Tummy tuck sting - what do you recommend?

Question

I’m currently 6 months po and as of yesterday I’m experiencing a stinging sensation just below my belly button on the right side of stomach. I feel it when I stand/sometimes walk and move my waist especially when I sit for a long period then eventually stand. It’s very strange feeling that has just started. When I press down on that area the feeling subsides a bit. What do you recommend, is this normal?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the stinging sensation after your tummy tuck. Thank you for your history. I believe what you are feeling is normal. For some patients, it takes a while to heal from a tummy tuck. The stinging sensation around your belly button could be due to your muscle plication. Usually, plastic surgeons use permanent sutures to plicate or suture the rectus muscle from the xiphoid to the pubic symphysis. These sutures may make it feel tight and stinging for many years.

What you are describing is very typical after a tummy tuck, especially the pain you describe when you have been sitting for a long period of time and then eventually stand up. The fact that the pain goes away when you press on the area is because you are relieving pressure on the rectus muscle.

If the process is concerning to you, please follow up with your chosen plastic surgeon. If you do not get a thorough explanation or wish for further treatment, you may consider a tummy tuck revision. Extremely rarely, plastic surgeons need to perform exploratory surgery to remove some of the sutures that are used to tighten the six-pack muscle. However, this is exceedingly rare.

In conclusion, I think the sensations that you are experiencing are within normal limits after a tummy tuck. However, since it bothers you, please follow up with your plastic surgeon. Good luck. I hope I’ve answered your question regarding the stinging sensation after your tummy tuck.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Lutgardo Caparas, MD · Answer

Would suggest to have seen with your doctor or his nurse. So they can assess you properly and give treatment immediately.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You nerves are waking up and you might notice more sensations as you continue to heal. I would suggest massaging the area. If it remains uncomfortable or gets worse, please discuss it with your surgeon. Nerves blocks can be done if needed for relief.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This question is best answered by your surgeon who is most familiar with the details of your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery.  The stinging pain may be related to nerves as healing continues in your abdomen.  From the description it does not sound concerning from a healing standpoint.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

It is very tough for me to know what the cause of this pain is since I didn't do your surgery.   The best thing to do is discuss with your surgeon.   Your pain may be due to the stitches used to repair diastasis recti, that is, if you had this done. ? Do you have a bulge there?  It could be a hernia. ? The best thing to do is see your surgeon and have them examine you.   
Good Luck!

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