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

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!

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

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

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!

Based on my experience of 20 years performing TT as surgeon and also after 10 years of my own Circumferential TT, I must let you acknowledge that the sensitivity right above the incision never come back a 100%. It will remain kind of numb forever. Closer to the belly button it feels better.
The abdominal wall muscles soreness will disappear in several more months. My recommendation is to avoid the abdominals a bit longer.
Be encouraged.
Dr. Cárdenas

Sensations and recovery can vary significantly after a tummy tuck. Numbness and tightness in the abdominal area are common after the surgery and can persist for several months. It’s also normal for some discomfort or soreness, especially during physical activities.

However, persistent numbness and discomfort, especially after 8 months, might be a concern. It’s important to discuss these symptoms with your surgeon.

Best of luck !

Numbness is expected and is permanent for most ladies from the belly button down to the scar because the small sensory nerves were cut. I am sure your surgeon discussed this with you in your preop visit. Your healing time is up to a year and the muscles heal slowly. tight muscles might complain when asked to become more tight with exercise. Please discuss any concerns you have with your surgeon.

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.

A full tummy tuck basically reconstruct your abdominal wall. Because the procedure is highly invasive and changes so many things regarding your torso. It’s normal for people to have different sensations after the procedure than they did before. Nobody returns to having the same sensations you did before the operation.
Does people eventually get used to the changes and recognize them as being the new normal
Patient will have permanent numbness of their lower abdomen.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD