I used the heating pad! Is this on and off stinging normal?

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck surgery. Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to specific postoperative care instruction/advice. Generally speaking, patients need to be very careful about the direct application of heat (or ice) over surgical sites. These areas may be insensate (numb); cold or heat injuries may result without the patient even being aware… Best wishes.

Because of anesthesia to the skin it would be possible to burn it with a heating pad. I don't think use of this device is a good idea. Someone in your surgeon's office should be available for specific questions even on Memorial Day.

Hi,  Various feelings around the incisions are quite normal, especially in the early post op period.   However, a heating pad over tissue that has decreased sensation is totally contraindicated.  Full thickness injuries can come from this and I say this from personal experience in my practice.    We strive for the best looking abdomen that we can get with a tummy tuck and a burn from a heating pad scars the redraped tissue.  Very discouraging.  Hopefully you can get your questions answered by your doctor or a covering doctor but you can see the consensus of opinions here about NOT using a heating pad.