How Long Does Numbness Typically Last After Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. When a tummy tuck operation is performed, the abdominal wall skin is separated from the underlying abdominal wall muscle. During this process,  many sensory nerves are divided. Therefore, some degree of  numbness is to be expected. This may persist for months to years. In some cases/locations, the loss of sensation may be permanent.  Also, as patients become more active, they report abdominal wall swelling (this may increase during the day);  this phenomenon is usually self limited and improves when the lymphatic and venous channels start to work normally. Again, it may take several months/years for this to occur.  I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to tummy tuck concerns) helps.

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

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.