Should I be concerned about soreness and lack of sensation 8 months post op?

Question

It’s been 8 months since my tummy tuck. I had my abs repaired after they separated with 3 pregnancies. My concerns are, I’m still numb from just above my belly button down to the incision. Is that normal? And from what I can feel above my belly button, my abs are very tight and a bit sore to touch still. Even flexing or doing ab workouts at the gym doesn’t feel right. Almost feels like your muscles being sore after a heavy workout that never goes away.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question.
You may be numb for some time after having a tummy tuck. It may take a year or more to heal from this surgery. Reach out to your surgeon with your concerns. Best wishes!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for reaching out about your concerns with soreness and lack of sensation eight months after your surgical procedure.
Numbness: Experiencing numbness in the area from above the incision to below the belly button is a common outcome post-tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. This occurs because the nerves providing sensation to this region are inevitably affected during the procedure. It's crucial to understand that this numbness, varying in extent, is a typical sacrifice for undergoing such a surgery. Usually, this aspect should have been discussed during your pre-surgical consultations and detailed in the consent form.
Muscle Tightness: Feeling muscle tightness, particularly after a procedure that involves muscle plication (tightening), is normal. Given your history of three pregnancies and the resultant muscle separation, the tightness indicates that the muscles were effectively brought together for a flatter abdomen. While this tightness may lessen over time, it might not completely vanish but is a trade-off for the desired aesthetic result of a flat belly.
It is important to remember that these sensations, including the permanent numbness and the enduring sense of muscle tightness, are inherent to the nature of tummy tuck surgeries. They are part of the balance between achieving your aesthetic goals and the physical changes that come with such procedures.
If you have any further concerns or if the sensations intensify, I recommend following up with your surgeon for personalized advice and reassurance.
I hope this clarifies your postoperative experience and provides some peace of mind regarding what you're feeling.
Wishing you a smooth continued recovery.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hi,

Thank you for the question.

Temporary numbness or lack of sensitivity can occur after tummy tuck surgery, but generally improve after a few months. Occasionally, it can take up to two years for complete recovery and return of sensation.

I would definitely discuss your questions and concerns with your Plastic Surgeon.

I hope this helps.
Best regards, Dr. Karanetz

Dr. Irena Karanetz
Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. Some lack of sensation in the area between the belly button and the lower incision line , even at this stage is normal, as is some tightness in the upper part of the abdomen. Please discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Changes in sensation after a tummy tuck are not uncommon.  Numbness that persists a year or more after surgery is often permanent, but you still have more time yet.  Soreness is not uncommon either, but it varies from patient to patient in the length of time that it persists.  I encourage you to speak to your surgeon about your concerns.  You may benefit from some stretching exercises to help relieve the soreness.

Should I be concerned about soreness and lack of sensation 8 months post op?

Answers (9)