Numb Thigh After Tummy Tuck Surgery

Question

I am 5 months post tummy tuck surgery and am generally pleased with the results. I have the typical numbness/sensation changes to the abdominal area but am more concerned with the numbness in my outer left thigh as its more extreme and "deeper". 
Why did this occur and can I expect it to decrease with time? Is there anything that I can do (or shouldn't be doing) to encourage nerve regeneration? Thanks in advance for any information. I am a fit and healthy 41 yr old who exercises almost daily.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Nerves are tricky things.  The area you are describing is supplied by the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.  Several things could be occurring - irritation, entrapment, injury, neuropraxia, etc.  Most of the time nerve issues resolve with time - months and years.  Occasionally, there is an intervention that can release the nerve from entrapment.  You should discuss these issues with your doctor.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding numbness in your thigh after tummy tuck surgery. While numbness in the abdominal area is common after a tummy tuck, experiencing it in your outer thigh can occur due to the involvement of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which runs through the abdominal and pelvic region. This nerve can sometimes be irritated or compressed during surgery, leading to numbness in the thigh.

In most cases, this numbness will improve over time as the nerve regenerates, although the timeline varies from person to person. Full nerve recovery can take up to a year or more. It's also important to avoid any activities that may further irritate the nerve, such as wearing tight clothing or overexerting the area.

To promote nerve regeneration, gentle massage, physical therapy, and taking care not to put excess pressure on the affected area can be helpful. While nerve recovery is often gradual, the numbness should decrease with time, but if you notice any worsening or persistent discomfort, it’s always a good idea to consult your plastic surgeon for further evaluation.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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.   You likely have some neuropraxia to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve of your thigh.  While this is most likely, the nerve could have been cut or entrapped.  Be patient - if worsens or does not resolve, surgical intervention may be entertained - regardless, follow up closely with your surgeon.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!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

As Dr. Shafer has described there are several possible explanations for the reported numbness. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve lies close to the incision particularly if a low lying incision is used. Nerves can be bruised, injured, entrapped, transected, etc. In many instances this will resolve but it may take time. Occasionally the recovery of a nerve can be traced using the "Tinel's sign" which is tingling elicited by tapping over the regenerating end of the nerve.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Thank you for your post. In a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty surgery, the tissue above the abdominal muscles is lifted off of the muscles from the lower scar to the ribs in a full tummy tuck and to the umbilicus in a mini tummy tuck. The superficial nerves that travel through the muscle to the skin are cut in order to do this. This is what causes the numbness afterward. The numbness usually extends in the entire area that was lifted up. On occasion, a superficial nerve to the thigh could be pulled causing numbness in this area as well. Swelling happens after surgery and also tends to be in the entire area that has been lifted up and any area that has received liposuction. Both numbness and swelling may take months to years to go away, and the last place for both to go away is the area right above the incision centrally, and sometimes right below the belly button. It may take up to 2 years to get to baseline sensation. sometimes, certain areas never feel totally normal, especially the area right above the incision centrally. If tingling or itchiness develop, that is a sign that the nerves are growing back. This is normally well tolerated, but occasionally, a nerve type pain medication is needed such as neurontin. Best Wishes, Pablo Prichard, MD

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Answers (8)

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Answer: Numbness of thigh after tummy tuck

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Answer: Numbness and swelling after tummy tuck

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