6 weeks post op, my entire belly is still numb. Is this normal?

Question

I had my tummy tuck 6 weeks ago, the swelling has gone down but my entire belly is still so numb. I'm happy with the result but is the numbness normal?

Eric Pugash, MD · Answer

Numbness of the lower abdomen is normal and expected after abdominoplasty.  Your surgeon raised the lower 'apron' both to free it up for removal, to get to the muscles in order to tighten them, and then to allow the upper tissue to move down to close things up. You will note the large numb area above your incision will shrink as the nerves grow in from the sides. This process will occur over a couple of years. I have yet to meet a patient who had any complaint of numbness one to two years postop. All the best.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It is perfectly normal to have numbness after a tummy tuck which is expected to slowly have sensation return to normal after many months following your surgery.

John Nguyen, MD, FACS · Answer

Abdominal numbness after tummy tucks can persist for quite a long time.  In my practice, I advise patients to expect it for 6-8 months.  Good luck
and be safe.John T.
Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Shayne Webb, MD · Answer

You are still early in the post op period and this is normal.  However, some of the lower abdomen just above the scar will likely continue to be numb usually in a triangle pattern.  Even with a C-sections this happens.  The majority of your abdomen will likely return to it's pre-op sensation state...Good luck and take care.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

It take a very long time for the numbness to resolve.  There is nothing you can do to accelerate this process.  Just be patient.

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

Thank you very much for your
enquiry.It is unusual to have numbness
over your entire abdomen after tummy tuck surgery but it is normal to have some
loss of sensation between your scar and your tummy button.

This is because your surgeon will
have operated under the skin dividing the small nerves to the area which will
take some time to grow back.

The sensation in the area may not
recover 100% to what it was previously. At Aurora clinics most of our patients
do get a significant return of sensation to the area within a year of surgery.

I hope this has been helpful.

Best wishes

Kimberly Lu, MD · Answer

It is normal for your abdominal skin flap to be numb after an abdominoplasty.  The skin of your abdomen was lifted up from the underlying muscles in order to shift and tighten it by pulling downwards.  This also allowed access to the underlying muscle layer for repair and tightening.  In the process, the nerves which supplied the abdominal skin were interrupted.  Over about a 6-18 month period of time, the sensation will reestablish itself from the periphery.  You may notice an itching sensation at the junction of the sensate and insensate skin at this time, and the area of numbness becoming smaller and smaller.  A small insensate area may remain just above the midpoint of the incision between the incision and the belly button.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

The numbness is normal after an abdominoplasty and will gradually close in from the sides.  You may expect improvement over a 1 - 2 year time period.

Jonathan Lee, MD, FRCSC (in memoriam) · Answer

In the first six months to a year after a tummy tuck numbness is typically normal, especially in the area immediately below the umbilicus (belly button). This usually resolves with time but can occasionally be permanent. Rarely does it ever post a significant problem. I hope this helps.

George Lefkovits, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

After an abdominoplasty there is numbness in the abdomen for at least  6- 12 months and, then, the sensation returns. I have never had a patient in whom the sensation did not eventually return. I don't think you need to worry!

6 weeks post op, my entire belly is still numb. Is this normal?

Answers (10)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Incision open 4 weeks post tummy tuck. What do I do about it? Will it keep spreading? (Photo)

Surgical Drainage from light red to foul smelling dark red.

Does inguinal hernia surgery requires a catheter?

6 weeks post op Tummy Tuck, I have burning sensation in my groin/pubic area. Is this nerve pain?

I feel a hard line running from a little under my breasts to my navel, is that my muscle repair? Is that normal?

How long does the drainers stay in for a tummy tuck?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS