5 days post-op extended TT: What is this burning sensation in my groin? (photos)

Question

I had an extended tummy tuck with lips 5 days ago. I'm feeling great and have minimal pain with the exception of a burning sensation in my groin in the right side where the top of my thigh meets the groin. It is not muscular, the burning is on my skin like someone scratched a sunburn. It's an intermittent pain and I can't find the exact trigger but I have found when I rearrange my clothing/drains/binder it goes away regardless of whether something was touching the area or not. Any ideas?

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. The most common cause of burning pain radiating to the groin and leg after a tummy tuck is either bruising or injury to the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve. This can occur with the liposuction or the tummy tuck dissection.  It can also occur from drain compression against it or swelling with overly tight compression.  Less commonly it is sutured or cut.  I would recommend loosening your compression garment and having your drain removed by your surgeon if possible. These two steps usually resolve the issue.  If it persists, you may ask your surgeon for a nerve medicine like Neurontin or Lyrica to help calm the nerve down was it recovers from bruising. If that doesn't work, it can be injected with a local anesthetic and other medicines by a pain managment doctor. Discuss all of these options with your surgeon.  The good news is that this is likely to get better with a bit more healing.  Best wishes on your recovery!

Tyler Angelos, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on having your tummy tuck! The burning pain you are describing is likely due to irritation of the surrounding nerves in this area that are healing. It should continue to get better as the weeks go by. Continue close follow up visits with your surgeon though to assure normal healing.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

The inflammation of healing often irritates and stimulates nerve branches which caused burning and tingling sensations.  However, only your doctor should be addressing postoperative concerns, so contact their office.Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

William A. Terranova, MD (retired) · Answer

It is difficult to answer your question without an examination.  It might be related to irritation of a sensory nerve or simply to the presence of the drain.  You will know more when you see your surgeon and he/she examines you and removes the drain.  From what you say, though, I would guess that this will resolve.  Good luck.

5 days post-op extended TT: What is this burning sensation in my groin? (photos)

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