Itching Inside Stomach After Tummy Tuck Normal?

Hello, and thank you for your question about experiencing internal itching after your tummy tuck, especially around the belly button.

What you’re describing is actually very normal, even 10 months after surgery. After a tummy tuck, nerves in the skin and deeper tissues are cut, stretched, or disrupted. As those tiny nerve endings heal and regenerate, it’s very common to feel itching, tingling, pins and needles, or even occasional zapping sensations. This process, called nerve regeneration, can last for many months — and for some patients, even over a year.

The area around the belly button is especially prone to these sensations because the belly button is surgically repositioned during a tummy tuck, which stretches and reorganizes the nerve supply around it. As the nerves continue to "wake up," you might experience intermittent itching, sensitivity, or numb patches.

Here are a few tips that can help with the itching:

Gentle massage: Lightly massaging the area with a moisturizing lotion can help calm the nerves and improve blood flow.

Hydration: Keeping the skin moisturized with fragrance-free creams can minimize external dryness that might worsen itching.

Topical treatments: Some patients find relief using over-the-counter anti-itch creams (like those containing aloe vera, vitamin E, or colloidal oatmeal), but always check with your surgeon before using anything new.

Patience: In most cases, the itching gradually diminishes with time as the nerves fully heal and reestablish their pathways.

If the itching becomes severe, or if it’s accompanied by new redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge, it’s important to reach out to your surgeon just to rule out any underlying issues like irritation or infection. However, from what you describe, this sounds like normal nerve healing rather than anything concerning.

You’re doing great, and it sounds like your healing is progressing well — this phase is temporary and usually improves significantly over the next several months.

Wishing you continued healing and comfort ahead!

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS
(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons; Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame)

Please continue attending your follow-up visits as recommended, and always consult your surgeon before trying any new creams or treatments to ease your symptoms. Healing nerves just need time, and you’re well on your way.

It is very common and expected to have paresthesias or unusual sensations after a tummy tuck as the nerves recover and regrow. Usually the itching improves and is not relieved by trying to scratch it.

In my experience itching after 10 mos. is a good sign.  It indicates sensory nerve regrowth in its earliest form and is usually a harbinger of sensory return . You can try a topical anesthetic spray or ointment , and/or benadryl.

During tummy tuck surgery many of the nerves to the skin of the abdominal wall are cut, which causes numbness post op.
In time the nerves attempt new growth. When nerves are growing-eg. regenerating abnormal sensations such as itching can occur.
If your skin looks red, swollen or painful, see your doctor to make certain there is no infection or suture problem.