Is numbness in thighs normal after body lift?

Question

I had a body lift and tummy tuck (no muscle repair) 4 weeks ago. I have numbness on the outside of my thighs. My surgeon says this will reduce in time. My question is, is it normal to have thigh numbness after a body lift? How long until the numbness in the thighs goes away?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding numbness in your thighs after a body lift. I appreciate you sharing your history and concerns.

Yes, numbness in the thighs after a body lift is completely normal and is a common post-surgical occurrence. During a lower body lift, the skin and soft tissues are elevated, repositioned, and sutured into a tighter, more lifted position. In this process, small sensory nerves are stretched, disrupted, or temporarily stunned, leading to numbness in the affected areas.

The outer thighs are particularly prone to numbness because the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies sensation to this area, can be stretched or affected during surgery. Most plastic surgeons will reassure patients that this numbness is expected and usually improves over time.

In terms of how long it takes for sensation to return, this varies by patient. Some people regain full sensation within a few months, while for others, it may take up to a year or longer. In rare cases, some areas may remain permanently numb, but this does not typically affect function or mobility.

To help encourage nerve recovery, you can try:

Gentle massage of the area to stimulate blood flow
Vitamin B12 supplements, which can aid in nerve repair
Nerve regeneration treatments, such as red light therapy or electrical nerve stimulation, under the guidance of your surgeon
Patience, as nerves heal at a very slow rate (about 1mm per day)
Overall, your numbness should gradually improve, but it may take several months to a year. If you notice worsening numbness, tingling, or pain, or if the numbness is accompanied by severe swelling or weakness, I recommend following up with your surgeon to rule out other potential concerns.

I hope this helps answer your question. Best of luck with your recovery!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

A certain degree of numbness in the thighs is normal after both body lift and tummy tuck surgery. This is usually due to nerve stretch as the body is pulled in  superior direction. Congratulations on your recent surgeery and best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Alejandro J. Quiroz, MD · Answer

Normally after any surgery, some degree  of numbness is expected.  The larger the area  that in undermined the layer the numbness.  Normally this is improved with time but some areas can be left with a decrease sensation.

Is numbness in thighs normal after body lift?

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Is numbness in thighs normal after body lift?

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Everything you need to know about Body Lift

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