Burning Pain in Upper Thigh after Tummy Tuck. Any suggestions? (photo)

Question

Extended Tummy Tuck - 6DPO and I am having sharp burning pain in my upper thigh when I stand and also sometimes when walking. My incision goes around my hip to about halfway mid back and on my front left thigh from the incision down about 12" is numb (much more so than the right) and when I stand up I get an INTENSE burning pain in that area that shoots though and last for about 1-2mins. Afterward the area is tingly and then goes back to numb. It feels like nerve pain - normal? Really hurts

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

There are several small nerve branches in the vicinity of tummy tuck dissection which supply the thigh, groin, and upper leg.  These can be stretched, inflamed, pulled by suture, or damaged.  The time course of your particular case will depend upon the degree of injury to the nerve itself.  Talk to your plastic surgeon about potential things to do in the meantime such as massage etc.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Anthony J. Taglienti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I am sorry you are experiencing this pain - but, the good news is, it should get better. There are a couple of nerves that are in the vicinity of the tummy tuck incision. One is the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. This nerve supplies sensation to your lateral (or side) of your upper thigh. Sometimes, with a tummy tuck, this nerve can get caught in a stitch and get aggravated. The pain is usually worse with walking or a leg raise. The good news is that it should, and will, get better - but it will take time (sometimes as long as 6 months). If it continues to bother you, you can have an injection placed that can help lessen the pain as this area continues to improve. I would suggest speaking with your plastic surgeon about this to ensure he or she agrees. Best of luck!

Elliot Duboys, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

As you are less than 1 week out of surgery, you have to be patient.  It appears that you might have had a lower body lift rather than a tummy tuck.  You are going to have all sorts of weird sensations over the next 6 months from healing.  Just be patient.  Good luck.

Burning Pain in Upper Thigh after Tummy Tuck. Any suggestions? (photo)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Burning Pain in Upper Thigh after Tummy Tuck. Any suggestions? (photo)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.