I am 6 weeks post op and I experience random INTENSE itching. Is this normal? How can I make it tolerable?

Question

I get very random itchy spells as I like to call them. They come at different times and they are intense. I had a BBL and Lipo on my back and stomach and most of the itching is on my back. I have been taking benadryl to assist but it is bad. i have patches on my back from ripping off skin. Please help! Will this go away? Is it normal @ 6 weeks? I have tried different detergents but still not having any luck. thanks

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Occasionally severe itching can accompany healing after body contouring. If the customary antihistamines don't work sometimes a drug like Neurontin might be indicated. This is something you should discuss with your surgeon.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.
First it's important to figure out if you started something new that you are actually allergic to. A medication, food, clothing detergent? Be sure to eliminate something you started shortly before the itching.
In most cases itching is not uncommon and is related to the inflammatory process associated with healing. Atarax is a prescription medication that can help.  Antihistamines like benadryl help. I would also recommend allergy medications, one in AM and one in PM, like Zyrtec + claritin or allegra. Antiinflammatory meds like Aleve and Ibuprofen may help. Aveeno oatmeal products are great.
Best of luck to you!

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank
you very much for your question and congratulations on your recent liposuction
procedure. Itching is a common side-effect that can often occur following any
surgical procedure. There are a variety of causes, such as reinnervation (returning
nerve function), irritation, or a reaction to medications. I advise you contact
your operating surgeon with your symptoms, as he/she best knows your medical
history, procedure performed, and healing progress.

Mark Crispin, MD · Answer

Itching after liposuction is caused by inflammation (dermatitis secondary to some mechanical irritant - garment, heat or medication reaction- antibiotics, pain meds, skin glue); reinnervation as the sensory nerves settle after the liposuction.  Antihistamines and moisturizing agents are effective.  Removing,  the mechanical irritant also helps.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs and I am sorry to hear of your itching issues.  Based on the location of your scratches this is like related to irritation and dryness of the skin from either adhesive, gauze, sterilizing solution, compression garments, etc.  I would first recommend cleansing your skin with a gentle soap to remove any remaining irritant and then apply a thick emollient like Aquaphor.  Take a higher dose of Benadryl and discuss either a topical steroid cream or oral steroid pack with your surgeon as they know the full details of your procedure and can offer you the best treatment recommendation.  Best wishes.

I am 6 weeks post op and I experience random INTENSE itching. Is this normal? How can I make it tolerable?

Answers (5)

More Liposuction Questions

If I become pregnant after belly lipo will the fat come back?

Why are my fingers tingling and numb after my liposuction on legs?

Bags around my eyes after lipo and fat transfer. Any suggestions? (Photo)

Smoking before liposuction for lipoma. Will the anesthetic cause any problems?

Is it possible to contour an apple shape figure into a more proportional one?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS