7 months post op tummy tuck and still completely numb?

Question

7 months post op full tummy tuck below my belly button is completely numb and rock-hard is this normal what could be the possible causes for this

Luke J. Curtsinger, MD · Answer

Everyone has early numbness after TT, especially in the lower half of the abdomen.  Over the course of 12-24 months, the area typically gets smaller and smaller, such that it completely recovers, or commonly, a small triangle of numbness remains permanently. Most patients find it an inconvenience that it worth it in the long run.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your recent tummy tuck.The numbness that you are experiencing is not uncommon and can take up to 12-18 months to resolve.  With that said, some patients find that it takes much longer for the sensation to return to normal or that it does not come back the same as it had been before surgery.  In any case, I would recommend following up with your operating board certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation and to address any concerns or questions that you might have pertaining to your recovery.I wish you all of the best on your recovery and I hope that you found this helpful.

Gregory Baum, MD · Answer

It is common to have numbness below the belly button after a tummy tuck. This area of numbness usually gets less and less as time goes on but it is always possible to have some permanent numbness between the belly button and the incision going across your lower abdomen. I always warn my patients about this possibility. You will not know your final results until you are one year post-op.  The hardness that you are feeling may be due to some fat necrosis (dead fat)  that typically liquifies with time.  Sometimes, it just remains as firm scar tissue. It is not dangerous but likely will not go away unless it is cut out. If you have any questions then I would make an appointment to see your plastic surgeon again. Best wishes.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

The numbness is normal, although some sensation returns - it is not always complete. As far as being rock hard - you should be examined by your plastic surgeon.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Jennifer Boll, MD · Answer

Many people are numb in this area after a tummy tuck. Usually this improves with time but there are times that it does not and then there is always numbness in this area. The firmness is most often related to scar tissue and can be improved with massage of this area. However, by 7 months post op this should be smoothing out. I would recommend that you go in for a consultation with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and your healing. Good luck!

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

What you are experiencing is normal. Numbness after abdominoplasty may be experienced for a year or so. This will eventually resolve on its own as your body fully heals.

Brian A. Pinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Numbness in the lower abdomen is pretty much universal after a tummy tuck.  Sensation generally returns to the skin slowly over time and may take 12-18 months or longer.  The scars themselves tend often remain numb permanently.   You are experiencing a perfectly normal and expected part of surgical recovery.  Good luck!

Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is not at all unusual to have numbness 7 months following a tummy tuck. It can take up  12-18 months for sensation to recover due to nerves that are injured during the surgery.  In some patients, there can be some permanent numbness, though this is fairly uncommon. Being rock hard is something that should be evaluated by your plastic surgeon. Best of luck.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Numbness underneath the belly button and above the pubis is common after a tummy tuck. Usually it takes up to a year for most of the sensation to return however it is likely that it may not return topreoperative state. This is a known side effect of the procedure. Removal of skin and the sensory nerve branches is what causes this. Give it time and moniter your progress with your surgeon. It is not uncommon for swelling to persist as well. Massage and compression garments may help. Best Wishes

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

While the numbness can be permanent, most patients eventually get feeling back in the surgical area. Nerves can be very slow to normalize again after surgery.  Officially, they can take up to 18-24 months to recover! Most patients have normal feeling much earlier than this. Massage of the area helps the nerves to "wake up" again. Massage can also help firm scar tissue to soften over time. Remember that the healing process continues throughout the full 1 year after surgery. It sounds like it might be best to revisit your plastic surgeon with your concerns.

7 months post op tummy tuck and still completely numb?

Answers (10)

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