Is the nerve pain after abdominoplasty be permanent or will it go?

Question

After TT I had numbness in the front of my thigh, after that came burning sensation and now I have shooting pains when walking and burning sensations at night which are extremely painful and stop sleep. I am now 6 weeks PO and it seems its not tailing off at all. Is this likely to improve or has my femoral nerve been permenantly damaged? I've been prescribed Co-codamol (30/500) but this doesnt touch it, neither does Liquid morphine. Suggestions to pain relief or likelyhood of full recovery?

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. 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!

Scott D. Green, MD · Answer

Stop the pain meds, they wont help just as you said there not and you don't want to get hooked on them. You have an entrapped nerve and it will almost always go away with time (3-6 months). Some people feel vit. B will lessen the sensation. Good Luck. Scott Green MD

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

The nerve pain you are describing can either be temporary or permanent.  Most of the time it is temporary.  It is not likely your femoral nerve that is affected, but rather a small nerve called the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which travels directly through the areas manipulated in a tummy tuck.  Your surgeon can give you better directions regarding the care for this at this time.  6 weeks is very early.  Have you tried simple ibuprofen over-the-counter? Ibuprofen often helps with nerve pain better than narcotic pain medication.  There is also prescription medication that can target the nerves that may help.  Good luck to you and hope you feel better soon.

Is the nerve pain after abdominoplasty be permanent or will it go?

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Is the nerve pain after abdominoplasty be permanent or will it go?

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