Lymphatic Drainage and Numbness After Tummy Tuck?

Question

Do the lymphatic channels and nerves regenerate at the same rate after a tummy tuck? Is there a connection between these two? I have swelling 3 months post op but some of the feeling has returned to the site so that I have much less numbness. I'm wondering if the return of sensation is any indication of the progress of lymph system re-establishment? Thanks for your help!

Laurie A. Casas, MD, FACS · Answer

There are not any scientific studies that document the return of sensation and resolution of swelling after tummy tuck surgery. The short answer is that we do not know . I can tell you that from my experience if my patients are in excellent health before surgery and they undergo Manual Lymphatic drainage with a therapist for 4-6 weeks after surgery most of the swelling and sensation returns by 12-24 weeks. I also rrecommend supplements including Vitamin B complex to hasten the recovery.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  Numbness after any surgical 
procedure is expected for several weeks to months following.  As the 
nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary 
neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction.  This usually 
resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure 
performed, sometimes much longer.  Typically this should resolve by 1 
year.  As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation 
returning is small.  However, it can take up to 2 years.  If no return 
from there, it is unlikely to return.  It should be discussed that 
persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical 
procedure.  The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia
 resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then 
occasional sharp, shock-like pains.  These will be normal to experience,
 and actually a promising sign.  Usually, normal sensation returns, but 
is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased 
sensation to the areas affected.  Re-educating nerves postoperatively is
 often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected 
sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the 
affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc.  If 
bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including 
Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity.  You can try various textures 
such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc.  Massaging the areas is
 also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible.  The
 last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the 
incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this
 location.  If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted.  After 
ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has 
developed and may require surgical excision.  This is very unlikely 
unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during 
the procedure.  Hope that this helps!  Best wishes!

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

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

David Bogue, MD · Answer

The return of sensation and the restoration of lymphatic channels are totally separate processes that are not interrelated. Lymphatic drainage and compression garments are helpful to improve postoperative swelling.

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

There will always be some numbness and swelling above the incision which will take time.Heat and massage can help get rid of the swelling.the return of sensation can take months.

Lymphatic Drainage and Numbness After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (6)

Answer: Sensory return and lymphatic establishment are independent of each other.

Answer: Sensory return and lymphatic establishment are independent of each other.

Answer: Numbness post tummy

Answer: Numbness post tummy

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Lymphatic Drainage and Numbness After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (6)

Answer: Sensory return and lymphatic establishment are independent of each other.

Answer: Sensory return and lymphatic establishment are independent of each other.

Answer: Numbness post tummy

Answer: Numbness post tummy

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.