Pain after tummy tuck - could there be a problem?

Question

Full tummy tuck and liposuction 1 year ago in occasionally get pinches and random pain post op but the last few days I have had a burning stinging pain in the left lower abdomen that comes and goes. It doesn’t feel any different than the other side, it is soft when I push on it. Could there be a problem?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Intermittent burning or stinging one year after a tummy tuck can come from irritated small skin nerves, scar tissue, muscle strain, or inflammation in the liposuction/scar area. If the abdomen is soft, not swollen, and the pain comes and goes, it is less likely to be an acute fluid collection, but it still deserves an exam if it is new or persistent.

I would contact your original surgeon or a local plastic surgeon for an in-person check, especially if the pain lasts more than a few days or limits activity. Seek urgent care sooner if you develop increasing swelling, redness, warmth, fever, drainage, severe worsening pain, a new firm lump, vomiting, or any chest pain or shortness of breath.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Forceful221810,

Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about the pain you're experiencing in your left lower abdomen following your tummy tuck and liposuction procedure.

Based on your description, it's possible that the burning, stinging pain you're feeling could be related to a pinched nerve. During surgery, nerves in the abdominal area can sometimes become compressed or irritated, leading to discomfort and pain sensations.

To address a pinched nerve, the first step is typically conservative management, which may include:

Rest: Avoiding activities or movements that exacerbate the pain can help alleviate discomfort.
Heat or Ice Therapy: Applying heat or ice packs to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and provide relief.
Pain Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications may be recommended to manage pain symptoms.
Physical Therapy: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises prescribed by a physical therapist can help alleviate nerve compression and improve mobility.
Nerve Blocks: In some cases, injections of local anesthetics or corticosteroids around the affected nerve can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
If conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief or if the pain persists and becomes severe or debilitating, further evaluation and intervention may be necessary. Your plastic surgeon may recommend diagnostic imaging studies, such as an MRI, to assess the extent of nerve compression and identify any underlying issues.

Surgical intervention to release the compressed nerve or address any anatomical abnormalities contributing to the pinched nerve may be considered in cases where conservative treatments are ineffective.

I strongly advise you to contact your plastic surgeon promptly to discuss your symptoms and undergo a thorough evaluation. Your surgeon can provide personalized recommendations and develop a treatment plan tailored to address your specific needs and concerns.

Please don't hesitate to seek medical attention if you experience worsening symptoms or if you have any further questions or concerns. Your health and well-being are of the utmost importance, and your surgeon is there to support you throughout your recovery journey.

Take care, and I wish you a speedy resolution to your discomfort.

Warm regards,

Dr. Katzen

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is common for nerve regeneration to be accompanied by a burning sensation, therefore this may be normal. However, to be on the safe side please see your surgeon.

Brian May, MD · Answer

After an operation like a tummy tuck and liposuction, many of the sensory nerves in the abdomen must undergo some level of healing. Burning/stinging pain does sound consistent with this nerve regeneration/healing. This typically takes 9-12 months to complete but could be even longer in some cases. As long as the pain is mild and not getting worse, it is likely that this is just the normal recovery of the nerves. I would however recommend you follow up with your plastic surgeon though so they can perform an exam and make sure there are no other concerns or possible causes for your discomfort. Best of luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Occasional burning pain may be from nerve regeneration from surgery. Unless it becomes intense or persistent there is no need to do anything.  If your concerns continue it is best to contact your surgeon for an evaluation.

Pain after tummy tuck - could there be a problem?

Answers (5)

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