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

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

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Answer: Burning Sensation after Tummy Tuck

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

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

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Burning Sensation after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Burning Sensation after Tummy Tuck

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

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

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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