Is pinching sensation normal to the incision after abdominoplasty?

Question

I had an extended abdominoplasty surgery on 09/29/15. Yesterday 10/3 I started with a pinching sensation in the right side of the incision. It's only when walking or doing a certain movement that i get this pulling/pinching sensation. In a pain scale is like a 10 when it happens. Is this normal? Other than that my incision looks great and intact.

Marwan R. Khalifeh, MD · Answer

The sutures are "pinching" your tissue together after a tummy tuck.  especially if a small nerve is within that sutured area.  Don't worry, but definitely follow up closely with your physician for final recommendations.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

It is very common to have new on set and potentially sharp pains in and around your incision anywhere from a few weeks to a few months after your tummy tuck/abdominoplasty. In general, these tend to subside over time, but both the swelling and occasional sharp pains may persist for several months to a year after your operation. If you have any concerns or questions, it's important to seek the advice of your plastic surgeon.I wish you the best.Dr. Gabbay

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

You're only a few days after surgery. The sensations of pinching, shooting pain and sometimes burning pain will definitely occur in the early recovery phase. This sounds normal. Is always advisable to point this out to your plastic surgeon for his for her examination and final recommendations.

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

If you get a pain in a specific location in only a certain position it is likely that you are pulling on a suture. See your surgeon, as they will know best what they did.  My strong belief is that when we agree to operate on someone we make a commitment to that person to take care of them through thick and thin until they are healed. I imagine your surgeon would be happy to see you and allay your concerns. For those considering surgery, make sure you are confident that your surgeon will be there for you before, during and after surgery.Dr Rodger ShorttOakville Plastic SurgeonDirector of Cosmetic Surgery Training &Assistant Clinical Professor,McMaster University

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Pinching sensations like this are from recovering nerve endings.  They are normal at this stage.  Sometimes they can last for a few months.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is in the very early phase of healing and is not unusual. Usually get better with time. Also please express your concerns to your PS

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. From your narrative it does not sound as though infection is a worry since your wound is healing well and is without erythema. At 1 month post op you are still in the early phase of healing.This sensation may be secondary to the scar formation and inflammation or nerve pain and can be normal during this period of recovery. I would recommend you stay in close follow up with your plastic surgeon as they are in the best position to evaluate and treat you in the post operative period. I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, analaura84.Congratulations on your recent surgery.If your incision is intact and does not display any redness, your pinching sensation may be due to nerve pain.Nerve pain (pinching, shooting pain) can be normal after surgery.If it persists, please be evaluated by your plastic surgeon in-person.Good luck with your recovery.

Is pinching sensation normal to the incision after abdominoplasty?

Answers (8)

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