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

You should avoid using a heating pad on your abdomen following a tummy tuck.  During a tummy tuck, the skin is lifted off of the muscle wall, resected, and the muscle wall is tightened.  You will experience decreased sensation over the abdomen for up to one year following your tummy tuck.  Utilizing heat in any way on the abdomen can be dangerous because there is a risk of burns due to lack of sensation over the area.

We have had patients with both burns and frostbite type of injuries from heat or cold directly on the skin. Be sure wrap the heating pad in a towel and check the area visually periodically to be sure you're not harming the skin.

Thank you for your question.  After a tummy tuck procedure, we recommend that you avoid using a heating pad as there typically is numbness around the incision site and you could potentially burn yourself and not realize it.Best regards,Dr. Lane F. Smith, MDPlastic SurgeonLas Vegas, NV