Burning nerve pain on right side of incision, 3 weeks post-op. Is this permanent? (photo)

Question

This burning nerve pain started at 10dpo and is only on the right side of my incision. When I’m laying down it doesn’t hurt but the second I get up and start walking the burning begins. I’m now 3weeks Post op and no end in sight. Is this nerve regeneration? Nerve damage? Permanent or how long until it eases up? It’s ruining my quality of life. Neurontin isn’t helping very much!

Aisha White, MD · Answer

The pain you are describing is likely due to nerve irritation.  Nerve pain can occur after surgery and can sometimes be difficult to manage.  Luckily, it is usually temporary and should get better with time.  Try to be patient and contact your surgeon if anything worsens.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your recent question.  Burning nerve pain is not uncommon this early in the healing stage.  You may experience this feeling come and go over the next few months. Best of luck !

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Neuralgia pataesthetica is the most likely diagnosis. About 30 percent of patients get this with tummy tuck and it’s temporary normally. Speak with your surgeon about increasing the GABA dose. See if you can try Arnica cream, Bromalein, and vibratory massage over the area.Good luck! Dr. Aldo

Lavinia K. Chong, MD · Answer

In the course of a TT, sensory nerves may be divided (cut), stretched, entangled with sutures used for repair.  Initially, sensory impulses will cease (i.e. the area will be numb) however anywhere between 10-14 days, post-op the nerve axon (stump) puts out multiple "feelers" and reinnervation commences.  The subsequent sensation can have various manifestations from intermittent "burning", sensation of "ants crawling", itchiness or any other aberrant pathway.  Discuss this with your PS, ask about any bio feed back techniques, short-term localization and nerve block therapy and expect it will settle down.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

You are correct in saying that the pain is nerve pain.  It is likely associated with the sutures used to close your incision.  When you standup the tension on those sutures increases and thats when the pain is felt.  Massage of that area and time is all that you need. Your plastic surgeon can inject some long acting numbing medication in there to help for 24 hours or so as well.Good luck with the rest of your recovery.Dr. Remus Repta

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the pain you are experiencing.  The burning nerve pain you are describing may be worsened from the swelling, as and you continue to heal it should improve.  Continue to follow the advice of your plastic surgeon.  Contact the office if you are not noticing any improvement in the situation.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

In rare cases the pain can be related to nerve irritation.  Contact your surgeon for an exam as this should be temporary.

Burning nerve pain on right side of incision, 3 weeks post-op. Is this permanent? (photo)

Answers (7)

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