Numbness after Tummy Tuck - how it is typically managed if it develops?

Hello Thrifty96679. Thank you for your question regarding nerve pain and numbness after a tummy tuck.

Numbness in the abdominal area after a tummy tuck is a common occurrence due to the surgical disruption of the nerves during the procedure. Typically, this numbness is temporary and improves over time as the nerves regenerate. However, in some cases, patients may experience prolonged numbness or altered sensation, which can last for several months to a year. From my experience, most patients do not develop chronic nerve pain or hypersensitivity that significantly impacts their quality of life. The incidence of long-term nerve pain is relatively low, and when it does occur, it is usually mild and manageable.

If numbness or nerve pain develops and persists, management strategies may include observation and patience, as the sensation gradually returns on its own as the nerves heal. It is important to give your body time to recover. If nerve pain occurs, medications such as gabapentin or pregabalin, which are commonly used to treat nerve pain, can be prescribed. Gentle massage and physical therapy techniques can help stimulate nerve recovery and improve sensation. Certain topical creams, such as those containing lidocaine, can provide temporary relief from nerve discomfort. Regular follow-up with your plastic surgeon is crucial as they can assess your progress and make recommendations if the numbness or pain persists.

While the risk of chronic nerve issues exists, it is relatively uncommon, and most patients experience a full or near-full return of sensation over time. It’s important to discuss these concerns with your plastic surgeon during your consultation so they can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and the specifics of your surgery. Good luck. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding numbness and nerve pain after a tummy tuck.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thrifty 96679 come

Thank you for your question. Numbness after a tummy tuck is a normal occurrence due to the nature of the operation. The sensation to your tummy usually takes a while to come back. It may take up to a year. It's always possible that it could be small areas that never regain complete sensation. Chronic nerve pain is rare. I would say in my practice it is less than a half a percent of patients and specifically I can only remember one patient in my practice in the last 15 years that had irretractable pain that required management by pain management specialist.

Proceed on with your tummy tuck. Follow up and care and you should be hopefully in good shape.

Best wishes,

ESJ,

#TruthAndTransformation.

Hello @Thrifty96679, thank you for your question. While it's normal to experience some tightness and numbness after a tummy tuck, the severity and duration of these symptoms can vary from patient to patient. It's important to keep in mind that everyone's healing process is unique, and some patients may take longer to fully recover from their procedure than others. Additionally, certain factors such as the extent of the surgery, surgical technique and the patient's preoperative characteristics can impact the healing process. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)