What can I do to stop itching 2.5 years after a tummy tuck?

Question

I’m 21/2 years after my surgery and still badly itchy from my belly button I’m and I’m below. Like can’t stop pushing at it cause it’s internal. Also the skin dries up the track on the outside. Any suggestions I can’t deal with it. It wakes me at night it’s really bad all day long too. I’ve tried cortisone cream and it doesn’t make a difference.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for this challenging question.  It's apparent from what you said that after the tummy tuck, your belly has shrunk up to where there is no opening to the outside.  This process is known as stenosis of the umbilicus.  More than likely, the same scar tissue that caused your belly button to stenose (close up) has caused entrapment of the nerves to the belly button which, by the way, come from your liver.  Some of the fibers from the liver to the belly button are pain fibers, and itch is carried on these very same fibers, therefore itch is actually low grade pain.  Your entraped belly button nerve endings are understood as itch by the brain.  Obviously, an in person exam by your primary plastic surgeon or by another Board Certified plastic surgeon will help diagnose your problem.  There is no way to be absolutely sure, but it is my considered opinion after many years of experience that once you reopen the belly button and cut away much of the scar tissue, it is a reasonable assumption that your chronic irritating itch will subside.  I'm so sorry that you are going through this, but I am happy for you that you found RealSelf because this website is a great way to gain insight into unusual problems such as yours.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There is not a definitive treatment to help with itching 2 1/2 years post op.  You can try cold compresses or topical treatments.  If it becomes intolerable you can consider oral medications to help control it.  I encourage you to speak with your surgeon for further information.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Without an in person exam it's hard to determine exactly whats going on.  Sometimes I will offer my patients a cortisone injection to help soothe the area.  I would suggest following up with your surgeon to see what is going on and what he can offer.  Best of luck to you.

What can I do to stop itching 2.5 years after a tummy tuck?

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What can I do to stop itching 2.5 years after a tummy tuck?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.