How Can I Relieve the Itching That Originates Deep Below the Surface but the Skin is Numb After TT?

Question

I've always had a small area that stayed numb after my tummy tuck 6 yrs ago. I sometimes got itch-like feelings that seemed to originate far below the surface but due to the numb skin it’s impossible to relieve the itching. They usually they went away after about 5 min anyway. However, I got an itch yesterday that was nearly constant. I could get no relief and resorted to various prescription pain and anti-anxiety meds with no relief. It’s maddening. Please help me, what can I do?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  Numbness after any surgical 
procedure is expected for several weeks to months following.  As the 
nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary 
neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction.  This usually 
resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure 
performed, sometimes much longer.  Typically this should resolve by 1 
year.  As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation 
returning is small.  However, it can take up to 2 years.  If no return 
from there, it is unlikely to return.  It should be discussed that 
persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical 
procedure.  The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia
 resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then 
occasional sharp, shock-like pains.  These will be normal to experience,
 and actually a promising sign.  Usually, normal sensation returns, but 
is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased 
sensation to the areas affected.  Re-educating nerves postoperatively is
 often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected 
sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the 
affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc.  If 
bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including 
Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity.  You can try various textures 
such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc.  Massaging the areas is
 also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible.  The
 last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the 
incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this
 location.  If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted.  After 
ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has 
developed and may require surgical excision.  This is very unlikely 
unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during 
the procedure.  Hope that this helps!  Best wishes!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

there are several options for chronic pain , itching or dysesthesia

	
		pain managment consult
	
		ultrasound,
	
		physical therapy
	
		acupuncture
	
		injections by your physician with marcaine
	
		tegretol or similar

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Thank you for your post. In a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty surgery, the tissue above the abdominal muscles is lifted off of the muscles from the lower scar to the ribs in a full tummy tuck and to the umbilicus in a mini tummy tuck. The superficial nerves that travel through the muscle to the skin are cut in order to do this. This is what causes the numbness afterward. The numbness usually extends in the entire area that was lifted up. On occasion, a superficial nerve to the thigh could be pulled causing numbness in this area as well. Swelling happens after surgery and also tends to be in the entire area that has been lifted up and any area that has received liposuction. Both numbness and swelling may take months to years to go away, and the last place for both to go away is the area right above the incision centrally, and sometimes right below the belly button. It may take up to 2 years to get to baseline sensation. sometimes, certain areas never feel totally normal, especially the area right above the incision centrally. If tingling or itchiness develop, that is a sign that the nerves are growing back. This is normally well tolerated, but occasionally, a nerve type pain medication is needed such as neurontin. Best Wishes, Pablo Prichard, MD

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

I've had a few patients that told me that a similar itching was relieved by Capsaicin, an over the counter ointment.

How Can I Relieve the Itching That Originates Deep Below the Surface but the Skin is Numb After TT?

Answers (4)

Answer: Itching 6 Years after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Itching 6 Years after Tummy Tuck

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How Can I Relieve the Itching That Originates Deep Below the Surface but the Skin is Numb After TT?

Answers (4)

Answer: Itching 6 Years after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Itching 6 Years after Tummy Tuck

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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.