Is it normal to feel a burning sensation 5 weeks after Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?

What is are describing is a very normal and expected occurance after tummy tuck and liposuciton and it can contiue to a different degree up to 6-8 months.

keeping your skin very lubricated with vasoline helps much. in sever case I have been able to successfull treat patients with Neurontin which helps to "soothe" irritated nerves.

yours,

Sean younai, MD from beautifulfigure.com

I agree with the other docs below- based on the procedures you had performed, it sounds like you are having an average experience. Itching, burning, stretching or tight sensations are very common for a few months after the surgery, as scar tissue is forming and maturing under your skin.

Having said that, I do think that your best source of comfort when you are in doubt about what you are experiencing is your surgeon- he or she is going to be most familiar with the finer points of your surgical procedure and what you should be able to expect, as well as what should appropriately raise concerns- I would give them a call.

In addition to the answers listed below (and I agree that this is most likely normal) - it is important to gauge your progress.  Do you think the pain is getting worse or staying the same as the weeks go on?

All post-operative concerns, especially pain, should be directed to your treating physician.

I hope this helps!

I usually recommend compression garments for 3-6 weeks. Most patients want to "burn" the garment after three weeks.  Changes in sensations are very common initially after surgery.  This usually gets better over the first few months. If ther eis not sugn of infection, fever drainage, etc..  then it should get better as stated above.

The sensation you describe is usually very normal. During any body contouring procedure, sensory nerves can be damaged. Most likely, the pain you are feeling is temporary and will subside as the nerves regenerate. It's really important to communicate with your doctor and staff about this issue and see what they recommend for you. Ask them to show you how to do proper massage, that usually will help ease discomfort. I usually have my patients wear their garment for about 6-8 weeks after surgery for the best possible results. I know its uncomfortable, but it really will help create the best sculpted look. Good luck during the healing process, and congratulations on your new body.

It is normal to have numbness and even sometimes the sensation of burning after either the abdominoplasty or liposuction. This is called a dysesthesia or hyperesthesia. It is similar to a bruised nerve. The nerves involved will gradually recover. This can take several months. It helps to massage the areas of sensory change as this helps to "burn out" the sensations. IF the problem is severe sometimes medications can help. I usually use either Pamelor or Neurotin.

Burning sensations after liposuction or abdominoplasty is quite normal. You probably noticed significant numbness early on and now it may burn or tingle. Local massage with moisturizing creams is very helpful. Start with very light touch and work your way up to massage. You are retraining the nerves that were damaged during the surgery. If you notice any redness or skin changes, notify your doctor immediately.

Often, anti-inflammatories such as Motrin or Aleve can be quite helpful. With you doctor's okay, try these on a regular basis for a week. I would also recommend eliminating the garment at this point to reduce the local contact. In my experience, painful sensations from Tummy Tucks all resolve

It is normal to have numbness and even sometimes the sensation of burning after either the abdominoplasty or liposuction. As the sensory nerves recover over the next month or two it should slowly resolve. It is expected thought to have some numbness in the lower abdomen between the belly button and scar for many months.

Many patients report relief from the use of over the counter anti-inflamatories like advil. Sometimes massage will also help.

Any pain after the immediate postop period deserves attention. Usually massage or ultrasound treatments help, and can usually stop the pain cycle before it gets out of hand. Occasionally medications such as Neurontin are necessary. In any event, communicate closely with your doctor.

It is not unusual to have a burning sensation persisting several weeks after liposuction or tummy tuck. During the course of these procedures, the normal sensory nerves are stretched or otherwise traumatized, and during the healing process there is inflammation around the nerves that may create abnormal sensations such as "raw" and "burning" pain, even in response to normal stimuli. These "Dysesthesias" may be worse if ultrasonic liposuction was used during your procedure.

Many patients benefit from a de-sensitization routine of over-stimulating the areas which feel painful or raw. This seems to re-set the body's "thermostat" or sense of what is (or should be) normal vs. what is painful. Some patients may benefit from low-dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen, etc.), as well as local measures such as cold compresses, in addition to massage of the skin which helps to relieve the lymphatic swelling.

What you are describing is worse than most patients describe but sounds as though it is within normal limits given your timing from surgery. If you still felt this way at 3 months, this would not be normal at all.

Stay calm, gently massage all areas with lotion. This plus normal healing time will help you sooth these irritated nerve endings. Check with your doctor, you might also be able to stop the garments if they are irritating.

Good luck!

Everything you are describing sounds to be within the parameters of normal healing. After surgery, sensory nerves which have been stretched, bruised or cut are healing just as your skin is healing, and as they do they produce different sensations, including burning or itching. It will settle down with time, but it can take several weeks or even months to fully improve. I will often recommend massage of these areas and most patients feel that this helps.

In terms of how long to wear your garment, this is different for each patient and depends a lot on your surgeon's preference. Speak with him or her and they will outline a plan for you.

Dr. S