What may be causing the burning sensation I feel in my incision when I stand up?

Question

I recently had a tummy tuck- now 5 days post-op I have a burning sensation (from my incision) whenever I stand. Advice?

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. As long as everything else is going as it should, this can be a very normal feeling. This is incisional pain. I make sure and stress to my patients to walk in a hunched over position so as not to stretch or pull on the incision. Hopefully your plastic surgeon has seen you again after your surgery to make sure there are no signs of infection. Ankur Mehta MD

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your surgery!  With a tummy tuck the nerves of the skin are stretched as a result of swelling and the removal of excess skin.  This stretching irritates the nerves which can cause a number of different sensations including increased/decreased sensitivity or a burning/electrical feeling.  These normally resolve spontaneously given enough time.  Hang in there and be sure to mention these issues to your surgeon during your post-operative appointments.

Daniel Kolder, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Without a photo, it’s impossible to tell whether or not you might be developing an infection or other complication with your incisions that could be causing the burning sensation you’ve described. Keep in mind, though, that at only five days post-op, you’re very early in the recovery process and some discomfort is to be expected. That said, if you feel that something isn’t right with your incision, schedule a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon as soon as you can.

Giovanna Ghafoori, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your tummy tuck, Nolagirl! It is not uncommon to have a burning sensation for a period after a tummy tuck, as the nerves are irritated, and this will generally resolve as the swelling subsides and the tissues heal and settle.  Depending on the location of the burning sensation, it may also be a bit of a warning sign that you are stretching a little too much.  Also, as you become more active, and as the nerves begin to "wake up," it is not uncommon to have sporadic fleeting burning sensations/tingling sensations in various areas of the skin and even in the plicated muscles.
Your plastic surgeon will be able to assure that what you are feeling is normal and expected.  Good luck with your recovery, and I hope you achieve amazing results!

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

The burning pain that you are experiencing standing up at 5 days post tummy tuck is related to very small nerve fibers which are traumatized as a consequence of the surgery. This is normal and expected - it is a given. With time this will lessen and ultimately disappear which could take many months or longer.
Congratulations and good luck!
Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery and thank you for sharing your question about your post operative recovery and results after your surgery.  Final results can take 6-12 months for all the swelling to subside.  At our office here at CARE we actually see all of our surgery patients the very next day after surgery and then again at two weeks and beyond. We enjoy staying closely connected to our patients and enjoy giving the extra attention and service. Your concerns are important to discuss directly with your board certified plastic surgeon.  He or she will appreciate the open communication and will want to help you. I hope this is helpful and wish you all the very best.  Sincerely, Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS

Pravin Reddy, MD · Answer

If the incision itself appears to be normal i.e. Non-infected, then some burning or itching is quite normal.  This sensation frequently results as small sensory nerves begin to heal.  The symptom is best treated with Tylenol or Benadryl.  The sensation may last for several weeks.  If you continue to be concerned with the incision, I would advise seeing your surgeon as soon as possible.
I hope this helps and wish you a speedy recovery.

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Dysthesia, or abnormal sense of touch, is common in the early postoperative period after abdominoplasty. It usually subsides over time. 
On the other hand, increasing discomfort over time after surgery may be a sign of a problem warranting evaluation by your plastic surgeon. I would recommend considering a visit if you are concerned.
Best wishes!

Franco R. Jacome, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. Most patients experience what you described, burning, itching, or tightness after having a tummy tuck. They are a very common occurence post-operatively and can last up to 6 months. These feeling are usually a normal result of your nerves repairing themselves after surgery. Contact your surgeon if you have any concers.

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