From the Research
Loss of sensation in the abdomen after abdominoplasty is a common side effect, with 7.67% of patients experiencing decreased sensation, as reported in a study published in the Aesthetic surgery journal 1. The extent of numbness depends on the surgical technique used and individual healing capacity.
- Most patients experience some numbness that gradually improves over 6-12 months as nerves regenerate, though some areas may remain permanently numb.
- No specific medication can accelerate nerve recovery, but gentle massage of the area starting about 6 weeks post-surgery may help stimulate nerve regeneration.
- If numbness is accompanied by pain, unusual swelling, or redness, consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended.
- During recovery, caution should be exercised with hot compresses or heating pads on numb areas to avoid burns, and regular inspection of the abdomen is necessary to detect any injuries that may not be felt.
- A study published in Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open found that 81% of patients reported abnormal abdominal skin sensation after abdominoplasty, with 8.2% experiencing persistent pain 2.
- Another study published in The Cochrane database of systematic reviews found that gabapentin can provide good levels of pain relief for some people with neuropathic pain, but around 3 or 4 out of 10 participants achieved at least 50% pain relief with gabapentin, compared to 1 or 2 out of 10 for placebo 3.
- However, the most recent and highest quality study on this topic is 2, which suggests that most patients find that even with some permanent numbness, the cosmetic benefits of abdominoplasty outweigh this sensory change.