What could this be: Intense Stinging/Burning pain in 1-2 inches of scar site 6.5 weeks (to the touch)?

Question

There's a 1-2 inch area (middle of the right half of scar) that when I touch or try to massage, it burns/stings unbearably. It may be slightly redder than the same spot of the other side. Also could be a bit swollen but that may just be asymmetry from the liposuction. It's only jut begun in the last 3-5 days. Could it be a irritated or infected suture? What else could it be? Thank you

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

It is hard to say without an in-person examination. But if your about 6 weeks post op it is most probably nerve pain. Sometimes nerve endings get very sensitive when they are growing back after surgery. They get irritated and sting to the touch. This will eventually go away with time. You can try to rub the area gently and frequently and gradually increase the pressure. This will help make the area less sensitive faster.Be sure to have this looked at by your PS just to make sure.Hope this helps.Dr. Miguel Mota

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It could be your nerve endings coming back together in that area, and or it could also be a suture looking to push it's way on out.  I would recommend that you follow up with your surgeon to be evaluated to make sure there is nothing to worry about.   Best of luck to you.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding stinging, burning, redness, and swelling approximately half and inch from your liposuction site. It sounds like you may have an infected suture. Alternatively, it could be an infected collection of fluid.  This could either be a seroma, hematoma, or an abscess. Due to the redness and tenderness of the spot, you should follow up with your plastic surgeon in the next 48 hours. Either way, I would suggest oral antibiotics for a week. You may need to have this area aspirated or even opened. Again, it is very important for you to follow up with your plastic surgeon. If you have any more questions regarding healing after liposuction, please contact my office. 
  
Sincerely, 
  
Dr. Katzen

Michelle Spring, MD, FACS · Answer

You could be experiencing irritation & pain from nerve regeneration, but it's difficult to say for certain without an exam. This type of pain can come & go for several weeks, so be patient.   Please see your surgeon if the pain persists or gets worse.  Good luck!Sincerely,Dr. Michelle Spring

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Without physical changes such as noticeable redness,swelling or discharge...the increased sensitivity and pain in one spot while healing is often related to nerves. You may try gentle fingertip massage. Talk with your plastic surgeon about options for pain relief. It should continue to improve as nerves repair over the next few months but you can always follow up with your surgeon if you are concerned.All the best

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What could this be: Intense Stinging/Burning pain in 1-2 inches of scar site 6.5 weeks (to the touch)?

Answers (10)

Answer: Pain in scar

Answer: Pain in scar

Answer: Incision Pain At Two Months

Answer: Incision Pain At Two Months

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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