Thermacare Heatwraps after Tummy Tuck

Question

I Was Wondering if I Can Put Thermacare Heatwraps in my Tummy Muscle After Tummy Tuck?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Please exercise caution when using hot or cold compresses on the tummy tuck skin because it is normal to have diminished sensation in this area and it is very easy to sustain a thermal injury (burn). The area below your belly button has the least amount of sensation.

Joseph Mele, MD · Answer

After a tummy tuck the skin located below the belly button is usually numb, making it difficult to protect the area from excess heat or cold. I would not recommend using heat or cold to the area as you could burn yourself without knowing it.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Given that you will be numb in that area, you can easily injure/burn yourself accidentally. I do not recommend heat wraps or cold compresses after surgery. Please talk to your plastic surgeon for his/her recommendations

Timothy Fee, MD · Answer

I believe this to be quite risky. The skin is numb and therefore there is no warning of impending burns. I have had patients fall asleep with heating pads who develop burns leading to scars. Please avoid this treatment.

Steven Schuster, MD, FACS · Answer

I don't recommend any type of heat packs or ice pack after a tummy tuck.  The skin is numb and I have seen patients get second degree burns as a result of a heating pad.

Shahin Javaheri, MD · Answer

Please be careful on placing any heat or cold on an abdomen following a tummy tuck.  There are areas which will have no sensation and you may get burns.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Regarding : "Thermacare Heatwraps after Tummy Tuck
	I Was Wondering if I Can Put Thermacare Heatwraps in my Tummy Muscle After Tummy Tuck?"

	After Tummy Tuck surgery there will be large areas of the tummy skin with reduced sensation and numbness. It is a really bad idea to apply extreme cold or hot materials to such skin as you could injure yourself without really even feeling it.

	I would strongly advise you not to take this risk early in the after Tummy Tuck healing phase and wait until your sensation normalizes.

	Dr. Peter Aldea

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

A patient will have numb skin in the lower abdomen after a TT and can burn themselves with heating devices so please don't!

Victor Au, MD (retired) · Answer

Heat packs, hot water bottles or electric blankets are a not a good idea because the tissues are already beat up and numb from the surgery, and you can damage the skin causing burns or worse.

Thermacare Heatwraps after Tummy Tuck

Answers (9)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Have I Done Damage to Sutures? Popped stitches

Will Full Tummy Tuck Affect my Tattoos?

Tummy Tuck, Arm Lift, Thigh Lift and Breast Implants... at the Same Time?

What Should Be my BMI to Have a Tummy Tuck?

Is a Tummy Tuck the only way? just want to flatten belly and lose the love handles

Tummy Tuck - $3,000 Upfront. Payment Options for Remainder?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS