How long to return to figure skating after a Tummy tuck? (photos)

Typically, patients can resume strenuous activities such as exercise 6 weeks following the tummy tuck procedure. But, every plastic surgeon has different instructions, so you can ask your surgeon during consultation. I hope this helps!

First, congratulations on your decision to pursue a tummy tuck, by your pics it appears that you will have a nice result and you are a good candidate.  I usually advise my tummy tuck patients to avoid cardio activities like jogging or aerobics for 6 weeks after surgery but let them start walking longer distances after just a couple of weeks.  However, I do not like my patients to do anything that stresses the core (like sit-ups or crunches) for 4-6 months after surgery to make sure that none of the internal sutures are torn before everything heals.  It sounds like some of your figure skating activities would definitely stress your core.  As with your hernia, unfortunately sometimes once you do something that causes too much pain, the damage is already done.  A tummy tuck can be a great surgery and a life-changing event; just make sure you give yourself adequate time to heal properly to protect your investment in yourself and of course make sure you communicate your desires for postoperative exercise with your surgeon.  Best of luck with your surgery!

Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to returning to specific activities. Remember, that your plastic surgeon knows exactly what was done, how you are progressing ( with or without complications), knows more precisely what you are planning on doing when it comes to activities, and is ultimately responsible for your care. Receiving advice online in this regard may be confusing or worse.

Generally speaking, tummy tuck surgery is major surgery, often associated with both a physical and emotional recovery period, underestimated by patients ( and sometimes their plastic surgeons). For example, do not be surprised if you have not reached 100% of your energy level 8 weeks after the procedure; most of my patients will tell me that they have reached 80 to 90% of their preoperative energy/stamina level at that point. Therefore, best to plan to "go slow" when you do return...
Best wishes.

For excessive type exercises I refer back to you asking your operative chosen surgeon for his/her timetable to start these intensive activities.... 

8-10 weeks postoperatively is usually a good rule to stand by for getting back into a small amount of exercise. No restrictions is usually 3 months after surgery, but depends on how quickly your body heals. When you have your consultation with the surgeon you've chosen be sure to address these questions with him or her and abide by the directions they give you. Keep in mind that although you've skated for most of your life, having realistic expectations about when you can do it again is very important.Thank you for sharing your pictures and for your question!!Melinda Lacerna, MD FACS

The way I explain it to patients is "you have the rest of your life to get in shape,:"or skate in your case.  We usually reserve strenuous exercise for when you are 8 weeks postop. Check with your chosen surgeon and follow their advice. Best wishes. Below is general information on tummy tucks. 

Thank you for the question and the photos.  This will be somewhat hard to answer since how much effort or stress is put on the surgical site depends on:How much and what type of skating is done, andIf any accidents occur while skatingI would assume that slowly skating around the 8-10 week mark may be reasonable barring  falls.  As you can imagine, a fall would quickly force you to stretch and extend your torso to cushion the fall.  I would follow your plastic surgeons advice and also add an ounce of caution in there.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta