How Long is Loss of Sensation Normal After a Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for your post. In a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty surgery, the tissue above the abdominal muscles is lifted off of the muscles from the lower scar to the ribs in a full tummy tuck and to the umbilicus in a mini tummy tuck. The superficial nerves that travel through the muscle to the skin are cut in order to do this. This is what causes the numbness afterward. The numbness usually extends in the entire area that was lifted up. On occasion, a superficial nerve to the thigh could be pulled causing numbness in this area as well. Swelling happens after surgery and also tends to be in the entire area that has been lifted up and any area that has received liposuction. Both numbness and swelling may take months to years to go away, and the last place for both to go away is the area right above the incision centrally, and sometimes right below the belly button. It may take up to 2 years to get to baseline sensation. sometimes, certain areas never feel totally normal, especially the area right above the incision centrally. If tingling or itchiness develop, that is a sign that the nerves are growing back. This is normally well tolerated, but occasionally, a nerve type pain medication is needed such as neurontin. Best Wishes, Pablo Prichard, MD

Speak to all of your friends of had C Sections about loss of sensation. Every one of them would tell you she is STILL numb just above the scar in the mid line. With a Tummy Tuck scar being longer and the operation being much more extensive, the price of a flat tummy with a tummy tuck is ALSO permanent numbness in the midline just above the scar.

As regards the statement on not being able to see a difference, I would go back and re-acquaint yourself with your Before and After photos. Human nature is to forget what we looked like. Odds are that you did as well. If your AFTER was so disappointing WHY would you have waited 31/2 years to voice your disappointment?