Why am I feeling a pin prick feeling under my incision 1 month post op?

Question

I had a 360 body lift exactly one month ago today. I'm healing up very nicely so far. No problems. No major issues. I did, however, wake up this morning to a pain under my incision in a small area on my lower back. It's as if someone is poking me with a straight pin and it feels internal. My husband didn't see any holes or sutures poking out or anything. It hurts to bend over and to sit with my back pressed up against something. Theres an itchy sensation too. What do you think it is?

Luke J. Curtsinger, MD · Answer

Sounds classic for an absorbable suture just below the skin. See your plastic surgeon. If the suture can be easily grasped, it can easily be removed. If it is not easily grasped, it can be observed until it dissolves, or with a little local anesthesia, it can be extracted.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, thank  you for your question regarding low back incisional pain after a 360 circumferential lower body lift.  This could be from a variety of things. It could be localized, incisional pain due to normal healing and scarring. Your pain could be due to a specific suture. Your pain could be due to an early localized infection. Your pain  could be due to your body rejecting a suture. Your pain could be due to something you’re laying on. Your pain could be due to your garment or compression device. The best thing to do would be to follow up with your board-certified plastic surgeon.  When considering a 360 lower body lift, please take an experienced,  board certified plastic surgeon who is an expert in body lifts. I hope that I’ve answered your question regarding pinpoint low back pain after a 360  circumferential lower body lift. Sincerely, Dr.Katzen (Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.)

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.From what you are describing it sounds like you may be experiencing some nerve regeneration.  This is a pretty common thing after surgery and can be different things you will feel. Some people describe it as tingling, pain, burning, pins and needles, it will subside it just takes time. I would recommend keeping an eye on the area each day to make sure it continues to heal properly. Good luck with recovery.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

You are most likely feeling a suture that is causing discomfort. When we perform body lifts we place a lot of deep sutures that dissolve over time.However, on a rare occasion, the tail of a suture can migrate and can cause the exact sensation you are currently feeling. Definitely make an appointment to see your plastic surgeon.  If he/she can feel this through the skin, he/she can use some local anesthetic to numb the skin, and then a small incision can be made through your existing scar to retrieve that troublesome suture.Thanks for sharing!

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It could be from different reasons and most commonly normal healing or suture or infection. I recommend you to see your PS for evaluation

Why am I feeling a pin prick feeling under my incision 1 month post op?

Answers (5)