When I will I be able to dance again after full tummy tuck? (Photos)

Thank you for your question. Healing after plastic surgery is a process and the earlier parts are the most challenging.  Emotions are a big part of the process as well. Try to be patient and follow your surgeon's instructions. Healing after a tummy tuck is usually pretty straight forward.  There is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery.  The later phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens.  Patients can return to light activities almost immediately after surgery, normal activities 2 weeks after surgery, and vigorous exercise 4 weeks after surgery.  We usually experience a slow steady improvement for 3 months.

Thanks for the question. After 10-12 weeks your surgery area is totally healed and yes you can dancing and also do other activities. I wish you all the best.

It appears that you have a very nice result after a tummy tuck surgery. When you don't have a lot of excess skin, it's often not possible to remove all of the stretch marks. However, the stretch marks do move into a lower position on your tummy. Your surgeon is the only one who can give you specific advice regarding when to return to activities. In my office patients can resume all activities after a tummy tuck procedure at six weeks.

Big improvement; I think you will be happy with the results.  Noted that dancing is your income, but returning too early can jeopardize the results.  The plastic surgeon who performed your TT, not I, should be the one dictating your return to the gym, performances, and dancing.  Exercise of a strenuous nature can usually be resumed 6 weeks following an uncomplicated tummy tuck.  At 6 weeks, the scar has reached nearly full strength, and risk of wound separation is much reduced. Before that time, as your energy levels improve, you should be able to gradually ease back into your dance routines.  As each day passes, be aware that you could do more than the day before. That positive attitude will help you cope with the recovery.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question.  It looks like you are healing uneventfully from your tummy tuck, and I would expect you to get a very nice result.  Stretch marks tend to look more pronounced when the soft tissues are swollen following surgery, and they will look less conspicuous over time.  Keep in mind, however, that although a tummy tuck improves the structure of the muscle and removed excess skin, it cannot remove all of the stretch marks that were above your belly button.  I tell my patients that they can resume mild exercise 2 weeks after surgery and can begin vigorous workouts at 6 weeks. though it may be 6 months to a year until the core strength and flexibility returns to normal.   It is very common for patients to experience doubts and even mild depression in the weeks following surgery, so your experience is not unusual. You should discuss your concerns with your surgeon, and follow whatever recommendations and restrictions they would have for you.  Again, you should get a very nice result but it takes time for both form and function to reach their final state.

A week post op a tummy tuck is not very long. Your body just needs more time to recover, but you will be back to your own dancing self in no time. The body needs time to heal and just gradually increase your activity and your body will tell you when you are ready. You look great and you'll be dancing again soon!

I'm sorry that you are frustrated.  Recovery from the tummy tuck is a process and based on your photos you are on track.   Returning to your regular activities is still several weeks away.  You will gradually be able to increase your activities as you heal.  I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about your concerns.  

Thank you for your question. It looks like you are on your way to an excellent result. It takes several weeks for one to recover from a tummy tuck. The swelling can take several weeks to months to resolve. Once you are all healed, I think you will be pleased with your results. 

At just one week following a tummy tuck, it really is too early to judge the results.  From your before and after photos, I don't see anything wrong with initial results and you should see more improvement over the coming weeks.  Regarding your recovery, in most cases, the first week is the most difficult and you should find it easier to get around over the next week or two.  That said, follow your surgeon's instructions regarding when you can return to dancing and other physical activities.  Please note that many patients  have regrets in the first few days following any cosmetic surgery, but in the longer run, most are happy with their results and would do the procedure again.  Discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  He/she should be able to help you feel more comfortable with your decision.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.      

It looks like you will be having a really great result. When you are postop and have questions regarding what activities are allowed and when, there is only one person whose opinion counts and that is your surgeon so give the office a call and you'll have your answer.