Stomach itching after a tummy tuck! Is this just a normal sign of healing? What can be done to stop it?

Question

I just had a tummy tuck 6 days ago & my belly is itching up a storm!! I've never liked anything touching my stomach & I remember my belly itching when I was pregnant as well. I had to wear low pregnancy pants so that nothing pressed on my stomach. I suspect the binder & my clothes being pushed on my skin is causing this but I'm going crazy! I've tried Benadryl spray, cortisone cream, lotion, etc. & nothing is working. There is no rash or redness. I just left my doc a message.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Congrats on your surgery. The itching can be very frustrating. but fortunately will subside. I tell my patients they can use something like Eucerin cream but it doesn't always make it go away. Hang in there!

Sergio Pasquale Maggi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.Your complaint is commonly heard after an abdominplasty, particularly in the first few days afterwards.What we tell our patients: 1. Dont scratch yourself to the point of skin tears that can then become infected- you have a healing incision line nearby.  Remember, our nails are harbor a lot of bacteria. 2. The binder used for compression often has latex- and when laid directly onto the skin can result in dermatitis (or skin inflammation) for some sensitive individuals. This is often the most commonly a cause.3. Areas of post-operative swelling can illicit an itch often. Keep the skin from drying out, and use topical creams designed to help minimize urticaria.4. Be sure you are also not having instead an allergic reaction to your post-operative meds.I hope this helps,Sergio Pasquale Maggi, MD, FACSAustin Plastic Surgery Centerdrmaggi.com

Earl E. Ferguson III, MD, FACS · Answer

You can expect the itching to go away over the next few weeks, but it can be pretty irritating in the meantime.  You might try some oral antihistamines such as Benadryl in addition to the topical formulations.  Not sure if it will help, but it might.  As long as there is no external sign of skin irritation, you should be fine soon.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Have your doctor evaluate you to make sure there is no yeast/fungal/bacterial infection, eczema, allergies or irritation from liquid discharge or antibiotic ointments after surgery. Your doctor can prescribe you medications if there is an infection and also something to help the irritation subside such as hydrocortisone.  In general, without irritation and infection, itching is a good sign that you are healing and progressing.

Stomach itching after a tummy tuck! Is this just a normal sign of healing? What can be done to stop it?

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