Why is there hard lumps and numbness in my stomach after a tummy tuck?

Question

I had lipo of upper and lower abs and a tummy tuck. Why is there hard lumps in my stomach and numbness in my lower stomach

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck by itself will create some numbness all over the abdomen and will recover top to bottom throughout the months. But the flap is never hard  Liposuction creates the hard lumps. Maybe massage, maybe ultrasound, maybe lymphatic massage would help, all all will depend of what your doctor recommends. Be encouraged  Dr  Cardenas

Kim Taylor, FRACS · Answer

Numbness is completely normal after a tummy tuck, and should have been explained to you pre-operatively.  it is also common to get lumpiness after liposuction.  You don't mention how long since your surgery, but lumpiness usually settles over the first few months & numbness also improves over months.  Generally there will always be some residual numbness just above your scar.  See your surgeon if you have further concerns.  Kind regards

Aric Aghayan, MD · Answer

Dear Legrendre,It is very natural to have concerns after a big operation such as the one you underwent. It is normal to have numbness between the belly button and lower part of your incision. This will typically improve over the course of one year, but it is not uncommon to have some permanent decrease in sensation in that area. It is also very normal to have lumpiness from liposuction do to swelling, inflammation, and fat cells that are damaged during the procedure. This should significantly improve over time, but it will take 3-6 months. Follow your surgeon's post-operative protocol which likely involves some type of compression as well as massage. The hardest part of surgery is having patience during the recovery phase and allowing your body time to heal. Hang in there.

Israel Manon, MD · Answer

Hello
The inflammation process can last from 6 months to 1 year, what you are feeling is normal, each patient has an individual recovery process. You are still in the healing process, so I recommend to be patient, and follow all other instructions given by your surgeon. 
Regards
Dr. Israel Mañon
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Thanks for the question.  Following an abdominoplasty, there is usually numbness below the umbilicus to the pelvic incision.  The numbness resolves over a year but rarely is there complete sensation returning.Post liposuction, there is damaged fat cells that swell and require time to be slowly absorbed.  These are the lumpiness you are experiencing.Give it time.  They will all resolve.  Massaging helps.  Follow up with your surgeon for confirmation of what all of the Dr's say.Dr T

Why is there hard lumps and numbness in my stomach after a tummy tuck?

Answers (7)

Answer: Why is there hard lumps and numbness in my stomach after a tummy tuck

Answer: Why is there hard lumps and numbness in my stomach after a tummy tuck

Answer: Liposuction bumps

Answer: Liposuction bumps

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Why is there hard lumps and numbness in my stomach after a tummy tuck?

Answers (7)

Answer: Why is there hard lumps and numbness in my stomach after a tummy tuck

Answer: Why is there hard lumps and numbness in my stomach after a tummy tuck

Answer: Liposuction bumps

Answer: Liposuction bumps

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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.