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

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

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.