If you have chosen to undergo plastic surgery, one side effect you probably weren’t expecting during your recovery is the itchy feeling that occurs around the incision site and bandages. Although this feeling may come and go, it can be a source of aggravation in the days immediately following your surgery. While it is completely normal to experience this itchy sensation after plastic surgery, many patients want to know what they can do to reduce it. Here, Dr. Mark Deuber discusses this common recovery concern, and warns about the healing problems that can occur if patients don’t follow post-operative instructions for dealing with itchiness.
RULE OUT INFECTION
You may want to check the incision site to make sure you have not developed an infection. Wash your hands, and then carefully remove the protective bandages to look for signs of a problem. If the incision looks significantly worse, is overly red and swollen, and oozing fluid, you may have developed an infection. If you suspect a problem, schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Deuber or your personal plastic surgeon as soon as possible.
RULE OUT ALLERGIC REACTION
Some patients are allergic to certain medications, adhesives, and medical tape. Make sure that you aren’t experiencing an allergic reaction to any of the new products you are using after surgery.
DO NOT TOUCH THE INCISION
Avoid touching the incision area – you don’t want to increase your risk of infection or tear or pull at your sutures, as this can worsen the appearance of post-operative scars. If you can’t resist the urge to itch, try to very carefully rub the area around the incision, do not directly touch the incision with your hands.
ORAL ANTI-HISTAMINES
During the body’s natural wound healing process, it produces histamines; this causes an itchy feeling at the site of the surgical incision. Using an oral anti-histamine such as Zyrtec or Benadryl can help to relieve some of this uncomfortable feeling. Of course, you should always call and check with Dr. Deuber or your plastic surgeon to find out if it is safe to take an anti-histamine medication.
APPLICATION OF A COLD COMPRESS
If the itching is severe, you can apply an ice pack to the area for quick relief. Try using the cold compress above the bandages to reduce the risk of infection.
DO NOT APPLY ANTI-ITCH CREAM UNTIL THE INCISION HAS CLOSED
Although it may be tempting to use an anti-itch cream soon after surgery, it is important to avoid use of any products, aside from anti-bacterial soap, until the incisions have completely closed. You should get the green light from Dr. Deuber or your personal plastic surgeon before starting use of an anti-itch cream.
AVOID USE OF ALCOHOL
Use of alcohol can increase inflammation, which in turn increases swelling and itching, so patients should avoid drinking alcohol beverages in the weeks following plastic surgery.
In this article we discusses How to relieve itching after breast reduction and How long does post op itching last.

Tummy Tuck Scar Itches
Abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck surgery,” is a procedure that gets rid of flabby abdominal skin and fat. As a result, the area might end up looking slimmer and more toned. Lipo, tummy tuck scar revision, and even another tummy tuck itself are all procedures that can be done during this operation.
There are many reasons why a tummy tuck scar may itch. It could be due to irritation from your clothing rubbing against it or an allergic reaction to the tape used to hold the incision closed. An infection at the wound site or an allergy to a medication used to treat the infection could also be to blame for the itching.Redness and swelling around your tummy tuck scar may be signs of infection that require prompt medical attention.
If you have been noticing that your tummy tuck scar is itching more than usual lately then it might be worth talking with your doctor about what might be causing these symptoms so they can recommend ways for you to alleviate them until they go away completely on their own over time without any further treatment required on either side (such as antibiotics).
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.
One of the most common, yet frustrating, side effects of cosmetic surgery is an itching sensation. As the skin around the incision heals, patients often experience a burning or itching feeling. This is perfectly normal. However, there are some important things to remember to help reduce itching after plastic surgery and ease you through the healing period.
- Don’t scratch: This is perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind, although it may be the most frustrating. If you scratch the incision site, you run the risk of infection, tearing sutures, and possibly increasing scarring as the incision heals. You may find some relief by gently rubbing the areas around the incision, but not actually touching the incision site itself. You may also find wearing soft cotton gloves will help reduce any potential damage from scratching.
- Rule out infection or allergic reactions: To check for the possibility of infection, first wash your hands. Gently peel away the incision dressing. Do not actually touch the incision site. Look to see if there is any increased redness, puffiness, or fluid seeping through the sutures. Some patients may also react to the medical tape or adhesive itself. If you see any of these signs, contact Dr. Paul Pin’s office immediately.
- Take oral anti-histamines: During the normal healing process, the body is producing a large amount of histamines. In many cases, oral, over-the-counter anti-histamines such as Zyrtec or Bendadryl can help reduce that itchy sensation by reducing the effect of histamines. Of course, always check with our office be make certain we know which over-the-counter medications you are taking.
- Cool it: A cold compress may also provide relief from the itchy sensation. Try using an ice compress just above the bandage over the incision site. Do not put the compress directly on top of the bandage. Not only may it get the bandage wet (which can contaminate the incision site), but pressure on the incision may cause it to split open.
- Hold off on anti-itch creams: Don’t apply any anti-itch creams until your incisions have completely closed over, as you don’t want to cause infection by getting the cream into the open wound. Until that time, only use anti-bacterial soap. Again, check with our office to get the go-ahead to start using any anti-itch cream.
- Keep yourself hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps hydrate your entire body, from the inside out. Staying properly hydrated will help reduce dry skin, which is often the cause for excessive flakiness and itching following surgery.
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol is an inflammatory, so it may increase swelling and itching. Your best bet is to avoid all alcohol in the first few weeks after surgery until most of the post-operative swelling has gone down.
How To Relieve Itching After Breast Reduction
Itchiness is a normal part of wound healing. To understand the cause of itching, you have to understand how a wound — even one closed with stitches — is rebuilt.
Hemostasis and clotting
In this first stage of wound healingTrusted Source, your body will shut off the blood supply to the wound through a process called vasoconstriction. This seals off the vessels that supply blood to the affected area.
It works the same for an injury or a surgical incision. As blood clots on the edge of the wound, bits of fibrinogen proteins found in plasma form a natural wound closure commonly known as a scab. The scab forms as fibrin and other substances dehydrate and form a protective covering over the healing wound.
Inflammation
The next stage of wound healing is where the real pain and itching begin. In this phaseTrusted Source, inflammatory cells rush to the wound site to help clean the base of the wound and prepare for new cells. Some of these cells, called histamines, help open the vessels around the wound for immune cells to begin cleanup.
Unfortunately, histamines are also a primary chemical cause of itching. An infected wound will create additional itching, as inflammatory and immune cells work overtime to fight bacteria. In some unfortunate cases, wounds stop healing properly and become stuck in this phase.
When wounds don’t move past the inflammation stage, they are considered chronic wounds. Itching is a major problem with complications that result in chronic wounds.
Proliferation and repair
As cells flock to the wound site to build new tissue in the proliferation phaseTrusted Source of healing, they layer cells to create a matrix that’s filled in with various types of cells, creating a sensitive area of new growth. As these new layers are pulled together in the final phase, fluid builds below the wound surface. That’s when new nerve connections are joined to the old, creating a mechanical reactionTrusted Source that results in an itching sensation.
OTHER CAUSES REQUIRING MEDICAL ATTENTION
There are a few abnormal aspects of healing that could cause extra itching over your stitches. Contact your doctor if you experience inflammation, redness, or oozing, which can be signs of:
- necrotic or dead tissue at the base of the wound
- excess fluid buildup or draining at the incision site
- induration, or a hardening of the suture site
How to stop a healing wound from itching?
Wound care can be complicated and may include cleaning and dressing the area. Scratching an itchy wound could cause it to break open and delay healing. Some ways to relieve stitch itch include:
- 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
Stop the itch
There are a number of natural remedies that can help stop itching. Speak with your doctor about incision care, and be careful what topical products you apply to your stitches.
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For more severe wounds and itching, or wounds that take a long time to heal, your doctor may have to try:
- tissue debridement
- use of topical anti-inflammatories like steroid creams
- gabapentinoids
- certain antidepressants like paroxetine and amitriptyline
Why you shouldn’t scratch that itch
You might think that scratching, or even a gentle rub, will help relieve your itch. But scratching stitches or any other healing wound can disrupt the healing process. Delicate new layers of tissue can easily be ripped apart, forcing you to return to earlier healing stages. This will make your wound take even longer to heal, further prolonging your itch, and possibly leading to complications like chronic wounds or infections.
How to care for your stitches properly
If you’ve had stitches to repair a traumatic wound or after surgery, your doctor should give you specific instructions on caring for your stitches, and when and how they will be removed. Not all wound closures — like dissolving stitches or surgical glue — require removal.
Here are some tips on caring for your stitches:
- Keep your stitches dry for the first 24 to 48 hours.
- After the first few days, you may clean gently around your stitches with cool water and mild soap one to two times per day.
- Dab your incision site dry. Do not rub it.
- Do not scratch or scrub your incision.
- Avoid strenuous activity that could cause the stitches to tear.
- Do not remove adhesive strips (Steri-Strips) that may be covering your stitches. These will fall off on their own.
- Change your dressing as directed by your doctor.
- Do not apply any creams or ointments to your stitches unless advised by your doctor.
- Call your doctor if you have a fever or increasing redness and pain, purulent drainage like yellow or green pus, or bleeding at the site. This could be a sign of infection.
- Do not pull at your stitches or staples, or scabs covering the wound.
- Keep your hands and supplies clean during dressing changes.
When to see a doctor
Sometimes, excessive itching can be a sign of a complication in your wound healing. Necrotic tissue, infection, excessive fluid buildup, and more can all lead to increased itching and problems with wound healing.
If you suspect your wound isn’t healing right, or you have any of the following problems, contact your doctor for further evaluation.
- fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- yellow, thick, cloudy, or foul-smelling draining from the site
- excessive bleeding
- stitches that fall out
- opening in the incision before your stitches are removed
- new numbness or tingling at the site
- increasing pain or redness
How Long Does Post Op Itching Last
It happens to just about all of us. Within the first two weeks or so of recovery the itching begins and sometimes returns weeks and months later in sporadic bouts. Burning type pain can often happen, as well. What causes it?
It’s often said that itching is a sign of healing, which is not really a complete explanation. Burning sometimes accompanies it, and is generally attributed to nerve regeneration.
Itching, however, is usually a warning sign from our bodies. It is generally benign and can simply mean you need better nutrition to meet your recovery needs, but it can sometimes be an allergic reaction to a pain medication or antibiotic. It can be an adverse reaction to adhesives used in steri strips, bandaging and surgical glue. It can also be a severe and and prolonged reaction to consuming alcohol in any form, including cold medicines all the way to less than an ounce of an alcoholic drink.
You may need to explore where and when your itching occurs and if it’s accompanied by a rash or other flushing of the skin. Is it worse 30 minutes to an hour after you’ve taken a pill? Are there other symptoms involved? Are you allergic to adhesive tapes or even the sutures themselves? Don’t panic and automatically assume the worst, because it can also be as simple and easily fixed as your nutrition! You should contact your surgeon if you feel any of your medications or dressings may be contributing to the problem. When in doubt, call your doctor.
We’ve found itching to be mostly related, however, to your nutritional stores. Increasing fresh greens and lean protien in your diet can resolve this issue almost immediately, including months down the line when if it suddenly crops up again. Check out our Healing Diet and learn how to eat to heal yourself properly and cut down on, if not eliminate, itching. Green smoothies are a particularly fast and easy way to increase your nutrition, but you need to be smart about how they’re made, or you’ll throw off your blood sugar and cause yourself to have worse nutrition, thus not solving the problem. We can help, so feel free to register to address these issues for itching related to any surgical procedure you’re facing.
As odd as it may sound, itching really can be caused by alcohol consumption — either as a social drink or in an over-the-counter cough medicine. Please check with your surgeon about when you can again consume alcohol. Many times its four to six weeks post op. If you have been given the green light to consume alcohol and you find yourself having an increase in itching or burning, please let your surgeon know and wait another couple weeks before trying again. Know that alcohol cuts your nutrition even if you don’t experience itching, because it thins your blood. You have many weeks ahead of healing, so it’s best to eat a healthy diet and hold off on alcohol in the first 4 months or so, depending on the type and magnitude of your surgery.