After a tummy tuck, the skin stretches back out and there may still be some excess skin that can itch. This is normal and will go away on its own. It is also not uncommon to have some bleeding, bruising, or swelling in this area after surgery as well. There are some things you can do to reduce your chances of itching after a tummy tuck procedure. These include keeping the surgical site clean and dry, wearing loose clothing made of cotton or other breathable fabrics, and protecting the surgical site from irritation by applying an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream such as 1% hydrocortisone cream twice daily for 2 weeks after surgery.
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Itching After Tummy Tuck
If diet and exercise are not delivering the toned midsection you desire, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. This Tummy tuck surgery removes excess skin from your lower abdomen and tightens your abdominal muscles, resulting in a more toned-looking stomach area.
Dr. Steven Wiener is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ with more than 20 years of professional experience. If you wish to pursue the benefits of a tummy tuck or related cosmetic procedure, Dr. Wiener will discuss the procedure and possible tummy tuck side effects so you can make an informed decision.
Any surgery comes with the possibility of post-procedure side effects. Here are the common side effects that are associated with tummy tuck surgery.
Bruising and Swelling
Patients can expect noticeable bruising and swelling to last one to two weeks after surgery.
Light skin discoloration can last up a month after your tummy tuck. Swelling can last for several months after surgery. However, the majority of the swelling is typically gone after six weeks.
One way to manage swelling is to wear your compression garment as Dr. Wiener directs. The elastic garment is designed to fit snuggly around your torso, providing support and protecting your surgical site.
Light to Moderate Pain
Light to moderate pain should be expected in the days following surgery. Discomfort will be most pronounced near the incision sites. Pain will gradually subside day by day after your procedure. Dr. Wiener will prescribe pain relievers as needed.
Numbness and Tingling
Tummy tucks affects the nerves and blood vessels in the lower abdominal area. As a result, patients often experience tingling, numbness, itching, and other odd sensations during the recovery period. As the skin and nerves heal, these sensations will subside as well.
Scarring
Scarring is a natural result of surgery. Dr. Wiener will minimize the appearance of scars and will perform your tummy tuck with the smallest incision length possible.
Over the course of several months, the scar tissue will begin to better match the surrounding skin. The prominence of the scar will fade over the years.
Reducing the Severity of Your Side Effects
Avoid strenuous activity, but engaging in light walking, and carefully following your recovery guidelines can ensure that your procedure side effects are minimal.
Of course, discomfort and swelling are expected after any type of surgery. The best way to avoid more serious complications such as infections and blood clots is to undergo treatment with a trusted plastic surgeon such as Dr. Wiener.
How a Tummy Tuck Works
During your surgery, Dr. Wiener will make a horizontal incision near your groin to gain access to the underlying tissue. Excess skin will be removed. Your abdominal muscles will be tightened. Finally, the incisions will be closed with sutures, adhesives, or a special type of medical tape.
Learn How You Can Benefit from a Tummy Tuck
Dr. Wiener will be glad to discuss any questions you may have about the potential side effects that can result from a tummy tuck. While momentary discomfort is a part of any surgical procedure, the results from a tummy tuck can last a lifetime, especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle.
Tummy tuck procedures (otherwise known as abdominoplasties) are among the top 10 most popular cosmetic surgical procedures performed in the United States. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ (ASPS) annual survey of its members, more than 111,000 tummy tuck procedures were performed by ASPS member surgeons in 2013. This was a 5 percent increase from the more than 106,000 tummy tuck procedures performed in 2012.
Given the popularity of tummy tuck procedures, Dr. Mark Deuber feels that it is important for prospective patients to fully understand not only what is involved in the actual procedure, but what they should expect during the recovery phase.
TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE
A tummy tuck procedure is designed to remove excess, loose skin and tissue, and tighten up underlying muscle following dramatic weight loss. Although the procedure will not remove excess fat from the abdominal area, it can be done in conjunction with a liposuction procedure to remove fat.
In a tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Deuber will make a horizontal incision going from one hipbone across to the other. The skin and underlying tissue are then gently lifted up, tightened, and then re-draped over the new abdominal shape. Excess skin and tissue are removed, and the remainder is sutured back into place. Dr. Deuber will also tighten up the underlying abdominal muscles. In addition, he can make an incision around the navel, and reposition the belly button.
WHAT CAUSES BURNING OR ITCHING SENSATIONS AFTER A TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE?
Believe it or not, burning or itching sensations in the abdominal region following a tummy tuck procedure are perfectly normal. When any incision is made into the body, nerves that conduct sensation are severed. While the body is working to “rewire” these nerves, or create entirely new nerve pathways, pain sensations may go into hyper-overdrive. This rewiring will take the form of burning, raw, or itching sensations. Over time, generally by three to four months, most of these sensations will have faded.
REMEDIES FOR BURNING AND ITCHING
If patients can tolerate it, Dr. Deuber recommends nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin or Advil, which are available over the counter. The prescription drug Neurontin may also help reduce inflammation. Ice and cold compresses applied to the abdominal region can also be helpful once the sutures have completely healed over. Dr. Deuber also recommends patients gently massage their abdominal region several times a day. Not only will this stimulate formation of new nerve pathways, but it will also reduce swelling and help prevent fluids from building up at the incision sites.
As part of his commitment to educating patients completely about tummy tuck procedures, Dr. Deuber believes that patients who understand what to expect after the procedure are more likely to follow postoperative instructions and have less healing complications and greater satisfaction with their results. To learn more about tummy tuck surgery, and to find out if you are a good candidate for surgery, contact the practice of Dr. Mark Deuber today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Tummy tucks affects the nerves and blood vessels in the lower abdominal area. As a result, patients often experience tingling, numbness, itching, and other odd sensations during the recovery period. As the skin and nerves heal, these sensations will subside as well.
How To Relieve Itching After Tummy Tuck
As the healing process advances, you may also find a mild to severe itchy feeling. An antihistamine like Benadryl can help to alleviate severe, constant itchiness. If the skin becomes red and hot to the touch, contact our office immediately.
Ice and cold compresses applied to the abdominal region can also be helpful once the sutures have completely healed over. Dr. Deuber also recommends patients gently massage their abdominal region several times a day
The itchiness can last for a few days after liposuction has been performed. It ultimately varies from patients to patient, but the sensation will pass so long as you take care of your skin during this time. You should notice day-to-day improvements with proper care.
How to stop a healing wound from itching?
applying an ice pack or cold compress.
antihistamines like Benadryl.
proper dressing and bandaging (speak with your healthcare team about how to care for your wound)
keeping skin moisturized.
protecting the wound from irritation with a covering or clothing.
You can take Benadryl to help with the itching. o You may resume your regular medications immediately after surgery (either in the evening after surgery or the following morning), unless told otherwise by the surgeon.
How Long Does Itching Last After Lipo.
How Long Does the Itchiness Last? The itchiness can last for a few days after liposuction has been performed. It ultimately varies from patients to patient, but the sensation will pass so long as you take care of your skin during this time. You should notice day-to-day improvements with proper care.
What are the long term side effects of a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck poses various risks, including:
- Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma). Drainage tubes left in place after surgery can help reduce the risk of excess fluid.
- Poor wound healing.
- Unexpected scarring.
- Tissue damage or death.
- Changes in skin sensation.
What helps with itching after surgery?
How to stop a healing wound from itching?
- applying an ice pack or cold compress.
- antihistamines like Benadryl.
- proper dressing and bandaging (speak with your healthcare team about how to care for your wound)
- keeping skin moisturized.
- protecting the wound from irritation with a covering or clothing.
How do you stop itching after surgery?
How to Treat Itching after Plastic Surgery
- Rule Out an Allergic Reaction.
- Avoid Rubbing at the Incision Area.
- Ice the Area.
- Take an Anti-histamine.
- Avoid Anti-itch Creams Until the Incision is Completely Closed.
Does hymenoplasty affect period?
There is no relation between Hymenoplasty surgery and the menstrual cycle. Hymenoplasty is done at a very surface level, where even the entire vagina is not associated.
Why does my stomach itch after a tummy tuck?
Tummy tucks affects the nerves and blood vessels in the lower abdominal area. As a result, patients often experience tingling, numbness, itching, and other odd sensations during the recovery period. As the skin and nerves heal, these sensations will subside as well.
Why is my stomach still big after tummy tuck?
Swelling after a Tummy Tuck Is Normal Swelling in the abdominal area is perfectly normal and expected after a tummy tuck. In this area of the body, the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels work as a drainage system for fluids. During a tummy tuck, these vessels are cut.
Why am I so itchy all over after surgery?
As a response to the wound that is caused during surgery, the body begins to naturally produce histamines; this is, in part, responsible for the itchy feeling at the incision site. The use of an anti-histamine, in oral form, can reduce itchiness. However, patients should consult Dr.