tummy tuck with permanent numbing

10 years ago, after having 4 kids,my stomach was extremely large.
the doctor said exercise would not help because my stomach lining was ripped and I had a belly button hernia.Therefore I elected a tummy tuck the same time the hernia was fixed. He reset my belly button, lipo, and a full Abdominoplasty.
Then and still, 10 years later,The outer skin of my stomach is numb.  Athough I asked the doctor to contour my waist,  I have a big love handle bulge and I'm not not sure where my waist is supposed to be, above the bulge, below the bulge or somewhere in the middle of the bulge.  
He told me I needed a touch up, but I am afraid of further numbing.
I am worried about my numb stomach and I am not sure if this is a botched surgery.

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

Numbness from an abdominoplasty or just liposuction is not uncommon, but usually resolves after one year or so.  At ten years, the persistent numbness is permanent.  If your doctor feels he can improve your contour and this is important for you, then I would consider this procedure.  There is no one who can predict if additional permanent numbness will occur after additional surgery.

[dottcom]

Thank you so much for your reply Dr Rosenburg.  It is so good to find people to taIk to about these issues. I must admit, Even though my stomach is smaller, I feel so cheated to have gone through all that painful surgery, spend all that money, and end up with no feeling over my stomach, numbness, and a funny bulging love handle shape. I wanted to wear dresses and have a waistline that curves in, not bulges out.