I Am Feeling Burning and Itching After TT on the Inside Were It is Numb, is This Normal?

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. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After
ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has
developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely
unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during
the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

The nerves are slowly reconnecting and growing back. The numbness will diminish over time and the itching will get better. You have to be patient.

Thank you for your post. In a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty surgery, the tissue above the abdominal muscles is lifted off of the muscles from the lower scar to the ribs in a full tummy tuck and to the umbilicus in a mini tummy tuck. The superficial nerves that travel through the muscle to the skin are cut in order to do this. This is what causes the numbness afterward. The numbness usually extends in the entire area that was lifted up. On occasion, a superficial nerve to the thigh could be pulled causing numbness in this area as well. Swelling happens after surgery and also tends to be in the entire area that has been lifted up and any area that has received liposuction. Both numbness and swelling may take months to years to go away, and the last place for both to go away is the area right above the incision centrally, and sometimes right below the belly button. It may take up to 2 years to get to baseline sensation. sometimes, certain areas never feel totally normal, especially the area right above the incision centrally. If tingling or itchiness develop, that is a sign that the nerves are growing back. This is normally well tolerated, but occasionally, a nerve type pain medication is needed such as neurontin. Best Wishes, Pablo Prichard, MD

It is very common to have the sensation of itching during the post operative period. This usually resolves over the first month

As the nerves to the skin begin to regenerate it is normal to feel strange sensations, such as; vibrations, burning, hot and cold sensations, and lightening shock type pain.  This will resolve over the next few months as the numbness improves.  I hope this helps you.

Kindest regards,

Neil J. Zemmel

Your feeling of itching on the inside is pretty common after tummy tuck and is likely caused by the sensory nerves regenerating.  This should improve over time.  The residual swelling is also pretty common.  Make sure you follow your doctor's instructions.  Benadryl, Clairtin or Zyrtec - all over the counter antihistamines- may help with the itching.  Ask you doctor is he/she recommends an antihistamine.

Lisa Lynn Sowder, M.D.

It is very common to have numbness, burning and itching sensations for the first few months after a tummy tuck. These sensations will gradually resolve over the next several months. Hydrocotizone cream applied to the scars along with gentle massage will help speed the process.  Benadryl, either topically or orally will also help with the itching sensation.

It is not unusual to have some temporary numbness after a tummy tuck.  It is also not unusual to have these sensations (itching, burning, etc.) which you describe as the nerves begin to function again.  It would be very unusual for either the numbness or these paresthesias to be permanent and should disappear with time.