Burn Risks in Postabdominoplasty Patients: A Case Report

Bruno, Agostino; Foti, Riccardo; Cilluffo, Matteo

doi:10.1055/s-0046-1818597

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Case Report • Rev. Bras. Cir. Plást. 41 • 2026 • https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0046-1818597 linkcopy

Burn Risks in Postabdominoplasty Patients: A Case Report

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

A 34-year-old woman sustained a severe infraumbilical burn 2 years after undergoing abdominoplasty, caused by the use a hot water bottle for menstrual pain relief. Due to persistent postoperative sensory loss in the lower abdomen—a common complication of abdominoplasty resulting from nerve disruption—she did not perceive the injury at the time. The burn led to extensive tissue damage and required prolonged healing by secondary intention. This case highlights the potential for unnoticed injuries in desensitized regions and the importance of thorough patient education regarding sensory deficits after abdominoplasty. Patients should be cautioned against using heat sources or engaging in activities that could harm insensate skin. While some degree of sensory recovery is expected, full restoration is not guaranteed, making preventive counseling essential. This case underscores the importance of thorough patient education on postoperative sensory changes and lifestyle adjustments to prevent potentially-severe injuries.

Keywords
abdominoplasty; body contouring; burn; nerve injury

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E-mail: rbcp@cirurgiaplastica.org.br

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Intercostal nerves (T7–T11)	These nerves emerge from the lower thoracic spine and travel laterally across the abdominal wall, branching into the superficial skin layers. They innervate the upper abdomen, including areas above and around the umbilicus.
Subcostal nerve (T12)	The subcostal nerve primarily innervates the lower abdominal region, including the infraumbilical region, which is particularly susceptible to sensory loss following abdominoplasty due to the extensive dissection.
Iliohypogastric nerve (L1)	The iliohypogastric nerve arises from the first lumbar nerve and divides into lateral and anterior branches. The lateral branch supplies the skin over the iliac crest, while the anterior branch innervates the skin of the suprapubic region. It has reciprocal relationship with the ilioinguinal neve, and they often communicate.
Ilioinguinal nerve (L1)	The ilioinguinal nerve also originates from the first lumbar nerve, and it provides sensory innervation to the skin of the upper medial thigh, mons pubis, and anterior part of the labia majora or scrotum. It also presents some overlap with the iliohypogastric nerve in its innervation zones.
Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (L2–L3)	Although primarily a nerve of the thigh, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is of relevance during abdominal surgeries, as it courses near the anterior superior iliac spine. It provides sensory innervation to the skin of the lateral thigh and is at risk of injury during lower abdominal wall surgeries. This nerve is particularly vulnerable during surgical incision or retraction. Damage to this nerve can result in meralgia paresthetica, which is characterized by pain, numbness, or burning sensations along the anterolateral thigh. It is the nerve most commonly injured after abdominoplasty.