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Burning Sensation Normal Weeks After Lipo and Tummy Tuck?

asked 3 years ago by Tigdo in Missouri
Latest answer by Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS
Question viewed 26,962 times
Tags: burn, massage, side effects

I'm 5 weeks post op with Tummy Tuck and Liposuction. Is it normal to feel like the inside of me is raw or burning? How long will it take it before it's safe to go without the compression garment on? Some days, when I feel as if the compression garment is rubbing me raw, I check my skin and all is fine. My back is really sore from the liposuction and I can still feel where the liposuction was inserted. Also, should I massage my skin more often in a day?

26 answers to Burning Sensation Normal Weeks After Lipo and Tummy Tuck?

Tinggling, Burning, etc is Nomal- NEURONTIN might help

What is are describing is a very normal and expected occurance after tummy tuck and liposuciton and it can contiue to a different degree up to 6-8 months. keeping your skin very lubricated with vasoline helps much. in sever case I have been able to successfull treat patients with Neurontin which helps to "soothe" irritated nerves. yours, Sean younai, MD from beautifulfigure.com

S. Sean Younai, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.beautifulself.com

These symptoms can be normal after Tummy Tuck

Most patients experience what you described, burning, itching, or tightness after having a tummy tuck. They are a very common occurence post-operatively and can last up to 6 months. These feeling are usually a normal result of your nerves repairing themselves after surgery. Massaging the areas with a gentle lotion can sometimes help with comfort . Our patients are also given a very light compression garment ,which at five weeks post op is not necessary to wear, but many patients have... more

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Be proactive

Any pain after the immediate postop period deserves attention. Usually massage or ultrasound treatments help, and can usually stop the pain cycle before it gets out of hand. Occasionally medications such as Neurontin are necessary. In any event, communicate closely with your doctor.

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Irritated nerves causing pain after lipo and tummy tuck surgery

Burning pain or hypersensitivity after liposuction or a tummy tuck can occur, and can be quite bothersome. In liposuction areas, as swelling and edema resolves, the sensations tend to go away. In the case of the tummy tuck, some nerve endings were divided during the surgery, and others stretched. The stretched nerves will feel better as they relax at their new length, and the others will try to heal into nerve conduits or just soft tissue. Massage is useful to help... more

Michael A. Bogdan, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Break the Cycle

It is not unusual to have a burning sensation persisting several weeks after liposuction or tummy tuck. During the course of these procedures, the normal sensory nerves are stretched or otherwise traumatized, and during the healing process there is inflammation around the nerves that may create abnormal sensations such as "raw" and "burning" pain, even in response to normal stimuli. These "Dysesthesias" may be worse if ultrasonic liposuction was used during your... more

Athleo Louis Cambre, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Burning sensation after Tummy Tuck or Liposuction is normal

As the other respondees have indicated, these types of sensations are very normal after either abdominoplasty or liposuction. Irritation or disruption of the nerves is certain to occur to some extent after these procedures, and lingering effects can be seen for 12-18 months. Unlike others, I've seen very disappointing results from the use of Neurontin. In this situation in particular, patients are more bothered by the side effects of the medication than they are from the primary symptoms... more

Brian K. Brzowski, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

It is normal to have mild numbness and tingling after liposuction.

It is normal to have mild numbness and tingling after liposuction. This will progressively improve as time passes. During the liposuction, the tumescent and liposuction cause stretching of the tiny sensory nerves. During the abdominoplasty, some sensory nerves are cut. Over several weeks to months, these nerves are healing and cause numbness, tingling and itching sensations. Don't worry, this will resolve. It is important to make sure that your garment is not too tight and causing more... more

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

Burning sensation after Tummy Tuck or Liposuction can be normal

The sensation you describe can be normal after a tummy tuck and liposuction. You are still in the healing phase and your nerves will be recovering from the surgery. The massaging will help alleviate your symptoms. Typically most patients wear a compression garment or binder for about 6wks. Some may benefit from it longer - 8wks or so. As long as it feels good and protective you can wear it. As the senstation on your abdomen returns to normal you may have these symptoms. Hydrating your... more

Bahram Ghaderi, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Pain after tummy tuck: Give it time but check it out

What you decsribe is very normal and in all likelihood will resolve. This is commonly referred to as dysesthesias and is common after nerves are bruised or "insulted". Think about how your leg feels after it falls asleep and goes numb. When it wakes up, you feel that pins and needles tingling sensation. Sometimes it can be quite painful but it goes away. This happens after liposuction as well. My patients often complain of more pain in the hips and flanks (liposuction treated... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

It can be normal to have those sensations

It is normal to have numbness and even sometimes the sensation of burning after either the abdominoplasty or liposuction. As the sensory nerves recover over the next month or two it should slowly resolve. It is expected thought to have some numbness in the lower abdomen between the belly button and scar for many months. Many patients report relief from the use of over the counter anti-inflamatories like advil. Sometimes massage will also help.

John E. Gross, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

This sounds a bit worse than usual - but normal

What you are describing is worse than most patients describe but sounds as though it is within normal limits given your timing from surgery. If you still felt this way at 3 months, this would not be normal at all. Stay calm, gently massage all areas with lotion. This plus normal healing time will help you sooth these irritated nerve endings. Check with your doctor, you might also be able to stop the garments if they are irritating. Good luck!

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

What you are describing sounds normal

Everything you are describing sounds to be within the parameters of normal healing. After surgery, sensory nerves which have been stretched, bruised or cut are healing just as your skin is healing, and as they do they produce different sensations, including burning or itching. It will settle down with time, but it can take several weeks or even months to fully improve. I will often recommend massage of these areas and most patients feel that this helps. In terms of how long to wear your... more

Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.drsalemy.com

Burning Sensation after Tummy Tuck + Liposuction

A burning sensation is not outside the norm for patients who have had a Tummy Tuck with Liposuction. You are feeling this pain because the nerves in the area where you had your surgery have been traumatized and need more time to heal and relax. In the meantime, here are some things that may make you feel better: A low dose of Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, or other NSAIDs (if you can tolerate them; take with food) Cold compresses (if effective) Gentle massage Walking... more

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Burning Sensation Post Surgery

Burning sensations after liposuction or abdominoplasty is quite normal. You probably noticed significant numbness early on and now it may burn or tingle. Massaging the area should be helpful to these symptoms. Start with very light touch and work your way up to massage. You are retraining the nerves that were damaged during the surgery. If you notice any redness or skin changes, notify your doctor immediately.

Jaime Perez MD
Tampa Plastic Surgeon

www.jaimeperezmd.com

Can be normal, but check with your PS to be sure

These pains and sensations can be totally normal after Liposuction and Tummy Tuck. It is typically all part of the healing process. Assuming you have no other concerns and you are seeing your PS regularly for post operative follow up visits massage can help to soften the scar tissue in these areas and help expedite the recovery. I often recommend for my patients to use a hand held massage device morning and night for 5-10 minutes over the surgical areas. more

Renato Saltz, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

www.saltzplasticsurgery.com

Burning sensantion after tummy tuck and liposuction is normal.

It is normal to have a buring sensation after tummy tuck and liposuction. Some patients describe it as "burning, tingling, crawling, itching" sensation. This is due to stretching and injuring of your sensory nerves during surgery. Although this sensation is temporary, it may last several months. Massage the area couple times a day. Be careful of placing too hot or cold objects on your abdomen until your sensation gets normalized. In regards... more

Sugene Kim, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Burning sensation = nerves trying to heal themselves

That burning sensation is from temporary nerve injury during your tummy tuck and liposuction. It will resolve with time. Massage will certainly help, as it softens scar tissue, reduces swelling in the tissues, and can help to desensitize sensitive skin.

Carmen Kavali, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Burning sensation after liposuction and tummy tuck is temporary.

Hi. You may have a bruised nerve. Of course, everybody heals differently. You are having more pain after liposuction and tummy tuck than most patients, but it will pass. Massage may help.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Pain and Itching After Liposuction

Pain and itching after liposuction is common. Consult with your surgeon to determine if you have cellulitis or infection. Otherwise, this is best explained by hypersensitive nerves that will begin to equilibrate within weeks of your surgery.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Yes

Although this is distressing, it is very common and usually indicates that the nerves responsible for giving you skin sensation, are repairing themselves, and sensation should soon return. Your doctor may be able to give you"desensitization" exercises to do at home to help make the the burning less troublesome.

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Sounds within normal range, but check with your Surgeon

I agree with the other docs below- based on the procedures you had performed, it sounds like you are having an average experience. Itching, burning, stretching or tight sensations are very common for a few months after the surgery, as scar tissue is forming and maturing under your skin. Having said that, I do think that your best source of comfort when you are in doubt about what you are experiencing is your surgeon- he or she is going to be most familiar with the finer points of your... more

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

One more

In addition to the answers listed below (and I agree that this is most likely normal) - it is important to gauge your progress. Do you think the pain is getting worse or staying the same as the weeks go on? All post-operative concerns, especially pain, should be directed to your treating physician. I hope this helps!

Steven H. Williams, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.trivalleyplasticsurgery.com

3-6 weeks for a garment

I usually recommend compression garments for 3-6 weeks. Most patients want to "burn" the garment after three weeks. Changes in sensations are very common initially after surgery. This usually gets better over the first few months. If ther eis not sugn of infection, fever drainage, etc.. then it should get better as stated above.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

It can be normal--but uncomfortable; I understand

The sensation you describe is usually very normal. During any body contouring procedure, sensory nerves can be damaged. Most likely, the pain you are feeling is temporary and will subside as the nerves regenerate. It's really important to communicate with your doctor and staff about this issue and see what they recommend for you. Ask them to show you how to do proper massage, that usually will help ease discomfort. I usually have my patients wear their garment for about 6-8 weeks after... more

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
Englewood Plastic Surgeon

It is normal to have temporary changes in sensation following any surgical procedure

It is normal to have numbness and even sometimes the sensation of burning after either the abdominoplasty or liposuction. This is called a dysesthesia or hyperesthesia. It is similar to a bruised nerve. The nerves involved will gradually recover. This can take several months. It helps to massage the areas of sensory change as this helps to "burn out" the sensations. IF the problem is severe sometimes medications can help. I usually use either Pamelor or Neurotin.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

If the skin is normal, the burning should resolve

Burning sensations after liposuction or abdominoplasty is quite normal. You probably noticed significant numbness early on and now it may burn or tingle. Local massage with moisturizing creams is very helpful. Start with very light touch and work your way up to massage. You are retraining the nerves that were damaged during the surgery. If you notice any redness or skin changes, notify your doctor immediately. Often, anti-inflammatories such as Motrin or Aleve can be quite helpful. ... more

David A. Dreyfuss, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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