You look fantastic after your tummy tuck, but there’s just one problem: After all is said and done, you get an itchy, itchy rash! Now, you have a big red rash on your beautiful flat stomach, and you have to figure out how to get rid of it.

This is one of the possible side effects of having a tummy tuck. Plastic surgeons always tell you that there is a LITTLE chance of this happening…and that makes you feel even worse when it does! Tummy tuck rashes are quite common and not that major. You just have to take care of it, and then you are good to go.

What’s causing this damn itchy redness, anyway?

This is the first thing we have to find out. There can be a couple of different causes for a tummy tuck rash, and the key to curing it is figuring out what’s causing it in the first place.

…Could be the sutures

You may be allergic to the sutures, tape, or gauze. If you are allergic to sutures, this is the worst case scenario. This could involve a little work on the part of the plastic surgeons, and they may have to re-treat you.

Hopefully this won’t be the case, but the only way to know is if you ask your doctor to take a look at it.

You could also be allergic to the tape or gauze. This is a much better situation. If this is the case, your doctor will change it to another type. If it’s the tape or gauze that’s turning you red, be sure to remember what material it’s made of for future operations. Always tell the doctor when asked if you have any allergies.

…Could be a heat rash

This is by far the most common tummy tuck rash problem. You will see little red prickly dots and it will be very itchy. There may also be a burning sensation. It is caused simply by being too hot.

If this is the case, you can fix it yourself. Keep it cool and do not stretch or irritate the area. Wash the area thoroughly but gently with soap and cleansers. When you’re drying yourself with a towel, gently rub the area instead of scratching it.

After washing, it’s a good idea to apply something like cortisone cream, Benadryl, or baby powder. If it doesn’t help relieve the pain, switch to something else. The rash should start to fade in just a day or two, but it may take several days before it clears up. If it doesn’t start to fade in a few days, talk to your doctor. It can be caused by something else.

The itching and burning will be gone! Hopefully you can handle it yourself, but always feel free to contact your plastic surgeon if you are too concerned. Get rid of that rash and you can finally enjoy your new slim and trim tummy!