I have no feeling of my stomach. I absolutely can't tell if it's full or not. No pressure pain of any kind. Is this common?

Question

Should I be concerned? I had a tummy tuck 18 days ago. I have significant numbness in my abdomen and lower back, that my doctor says I should come back with time.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It is perfectly normal to
have numbness and tingling after a tummy tuck which is expected to slowly have
sensation return to normal after many months and even years following your
surgery. Although uncommon, permanent numbness and tingling can occur after tummy
tuck surgery, especially in the lower mid line area between the scar
and belly button. In most cases there is some sensation present, just not the
normal pre-surgical amount. Please speak with your plastic surgeon about your
concerns.

#tummytucknumbness #tummytuckpost-op

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

It is normal to have numbness after a tummy tuck.  This will go away with time, but there may be some areas which are persistently numb.  This is not something that the patients complain about in the long term.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  What you are experiencing is completely normal, particularly at 18 days postop.  Nerve recovery is very gradual and may take 12-18 months.  Nerves grow about 1mm per day, or 1 inch per month.  There are some areas that will recover quicker due to nerve swelling.   This is likely the case on your back where you may have had some liposuction.  In those areas the nerves are not cut, but they do not fire normally due to swelling.  There are also some areas on your abdomen that may never get sensory return.  This is most common just above the incision line in the middle.  This area is the farthest from the nerves that are growing back in from the sides.  Good luck.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Numbness is very common after tummy tuck surgery that being said people usuially have some sensation in different areas of their abdomen, wise to see your doc and express your concerns

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Numbness along the abdominal wall after tummy tuck surgery is completely normal;  it may take many months/years to have return of sensation. There may be areas of complete/permanent numbness as well. Best wishes.

I have no feeling of my stomach. I absolutely can't tell if it's full or not. No pressure pain of any kind. Is this common?

Answers (8)

Answer: Numbness

Answer: Numbness

Answer: I have no feeling of my stomach. I absolutely can't tell if it's full or not. No pressure pain of any kind. Is this common?

Answer: I have no feeling of my stomach. I absolutely can't tell if it's full or not. No pressure pain of any kind. Is this common?

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.

I have no feeling of my stomach. I absolutely can't tell if it's full or not. No pressure pain of any kind. Is this common?

Answers (8)

Answer: Numbness

Answer: Numbness

Answer: I have no feeling of my stomach. I absolutely can't tell if it's full or not. No pressure pain of any kind. Is this common?

Answer: I have no feeling of my stomach. I absolutely can't tell if it's full or not. No pressure pain of any kind. Is this common?

Browse related questions

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.