Burning Sensation Normal Weeks After Lipo and Tummy Tuck?

Patients who undergo abdominoplasty and liposuction often complain of pain, swelling and skin hypersensitivity.  These are normal findings immediately following surgery, and usually resolve with time.  The hypersensitivity that you describe is known as a dysesthesia.  It’s very similar to what happens when your leg falls asleep.  This phenomena occurs when nerves are compressed, stretched or traumatized.  During and after these procedures the nerves are stretched and compressed.  In many cases, this is made worse by swelling.
Patients typically describe a tingling, burning sensation that can be very uncomfortable.  In many cases, clothing rubbing against the skin can elicit a burning sensation.
These symptoms usually resolve in six to eight weeks without intervention.  In some cases, aggressive massage can desensitize the area and minimize the pain and discomfort associated with this condition.

The burning, tightness and itching that you are experiencing is actually a pretty common phenomenon after a tummy tuck and liposuction procedure.  While annoying for a majority of patients, these sensations are generally the result of the normal nerve repair following your procedure.  During your tummy tuck and liposuction surgery, your normal sensory nerves are disrupted and stretched and combating the inflammatory process that occurs during the healing process.  These sensations can last for several months in the post-operative period but gentle massages often helps with the discomfort by desensitizing the areas treated.  If you are experiencing great discomfort I would strongly recommend following up with your operating surgeon for an evaluation.  Even if your surgeon has you come in and after evaluation says that it is part of the normal healing process, it is important to have your doctor evaluate you in person to make sure that everything is healing appropriately.  Best of luck in your recovery!

Thank you for your question regarding the normalcy of experiencing a burning sensation weeks after undergoing liposuction and a tummy tuck, and other concerns related to your postoperative care.

It is relatively common to experience various sensations, including burning, tingling, or numbness, after liposuction and tummy tuck procedures. These sensations are typically due to the healing of nerves and tissues that were disrupted during surgery. The feeling that the inside of you is "raw" or "burning" can be part of the normal healing process as nerves regenerate and the inflammation subsides. However, if the sensation is severe or worsening, it’s important to consult with your surgeon to ensure there are no complications such as an infection or a reaction to the materials used during the surgery.

Regarding the use of a compression garment, these are essential for supporting the healing tissues, reducing swelling, and helping the skin conform to its new contours. Most patients are advised to wear compression garments for several weeks post-surgery, typically ranging from 4 to 6 weeks, but this can vary based on your surgeon's protocol and the specifics of your surgery. If the compression garment feels like it’s rubbing you raw, discuss this with your surgeon. They may be able to suggest a different type or fit of garment that can provide the necessary compression without causing discomfort.

As for your back soreness and the palpable areas where liposuction was performed, these are also common. The soreness should gradually decrease as your body continues to heal. Gentle massage may help alleviate some of the discomfort and can aid in smoothing out the areas treated with liposuction. Massaging your skin more frequently can help, but it’s best to follow your surgeon's specific recommendations on the technique and frequency of massage to avoid any harm to the healing tissues.

In conclusion, continue to follow your postoperative care instructions provided by your surgeon, and don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any concerns or if the discomfort persists. Regular follow-ups are important to monitor your recovery and ensure that you are healing properly.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thank you for your question.  What you are describing sounds very familiar.  Nerve pain post tummy tuck and liposuction is very common.  Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.  Often, a prescriptions such as gabapentin or pain creams can help with this type of pain.  Best of luck!

It is very common to have changes in sensation with these procedures.  These changes can include numbness and tingling, itching, and even a burning sensation.  In most cases these symptoms are mild and they resolve during the healing process over a matter of weeks or months.  

Numbness is common and a burning feeling is common as well. This should away in a few weeks. I generally advise patients wear their garment 24 hours a day for three weeks, removing it only when bathing or washing it. From 3 to 6 weeks, wear your garment in the day only. It helps with easing swelling and reducing the risk of seroma.  It's best to follow your PS's advice or express your concerns directly to them so that they may respond. Massage can be done after a week or so, once you no longer feel so sore.

It is very normal to have burning sensations after liposuction.  It is typical for patients to feel better with their compression garments on for months after liposuction.  It is safe to be without your garment, but it will help with the swelling, and you should wear it until the burning sensations are no longer a problem.

Hello! Thank you for your question! Numbness after any surgical
procedure is expected for several weeks to months following. As the
nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary
neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction. This usually
resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure
performed, sometimes much longer. Typically this should resolve by 1
year. As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation
returning is small. However, it can take up to 2 years. If no return
from there, it is unlikely to return. It should be discussed that
persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical
procedure. The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia
resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then
occasional sharp, shock-like pains. These will be normal to experience,
and actually a promising sign. Usually, normal sensation returns, but
is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased
sensation to the areas affected. Re-educating nerves postoperatively is
often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected
sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the
affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc. If
bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including
Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity. You can try various textures
such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc. Massaging the areas is
also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible. The
last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the
incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this
location. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After
ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has
developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely
unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during
the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

After abdominoplasty and liposuction a patient can experience a variety of sensations that can include burning.  It is important to have these symptoms evaluated by your surgeon but they are usually normal.

A burning sensation is not outside the norm for patients who have had a Tummy Tuck with Liposuction. You are feeling this pain because the nerves in the area where you had your surgery have been traumatized and need more time to heal and relax.

In the meantime, here are some things that may make you feel better:


A low dose of Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, or other NSAIDs (if you can tolerate them; take with food)

Cold compresses (if effective)

Gentle massage

Walking progressively more each day

Continue wearing your elastic garment (as long as comfortable)


You should feel better as time progresses, and after 6 months this pain should subside. Any persisting pain after surgery deserves attention, so see your doctor if the pain continues beyond 6 months.