How Long Does Numbness Typically Last After Tummy Tuck?

Abdominal wall numbness will happen after a Tummy Tuck. The numbness basically extends the full length of the scar and can extend upwards often above the belly button.  It can take up to 12 months for some sensation to gradually return, however never completely. So expect a permantly reduced area of sensation. This happens because the small nerves that run from the muscle to the skin are damaged during surgery. In addition to this, some patients may experience numbness or discomfort to the front and outer aspect of the thighs. This typically resolves within a few months.. but on the rare occasion can be permament.

Numbness after tummy tuck can take 2 years to resolve, and sometimes can be permanent.  It however is not something that the patients typically complain about.

Hello,

Thank you for your question regarding the numbness typically experienced after a tummy tuck. It's important to understand that numbness following this procedure is quite common due to the nerves that are severed during the surgery.

The numbness you're experiencing is likely concentrated above the pubic region and below the belly button. This specific area is most affected because it's directly in the path where the surgical adjustments occur, including the tightening of skin and possibly muscles.

For most patients, there is a phase of temporary numbness that gradually improves. The extent of this numb area can range significantly in size—from as large as the palm of a hand with fingers extended to as small as a quarter. Over time, typically up to 12 months post-surgery, this numbness tends to reduce progressively. However, it's also not uncommon for a permanent small patch of numbness to remain within this region. This permanent numbness usually stabilizes after about a year.

If you are still within the 12-month post-operative period, it's likely that some of the numbness you are experiencing will continue to diminish. If it persists beyond this timeframe, it may be part of the smaller permanent area often associated with standard post-surgical changes.

I hope this explanation helps clarify your concerns about the numbness you're experiencing after your tummy tuck. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your question.  Numbness after a tummy tuck is to be expected (to some degree) and unfortunately it can persist for months and even years.  In most cases the loss of sensation is temporary, but in some cases and in specific locations this loss may be permanent.  When a tummy tuck is performed the skin overlying the abdominal wall and the abdominal wall itself are separated from one another, which can divide the sensory nerves.  It can take months and even years for the nerves to regenerate and for this reason it is impossible to give a precise answer.  I hope you find this helpful.

It is perfectly normal to
have numbness after a tummy tuck which is expected to slowly have sensation
return to normal after many months following your surgery. Although uncommon,
permanent numbness and tingling can occur after tummy tuck surgery, especially
in the lower mid line area between the scar and belly button. In most
cases there is some sensation present, just not the normal pre-surgical amount.
Please speak with your plastic surgeon about your concerns.

#tummytucknumbness #tummytuckpost-op