How Long Does Numbness Typically Last After Tummy Tuck?

Abdominal wall numbness will happen after a Tummy Tuck. The numbness basically extends the full length of the scar and can extend upwards often above the belly button.  It can take up to 12 months for some sensation to gradually return, however never completely. So expect a permantly reduced area of sensation. This happens because the small nerves that run from the muscle to the skin are damaged during surgery. In addition to this, some patients may experience numbness or discomfort to the front and outer aspect of the thighs. This typically resolves within a few months.. but on the rare occasion can be permament.

Numbness after tummy tuck can take 2 years to resolve, and sometimes can be permanent.  It however is not something that the patients typically complain about.

Hello,

Thank you for your question regarding the numbness typically experienced after a tummy tuck. It's important to understand that numbness following this procedure is quite common due to the nerves that are severed during the surgery.

The numbness you're experiencing is likely concentrated above the pubic region and below the belly button. This specific area is most affected because it's directly in the path where the surgical adjustments occur, including the tightening of skin and possibly muscles.

For most patients, there is a phase of temporary numbness that gradually improves. The extent of this numb area can range significantly in size—from as large as the palm of a hand with fingers extended to as small as a quarter. Over time, typically up to 12 months post-surgery, this numbness tends to reduce progressively. However, it's also not uncommon for a permanent small patch of numbness to remain within this region. This permanent numbness usually stabilizes after about a year.

If you are still within the 12-month post-operative period, it's likely that some of the numbness you are experiencing will continue to diminish. If it persists beyond this timeframe, it may be part of the smaller permanent area often associated with standard post-surgical changes.

I hope this explanation helps clarify your concerns about the numbness you're experiencing after your tummy tuck. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your question.  Numbness after a tummy tuck is to be expected (to some degree) and unfortunately it can persist for months and even years.  In most cases the loss of sensation is temporary, but in some cases and in specific locations this loss may be permanent.  When a tummy tuck is performed the skin overlying the abdominal wall and the abdominal wall itself are separated from one another, which can divide the sensory nerves.  It can take months and even years for the nerves to regenerate and for this reason it is impossible to give a precise answer.  I hope you find this helpful.

It is perfectly normal to
have numbness after a tummy tuck which is expected to slowly have sensation
return to normal after many months following your surgery. Although uncommon,
permanent numbness and tingling can occur after tummy tuck surgery, especially
in the lower mid line area between the scar and belly button. In most
cases there is some sensation present, just not the normal pre-surgical amount.
Please speak with your plastic surgeon about your concerns.

#tummytucknumbness #tummytuckpost-op

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!

Thank you for your  question.  It will take 1-2 years for the  sensation to return to your abomden.  Nerves grow at a rate of 1mm/day or about 1inch per month.  They grow from the outer abdomen near the hips/waist and move toward the center.  There can be some areas that are permanently numb along the incision line and near the center between the belly button  and the scar below.  Hope this helps.  Good luck!

Numbness of the abdomen commonly occurs following abdominoplasty. In the vast majority of patients, this numbness is temporary and resolves in about a year. Sensation tends to first return laterally and superiorly and move downward and inward. The last place to have a return of sensation is the area near the transverse incision below the umbilicus. In some cases, loss of sensation may be permanent.

Numbness can last up to one year after a tummy tuck procedure. Usually the area between the incision (scar) and the belly button is the last to have return of sensation.

Numbness is common after tummy tuck especially in the triangle below the new umbilicus. This can last for up to a year and it can even be permanent. If one has a mini abdominoplasty the numbness is usually resolved in 6-9 months.