Stinging and burning in one spot around incision is this normal 1 year post op?

Question

I am more than one year post TT. In the past 3 months i have developed stinging and burning pain in one spot around the incision line. It happens when i move a certain way or stretch. Sometimes the pain stops me from what i am doing. What could possibly be causing this so long after the procedure? Thank you

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding stinging and burning pain around your incision line more than a year after your tummy tuck.

Experiencing stinging and burning pain around your incision line more than a year after a tummy tuck can be concerning, but it is not uncommon. This sensation is often caused by nerve irritation or entrapment in the scar tissue. During a tummy tuck, nerves are disrupted as part of the procedure. While most nerves regenerate or adapt over time, some may become trapped in the healing tissue or scar, leading to intermittent sharp or burning pain, particularly when stretching or moving in a certain way.

Another possible cause is the presence of suture granulomas or scar tissue thickening in the area. These can create tension or irritation in the surrounding tissue and nerves, which might explain the localized nature of your pain.

If the pain is severe, persistent, or impacting your daily activities, it is a good idea to consult with your plastic surgeon. They may recommend conservative treatments such as scar massage, over-the-counter pain relievers, or topical creams to reduce nerve sensitivity. In some cases, corticosteroid injections or laser treatments can help address scar-related issues. For more persistent or complex cases, surgical revision may be considered to release the nerve entrapment or revise the scar tissue.

Good luck, and I hope this information helps you understand what might be causing your discomfort. Always follow up with your board-certified plastic surgeon for a personalized evaluation.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Experiencing stinging and burning pain around your incision line more than a year after a tummy tuck can be concerning, but it is not uncommon. This sensation is often caused by nerve irritation or entrapment in the scar tissue. During a tummy tuck, nerves are disrupted as part of the procedure. While most nerves regenerate or adapt over time, some may become trapped in the healing tissue or scar, leading to intermittent sharp or burning pain, particularly when stretching or moving in a certain way.

Another possible cause is the presence of suture granulomas or scar tissue thickening in the area. These can create tension or irritation in the surrounding tissue and nerves, which might explain the localized nature of your pain.

If the pain is severe, persistent, or impacting your daily activities, it is a good idea to consult with your plastic surgeon. They may recommend conservative treatments such as scar massage, over-the-counter pain relievers, or topical creams to reduce nerve sensitivity. In some cases, corticosteroid injections or laser treatments can help address scar-related issues. For more persistent or complex cases, surgical revision may be considered to release the nerve entrapment or revise the scar tissue.

Good luck, and I hope this information helps you understand what might be causing your discomfort. Always follow up with your board-certified plastic surgeon for a personalized evaluation.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It would be a good idea to speak with your surgeon about this. While it might not be an issue, better safe than sorry.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Tanay11,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your question,

Experiencing stinging and burning in one spot around your incision a year after a tummy tuck is not typical, but it can happen. If the burning persists, intensifies, or is accompanied by other symptoms, reach out to your plastic surgeon. They can examine the area and rule out complications like nerve entrapment or other issues.

Rajaie Hazboun, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you for posting your question here!It is hard to assess what the issue is without more information , pictures or exam. the underlying issue can can be a number of things including a neuroma, suture granuloma ...etcPlease consult with your plastic surgeon so they can investigate it further.I hope this helps, best of luck!

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

It’s not uncommon for sensations like stinging or burning around an incision site to persist long after surgery, but experiencing this over a year after a tummy tuck (TT) is worth paying attention to. Several factors could be contributing to your symptoms:
1.	Nerve Regeneration: After a tummy tuck, the nerves in the area can take a long time to fully heal and re-establish connections. The stinging or burning sensation could be the result of nerves regrowing or becoming irritated as they adapt to their new positions.
2.	Scar Tissue: Over time, the body forms scar tissue around the incision line, which can sometimes create tightness or irritation. Scar tissue can also put pressure on nerves, leading to sensations like burning or stinging.
3.	Muscle Tightness or Scar Adhesion: If there’s tightness in the abdominal muscles or adhesion between the skin and deeper tissues, stretching or movement could trigger discomfort or pain in that area.
4.	Infection or Inflammation: Though less common after a year, an infection or low-grade inflammation could cause localized pain. This would usually be accompanied by redness, warmth, or swelling, but it’s still something to keep an eye on.
5.	Herniated Tissue or Abdominal Changes: Any changes in your abdominal area, such as muscle weakness or herniation (even long after surgery), could potentially contribute to pain or sensations around the incision line.
Since this has developed months after your tummy tuck, it would be best to consult with your surgeon or healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation to rule out complications or other underlying causes. They can provide more specific guidance based on your individual case.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The stinging and burning may be occurring as the nerves continue to repair after surgery.  This should settle over time.  You may try ice or tactile stimulation to calm the nerve response.  If not, you can speak to your surgeon about medication to help.

Stinging and burning in one spot around incision is this normal 1 year post op?

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