health care benefits from your employer and what the company policies are regarding personal leave or health leave. Talk with your boss about returning to work.