Can neuropathy 5 years later abdominoplasty be triggered by an allergy?

Thank you for your question concerning the possible connection between an allergy triggering neuropathy five years after a tummy tuck. To the best of my knowledge, there's no established link between allergies and neuropathy post-abdominoplasty.

During a tummy tuck, an incision is made from the pubic region across to the hips, and dissection proceeds up to the sternum. This process inevitably severs several sensory nerves that supply the skin around the belly button and extending from the belly button to the upper pubic region. As a result, there is typically a permanent loss of sensation in this area following a tummy tuck, and it varies in extent from patient to patient.

This numbness is not related to your medical history or the surgeon's technique. It is a natural outcome of the surgery, and the loss of sensation may never fully return. If the numbness is causing you discomfort, you might consider exploring options like acupuncture for potential relief. Also, consulting with an allergist could be useful if you suspect allergies could be exacerbating your symptoms.

However, it is important to remember that this permanent numbness is a common, expected consequence of a tummy tuck, and it should be discussed during the preoperative consultation.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

It is common to have some permanent numbness in your lower mid abdomen after a tuck. Consuming foods that you are allergic to increases inflammation which can increase unpleasant sensations and pain.

Changes in sensation are a risk of a tummy tuck. Typically patients regain sensation as swelling resolves and healing progresses, but some may have areas of varying sizes of permanent changes. I encourage you to return to your surgeon for an evaluation of the area that concerns you.