I can’t sleep from the itching after my surgery

[Isabella Moreau @isabella Participant]

Advise please, has anyone else experienced this? I had a tummy tuck, lipo & breast reduction with implants in april of this year. the skin on my tummy and breasts itches like mad as does the rest of my body, especially at night to the point it wakes me and keeps me awake. I required a blood transfusion so I am thinking is the blood ok? am I allergic to the blood? what regulations do Turkey follow to ensure the blood is “clean’? I cant work out whats causing this and it is frustrating me now. I have had lots of surgery in the UK and never experienced this and its becoming an issue now.

[surgeryforum @surgeryforum Keymaster]

I’m really sorry to hear you’re going through this. Persistent itching after a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast surgery can be due to several factors, and it’s understandable that this is affecting your sleep and peace of mind.

Firstly, itching is a common part of the healing process, especially after procedures involving extensive skin manipulation or liposuction. As the nerves regenerate and the skin adjusts, itching sensations can intensify, particularly at night when your body is at rest. This is often due to histamine release, which increases during tissue repair.

However, since you mentioned receiving a blood transfusion, it’s reasonable to consider whether there could be a reaction involved. While transfusion reactions are usually acute and occur shortly after the procedure, there are rare cases of delayed immune responses or allergic-type reactions. These typically present with other symptoms such as rash, fever, or joint pain, but prolonged itching alone is less common.

Regarding your concern about blood safety in Turkey, the country follows international transfusion protocols. Blood banks are required to screen all donations for major infectious diseases, including HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. The Ministry of Health regulates these standards and ensures that transfusions are conducted in accordance with national and European guidelines. The likelihood of receiving unsafe blood is extremely low.

Another possibility to consider is a reaction to surgical materials—such as internal sutures, glue, or even medications (like antibiotics or painkillers) that were used during or after surgery. Some patients also develop post-surgical dermatitis or even a systemic reaction from implants, though this is uncommon.

Given the duration and intensity of your symptoms, I strongly recommend that you consult a dermatologist or immunologist for allergy testing and skin evaluation. You may also want to speak with your surgical team to rule out any reactions to materials used during your procedure. Keep track of when the itching worsens and whether any products or foods seem to influence it.

Your frustration is completely valid, and you’re not alone in experiencing unusual post-op symptoms. With proper evaluation, the cause can often be identified and managed.

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