Why do I feel like needle pain in my scars? Does this mean that I'm healing?

Question

I had a Tummy tuck 3 months ago, I was feeling very good, all of a sudden I feel like needle pain in my scars. Is this means that I'm healing? That the numbness in my body is gone?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,From your description, you are experiencing nerve pain associated with regrowth of those nerves. You should be evaluated by your surgeon to make sure there is nothing else going on though.Best of luck!

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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.  Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Regina M. Fearmonti, MD · Answer

T-Great question.  Tiny sensory nerves are cut in all surgeries; it takes approximately 3-6 months for sensation to return to normal to the surgical site.  Patients often note numbness or too much sensation after surgery; with the former, a burning pain often accompanies nerve regeneration and a return of sensation.  If you find it uncomfortable, often scar massage as a means to soften the scar may help.

Neil T. Chen, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Pain or hypersensitivity, or known as dysthesthesia or hypersthesia, is often experienced during scar maturation. While it is not a guarantee that the sensation will be normal, it often improves with time. Good luck.

Why do I feel like needle pain in my scars? Does this mean that I'm healing?

Answers (4)

Answer: Pain in the scars after tummy tuck

Answer: Pain in the scars after tummy tuck

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Why do I feel like needle pain in my scars? Does this mean that I'm healing?

Answers (4)

Answer: Pain in the scars after tummy tuck

Answer: Pain in the scars after 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.