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

Question

I had an abdominoplasty in 2018. I have no sensation in the area closest to my navel and still get an awful unscratchable itch inside my belly button. It occurs less often now, but it's awful. I've taken to using my dog's shock training collar to "scratch" that area. It happens when I've consumed certain food coloring.. Which makes no sense. Can an allergy trigger neuropathy? Also, I know a few patients of this doc who also have no sensation. Can it be technique?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

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.

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for your question. In order to answer your question proper answer is better to have a consultation with your doctor and have evaluations and labs run. 5 year after a tummy tuck you need to have sensation in your abdomen area. 
The best of luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

It is a strange feeling you are describing, but not one I have not heard in the past.  
Anything may trigger a weird sensation in a surgical site even years later.
I have found that a small steroid injection in the general areas works around 60% of the time.  Not sure of the actual mechanism of action of the injection other than to reduce welling and maybe some effect on nerve repolarization ??
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

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

Answers (6)

Answer: Sensation

Answer: Sensation

Answer: Neuropathy

Answer: Neuropathy

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

Answers (6)

Answer: Sensation

Answer: Sensation

Answer: Neuropathy

Answer: Neuropathy

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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