How long before I can feel again after skin only abdominoplasty?

Hello mamainkc,

I understand your concerns following your skin-only abdominoplasty in June 2022. It seems you're facing several issues, such as changes in skin appearance, a loss of sensation, and dissatisfaction with the appearance of your belly button.

The recovery of sensation in the abdominal skin after an abdominoplasty varies from person to person. While some patients regain normal or near-normal sensation within a few months, others might take a year or more. In rare cases, some areas may remain permanently numb due to the disruption of small sensory nerves during the surgery. This prolonged loss of sensation, although uncommon, is a recognized complication of the procedure.

Regarding the appearance of your skin and the development of new stretch marks post-surgery, this could be attributed to the unique ways in which individual skin adapts and heals. Everyone's skin responds differently to the tension and healing processes, leading to varied outcomes, including unexpected stretch marks.

Your concern about not seeing muscle structure despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular workouts can be influenced by several factors. The thickness of the subcutaneous tissue and the natural configuration of your muscles and connective tissue play a significant role. It's essential to have realistic expectations about the visibility of muscle structure, as it may not be prominently visible for everyone, even with an active lifestyle.

The appearance of the belly button post-abdominoplasty is often a concern for many patients. Achieving a natural-looking belly button can be challenging, and variations in healing can lead to outcomes that might not align with patient expectations.

Given the variety of issues you are experiencing, I recommend you have a follow-up consultation with your plastic surgeon. It's crucial to discuss these concerns openly and consider any revision options that might be available, especially for the belly button. Seeking a second opinion from another board-certified plastic surgeon can also provide new insights and potential solutions.

Healing both physically and emotionally after surgery takes time and patience. It's important to communicate your feelings and concerns with your surgical team to ensure the best possible outcome.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

I'm sorry you are unhappy with your tummy tuck results. Change in sensation is common after surgery and can take up to a year to resolve. If numbness is present after a year, the change is likely permanent. I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. If you are not confident with your surgeon, you can visit another board certified plastic surgeon near you for a second opinion.

The time it takes to regain sensation after a skin-only abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) can vary from person to person. Generally, you may experience numbness and reduced sensation in the treated area for several weeks to a few months. Sensation typically returns gradually during the healing process. However, it’s important to note that full sensation may not always return to the same level as before the surgery, and some individuals may experience permanent changes in sensation. It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and have regular follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress. If you have concerns about sensation after the procedure, it’s best to discuss them with your surgeon.