Is it safe to use a heating pad on my incision six days post op tummy tuck? Does it interfere with the healing process?

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to postoperative care questions. Some plastic surgeons have very strong opinions... If you do decide to use either modality of ice or heat, please be sure that you do not place them directly on the skin and potentially “burn” the skin, which may be numb.Best wishes.

I do not like my patients to use any source of heat or cold on their incisions following surgery. The area does not have normal sensation and it is possible for a burn or frostbite to ensue. If my patient is uncomfortable I prefer that they use pain medication until it subsides.