Tummy Tuck: Q&A
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Pubic Area Appears Bigger After Tummy Tuck
I'm now 6 weeks post-Tummy Tuck, and I am pleased with the results. However, I'm bothered that my pubic area appears to be 2-3 centimeters higher/bigger that it was pre-operation. My underwear used to cover the area completely, but now they don't. Is this normal? Will the skin eventually stretch back to its place?
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63 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
Ariela
in Latvia
+13
Mons movement after tummy tuck
With a conventional tummy tuck, considerable skin and fat is removed. The upper and lower skin areas (flaps) are then pulled together. This causes tightening in the upper flap, a desired effect, but can also elevate the mons area. The more radical the tummy tuck, the greater this effect may be. Most patients consider some mons elevation a plus, since the mons tends to "sag" after pregnancies.
Shortly after surgery, there is swelling and firmness due to healing and swelling from...
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+7
You'll probably need to have this area revised
When I perform a tummy tuck, I usually remove some of the excess fat and excess skin from the pubic region. This helps to raise and flatten the pubic area and give a more youthful look. The scar should be hidden within your panty line.Ask your physician about revising the pubis. That should do the trick.
+7
The lower the better
A little pre op planning goes a long way. In general, the lower the scar is positioned the better the result. Remember that when the incisions are mapped out before surgery, the final scar will come to lie somewhere between the upper and lower incision. There are a few things your surgeon can do to keep the incision low. Many surgeons now utilize progressive tension suturing which will take tension off of the closure and help to keep the scar below the top of even a small bikini....
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+7
Swelling of the (mons) pubic area after tummy tuck
This is very common and seen in nearly all patients.
If you are very active during the day it can become worse. This is due to the fact that it is the lowest part of your surgery and all the swelling settles there.
However, the other physicians comments about a full pubis are also true and if this persists after several months you may want to consider liposuction or surgical reduction known as a monsplasty which may be able to adjust the height of the incision.
I want to clarify one point...
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+6
Overly Lifted Pubic Area with Tummy Tuck
Regarding: "Pubic Area Appears Bigger After Tummy Tuck
I'm now 6 weeks post-Tummy Tuck, and I am pleased with the results. However, I'm bothered that my pubic area appears to be 2-3 centimeters higher/bigger that it was pre-operation. My underwear used to cover the area completely, but now they don't. Is this normal? Will the skin eventually stretch back to its place?"
I regret your predicament. Unfortunately, your surgical planning is at fault. Experienced...
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+6
Pubic swelling may be normal, but have it checked
Increased swelling in the the lower areas of your surgery, specifically in your case, the pubic area, is very common.
The swelling or fluid at the pubic area may take longer to resolve in this area because it is the lowest or most dependent area of your surgery. You should schedule a follow up appointment with your surgeon to discuss this to ensure that there is no collection of fluid in this particular area and also will give you a chance to discuss your conerns.
see video
+6
The mons pubis region may be easily revised following a tummy tuck procedure
Thank you for your question. The mons pubis region may be easily revised following a tummy tuck procedure. Even though you are at 6 weeks from your initial surgery, I would wait another 6 weeks to ensure your full recovery and to allow the operated areas to settle down. Revision surgery will target two tissue layers -the degree of excess fat and skin. This is usually a simple procedure with minimal risks. Liposuction alone or in combination with the surgical excision of additional skin...
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Englewood Plastic Surgeon
+6
Addressing the pubic area during abdominoplasty - tummy tuck
The pubic mound undergoes specific changes with age, pregnancy, and weight gain. This causes the pubic mound to protrude or sag. In some cases, the amount of pubic redundancy is not noticed by a patient in comparison to the abdominal bulge or excessive overhanging skin.
When considering an abdominoplasty procedure, the specific procedures to address the pubic mound should be discussed. This will allow the surgeon to address this critical area during the abdominoplasty procedure. It...
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+5
Mons fullness
Some of your concern may be swelling, you are only six weeks after surgery and swelling tends to go to the most dependent position. Also if you are wearing a binder, make sure it is constricting above the mons and creating the swelling below it. Unfortunately, it is also possible that overtime you find that the area was undertreated at the time of surgery, but I would not draw this conclusion for at least a few more months.
+5
Pubic area is "lifted" with a tummy tuck
The pubic area is typically "lifted" with a tummy tuck -- this is a result that most women like and appreciate, but can be a surprise if you're not expecting it. The area can look "larger" as well because typically the stomach area is tightened and the pubic ares is not and therefore sometimes that area can look "fatter" than before. It is not actually fatter, it is just now located next to an abdomen that is tight and flat and therefore it looks...
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+5
Enlarged Mons can be liposuctioned 6 weeks after Tummy Tuck
Ariela,
The Mons Pubis can increase in size after abdominoplasty. I have noticed that when I tighten the muscle layers above the mons, this pulls the fatty tissue of the mons together and causes them to bulge. The sugery all by itself can also create swelling in this area. In most of my tummy tucks, mons reduction is a major part of the procedure. This usually involves removing the deep fat layer and liposuctioning the mons at the end of the surgery. The goal is to have a mons that is not...
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+5
This is common and can be corrected with liposuction
This is quite common - often people having abdominoplasties have not seen their pubic region, either becaused it was covered by the excess skin or the stomach protruded and one just didn't see it.
If it is troublesome, some liposuction can often solve the problem.
+5
We have developed a procedure we call mons-plasty to address this particular issue.
In our pratice, we see patients who notice that their pubic area and mons loses its youthful look with pregnancy and time. What was once a vertically oriented mons is now more horizontally oriented and "down there."
With an abdominoplasty, the mons area is raised and given a more vertical orientation. The mons is an area that can gather fat and occasionally we will liposuction the area at the time of abdominoplasty. For the patient that has a vastly prominent mons pubis, we...
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+5
It is best to have a low incision.
During abdominoplasty, the excess skin is removed between the mons pubis and the belly button. However, when the mons is stretched upward it sometimes reaches higher than the bikini line. Therefore, it is very important that the top of the mons also be removed with the abdominoplasty, to keep the look natural. These are important issues to discuss with your surgeon prior to surgery. It is also important to look at post-operative photos of your surgeon's patients to see how they make the...
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+5
Tummy Tucks pull both ways
When tissue is removed from your abdomen, the upper skin is pulled down and the lower skin is pulled up. I account for this movement when I decide where to make the low incision within the Mons pubic. After six weeks the height of the pubic area is what you will see. You can correct this with waxing or laser hair removal. More importantly, a well-placed tummy tuck scar should also be within your bikini line. If your mons is too high, so will the scar. Not much to do with that in the early...
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+4
Prominant pubic area after abdominoplasty
If the hair-bearing area is higher than pre-surgical then it is likely due to tension from the tummy tuck. To get it lower will require a revision in that area. Alternatively, you may want to consider laser hair removal.
All the best,
Talmage J. Raine MD FACS
+4
Swollen Pubic Region After Abdominoplasty Normal
It is completely normal for the mons and pubic region to appear swollen aftre surgery and appear higher as well. It may take 3-6 months for this to return toasome what more normal appearance. Alot of the edema from the abdomen gets trapped in the mons region, and the area does get pulled up during the surgery as well. As the swelling goes down and the tissues relax a little, that should improve. I hope this helps.
+4
Mons fullness after a tummy tuck
Sometimes after a tummy tuck there is fullness in the mons. This can be from fat left behind, or bringing the muscles together down there and creating a ridge, or it can be from removing exces skin which was covering up a full mons all along. Time will halp reduce the swelling but some liposuction may also be good.
+4
Multiple reasons for swollen pubic area after tummy tuck
The mons pubis appearing enlarged after a tummy tuck can be due to a variety of reasons. Swelling at the mons may take longer than the rest of the abdomen to resolve as this is the most dependent (bottom-most) part of the surgical field. Gravity pulls fluid downwards. If it does not resolve with time (3-4 months), then one must consider excess persistent excess fat.
Prior to the tummy tuck procedure, one may not have noticed the amount of fat present at the mons pubis, as the amount of fat...
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+4
Bigger + Higher < Better (Mons)
Careful planning of the location of the Abdominoplasty incision is critical to the final location of the scar. Several factors may influence the choice made by the surgeon, such as the presence or absence of a previous lower pelvic scar from C-Section, or the amount of central and upper abdominal laxity. Although some tightening and lifting of the mons is desirable, excessive lifting of the mons, or a mons that is too thick relative to the new abdominal skin and fat now located above it,...
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Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+3
Pubic Area Appears Bigger After Tummy Tuck
It depends on whether you are talking about a pubic hairline that has been pulled upwards during your tummy tuck, therefore resulting in a hairline that is too high, OR whether you are saying that you have some swelling or fullness in the pubic region. In terms of fullness, it can take months for the swelling and chronic scar tissue thickening to completely resolve after a tummy tuck, so the fullness may not be a longterm issue. If you are talking about a high hairline, I usually...
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+3
Tummy Tuck - Pubic Area Appears Bigger After Tummy Tuck
This, unfortunately, is LIKELY to happen unless the area is specifically treated.
Of course, each situation is different and it is nearly impossible to generalize with any accuracy for a specific patient. But if you're having skin and fat removed from some areas and not others, it's not surprising that if even a small amount of weight is put on later, it will go to the remaining "pockets" of fat. If the mons pubis (pubic area) was a little full before and/or...
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+3
Larger pubic area after a tummy tuck
What you are describing is common and will likely get much better with time. It is very common for the pubic area to get very swollen as gravity pushes the fluid into that location. The swelling can really only go down when you are laying flat on your back. As the swelling goes down, the scar will go lower, then it will look less bulky in general.
+3
Swollen pubis after tummy tuck
This condition can occur if the pubic area is fuller or fatter than the previously performed tummy tuck. If this is the case you may ask your Plastic Surgeon to consider liposuctioning the pubic area. I can't be sure of this without examining you, but this differrence in thickness can often occur after abdominoplasties. You may also initially have some swelling in that area and this should settle in several months. If not, try liposuctioning the area...
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+3
Don't forget the mons!
The shape and contour of the mons (pubic hair area) should be addressed by your surgeon in your discussions before surgery and treated during surgery. It is not unusual to have some swelling in that area for weeks to months after surgery, if it persists for more that six months, it is likely due to residual fat and can often be treated with liposuction which should be done during the tummy tuck.
It is not unusual for the pubic hair line to be pulled up after a tummy tuck,...
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+3
Tummy tuck and the pubic area?
Thank you for the question.
Since you are only 6 weeks out of surgery some degree of swelling may explain the prominence of the pubic area.
You are correct however that for many patients undergoing tummy tuck surgery the pubic area may be an area of concern. This area may be large ( prominent) , ptotic (low), or deflated. Therefore, I think it is important to address the pubic area when performing the tummy tuck surgery.
When planning the tummy tuck...
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+3
Tummy tuck and mons region
It could be a number of things. You certainly may still have some swelling in the area or the area may have been repositioned with the procedure. I often liposuction the area if it appears too full after being lifted up. Also, it is common to excise part of the mons to avoid elevating it abnormally. I usually wait a good 3 months to perform a revision if any would be needed.
+3
High mons
I'm now 6 weeks post-Tummy Tuck, and I am pleased with the results. However, I'm bothered that my pubic area appears to be 2-3 centimeters higher/bigger that it was pre-operation. My underwear used to cover the area completely, but now they don't. Is this normal? Will the skin eventually stretch back to its place?
this is not going to lower with time. it is related to tension on the pubic incision with initial placement of the scar too high. after things relax, ...
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Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+3
Tummy Tuck, Abdominoplasty,liposuction
The in cision placement is one of the most important pre operative planning decisions. This is critical. The incision needs to be placed lower than where you want it to end up because it will ride upward from the tension and streching of the pubic area. The placement will not change much a six weeks.
see video
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+3
Mons pubis
This is why the lower incision on a tummy tuck should be marked under tension before surgery. This will predict where the hair will migrate to. Often, I cut out a large amount of hair-bearing mons, so that excessive hairline elevation does not occur. Your mons should not be friends with your belly button! The longer this aesthetic distance, the better- 12-13 cm is ideal. If the mons is puffy, then a liposuction of this area to restore a youthful posture, is appropriate.
Houston Plastic Surgeon
+3
Large pubic region after a tummy tuck could be excess fat or fluid.
The pubic region is an area that needs to be specifically addressed with a tummy tuck. Done well, the pubic region should be tight and flat without pubic hair extending inappropriately high. This requires lowering the scar significantly into the pubic hair for patients with significant skin laxity. This will allow it to be tightened without being lifted.
Pubic hair (and the scar immediately above it) should be low and easily covered by underwear.
The bulge...
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+3
Reasons for 'bigger pubic area' after tummy tuck
Dear Ariela,
The pubic area may 'become larger' after tummy tuck for a variety of reasons.
If you notice that it is 'higher', it may be due to elevation of the mons area. The mons area becomes elevated in most tummy tucks to some degree. If you had a sagging mons area, the lifting can produce a significant difference in the appearance which may be a 'normal appearance'. If you did not have a sagging mons area, the tummy tuck can lift it higher than...
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+3
Prominent Mons Pubis
A prominent mos pubis after a tummy tuck usually results fro a combination of factors. Firstly, the pubic skin may be pulled up accentuating the mons. Secondly, the surgeon may have left a little too much fat in the mons giving the appearance of a bulge when you wear clothing ( patients tell me that they feel that they look like a Ken doll). The solution to the problem is to do additional liposuction to this area to flatten it, and to make it 'flow' with the upper abdomen....
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+3
Control of the pubic hairline with tummy tuck surgery
Choosing the appropriate level of the pubic hairline is a decision that must be made BEFORE the tummy tuck is done. The markings made right before surgery determine where everything (including the pubis) will end up. I have had patients who were shy give me a strange look when I start to pull and push on their lower tummy, but this is just part of good preoperative planning. The surgeon needs to decide along WITH the patient where we want things to settle. This means...
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+3
Pubic Area Swelling After Tummy Tuck
Pubic area swelling after a tummy tuck is not an uncommon problem. In the early postoperative period (i.e. within 4 weeks of surgery) pubic swelling is usually the result of traumatized lymphatic channels. For this, initial treatment consists of compression (i.e. postoperative garment and direct pressue with foam dressings). Symptoms will usually resolve in a matter of weeks.
Pubic swelling lasting longer than 6 months is usually due to excess...
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+3
Swelling of the pubic area after tummy tuck
Swelling of the pubic area ("mons pubis") after a tummy tuck can be the result of either post-operative swelling, or too much fat left behind. In all but the very thinnest of women, the fat in the mons pubis should be reduced at the time of a tummy tuck to avoid an overly masculine appearance in a bathing suit, etc. This is because when the abdomen is flattened, any fat in the pubic area becomes more noticeable, even though it has not actually increased in...
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+3
Swelling of pubic area after tummy tuck depends on technique used.
Very interesting question...
You can expect some swelling of the pubic area after a a tummy tuck. This should go down as the lymphatics and blood vessels establish themselves and the interstitial fluid subsides.
Did you have a lot of tissue / volume in this area before your surgery? If so, your plastic surgeon should have discussed options to reduce the volume or projection in this area.
At this time, the best thing to do is to make sure your surgeon knows that you are concerned about this...
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+3
Pubic swelling
Some ladies notice that their pubic area seems more prominent after tummy tucks and this may be due to a variety of factors, which some of the other doctors have addressed. I've noted that pubic swelling was more common after liposuction of the pubis, so I've generally switched over to direct lipectomy, where the pubic flap is elevated, the fat excised directly off it and then the excess skin cut out. I tend to bring the tummy tuck drains out through the pubic area and that also helps to...
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+3
Pubic area with tummy tuck
Many clients are also concerned about the public area and may have not noticed this area for awhile if they have fatty rolls of skin covering this area. This could be why it seems larger or it may be swollen for a few weeks after surgery from trauma of skin from the tummy tuck. Many clients have loose or fatty pubic areas and when I perform the tummy tuck I usually liposuction this area for a better look and pull the pubic area up so it all looks good after surgery. We discuss this area if...
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+3
Larger pubic area after tummy tuck
If the pubic region appears higher versus swollen / larger is an important distinction. The pubic region is often tightened / lifted after an abdominoplasty, and this is frequently desired as the area is often sagging before surgery. However, if it is lifted too much, the resulting scar position may be high and visible in some types of undergarments / bathing suits.
A discussion of the postoperative scar position is very important between the plastic surgeon and patient so there are no...
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+3
Pubic area elevation after tummy tuck
Changes to the pubic area after a tummy tuck are common. There is always some elevation of the area due to the tension placed on the incision from removal of excess skin to make your abdomen tighter. The scar has to be placed in a way to account for that elevation to minimize visibility of your pubic hairline after the surgery. If that can't be done, then discussing that preoperatively is helpful. It also depends on the type of underwear you are wearing. Different styles may cover the scar...
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+3
Mons being more apparent
Great question Ariela -
There are probably a combination of issues regarding the mons appearance
1. What did your mons look like prior?
2. Where was the incision placed?
3. How tight was the closure?
4. What was the skin quality like?
Being only six weeks out there is a good chance that the mons will descend as the skin stretches somewhat.
Swelling is also likely contributing to the position.
If time doesn't improve this you could seek liposuction and/or laser hair removal to improve the...
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+3
Wait at least 3 month. Liposuction and/or lowering your incision
This is a combination of upward migration of the abdominoplasty scar as well as swelling from lymphatic interruption.
The main lines of treatment:
Wait for at least 3-6 month for the swelling to come down.
Revision of the abdominoplasty incision to a lower level. Liposuction could be helpful at this stage.
In rare cases (mainly following massive weight loss) there is a need to perform excision of the pubic margins.
+3
Give it some time
Hi-
I agree with my colleagues that this will most likely settle out over time, as your scars mature and the tissues settle.
Once a few months have gone by, if you still fell the area looks more prominent than you would like, talk to your surgeon about liposuction of the mons pubis. This will often improve the problem.
+3
Some of this is worsened by swelling and will improve
Hello,
Some of this change is related to your early post-operative condition and another part is related to the choices your surgeon made at surgery in managing how things were back then. Lower incisions are nice, but can be pulled up by tighter closures.
How things sort out depends to a great extent on how your surgeon decided to deal with the "tighter versus lower" compromise and how you looked beforehand. Give it some time to sort out before you do anything about it.
Best Regards
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+3
Pubic Bulg with tummy tuck!
This is a not an uncommon problem and the reason for its occurence is that the incision line was not initially drawn low enough to take into account for its superior migration by the pulling of the upper abdominal tight skin. Fortunately, this can be often be corrected or imporved with a High Tension Tummy Tuck Revision.
+3
Too early to tell
6 weeks is very early. You need to wait for about 6 months for the swelling to really diminish back to normal. At that time, you can more reliably make a decision to either resect some more skin, liposuction the pubic area, or have hair removal to keep the pubic area hidden under your underwear.
Unfortunately, you have to be patient during that time and then make a good choice after discussing this with your surgeon.
Portland Plastic Surgeon
+3
Secondary procedure may be helpful
While not so common to be considered routine it's also not unusual on occasion for a patient to have to undergo a secondary revisional procedure after tummy tuck surgery. The sides of the incision near the flanks and the pubic area are particular areas that sometimes require revision to maximize the cosmetic result after this operation. Patients who had alot of excess skin or who are still a bit above their ideal body weight at the time of the abdominoplasty probably are at greater risk for...
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New York City Plastic Surgeon
+3
Time vs. Liposuction vs. Pubic Lift
With time, the problem may dissipate. If not, you may consider liposuction or a pubic lift. The appropriate procedure is determined by how much of the excess tissue is fat and how much of the excess tissue is skin. If you have not had major weight loss, it is most likely fat and this can be easily treated with liposuction. Most plastic surgeons prefer not to agressively liposuction the pubic area at the same time as a tummy tuck because this may compromise the healing of the incision. ...
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+3
Wait 3 months-if still a problem laser liposuction may help
I agree with Dr. Freunds answer below.
Wait 3 months and the pubic area may drop back to a better position.
If after time the area still appears dispropotionally fatter, liposuction may help
+2
Swelling and raise of pubic area after tummy tuck
6 weeks is not enough time to have a complete recovery after any tummt tuck operations. The results will improve by time. If THE PUBIC AREA ( mons pubis) was bulky and or "saggy" , sometimes we perform liposuction to debulk the area and elevate the loose and " hanging" hair bearing area slightly to improve the contour of the lower abdomen however the pubic area should not be elvated into the lowerr abdomen and scar should end up to be below the bikini lines.
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+2
Enlarged Pubic Area Post Tummy Tuck
It is possible to get a lift in the pubic area post tummy tuck. Much of the swelling post procedure will settle in this region but should diminish with time. Reshaping of the skin, and reduction in swelling over the next few months will most likely resolve this issue. Talk to your surgeon about your concerns - it is possible that a simple revision may be required if the problem persists.
+2
Some Elevation of the Pubis Occurs With Every Tummy Tuck
Patients undergoing tummy tuck want a flat abdomen with tightened muscles and a thin scar that is located in a low, well concealed position. In an effort to accomplish these goals, surgeons try to place their incision as low as possible. This can result in the wound being closed under significant tension. In other words, both the upper and lower flaps are pulled toward each other. This can result in spread of the scar, elevation of the pubis, and even wound separation.
When these...
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+2
Elevated pubic hairline after tummy tuck
It is a little early to be able to know for sure, but where your hairline is depends greatly on its planned location by your surgeon. It is normal to get some swelling of the pubic area, and this will continue to go down. Give it about 6 months to see. If you still feel the hairline is too high, get reevaluated for either a revision of the scar location, or laser hair removal to make it less noticeable with your clothing.
+2
Common to see changes in the pubic area after abdominoplasty
The skin tightening that gives a smoother shape to the abdomen after abdominoplasty often causes elevation of the pubic area. In addition, you may see significant swelling of the mons area, much as you see swelling throughout the rest of your abdomen that has been effected by surgery. Because gravity tends to pull fluid and swelling down, the swelling of your mons can persist for quite some time. This will likely demonstrate some improvement over time. However, the...
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+2
Pubic Area Appears Bigger After Tummy Tuck
After the mons area is raised in an abdominoplasty or body lift it may be liposuctioned or excised to reduce its size. After surgery the area may present as swollen or if it persists then a revision may be indicated.
+2
Pubic Area Appears Bigger After Tummy Tuck
The mons area can be lifted in an abdominoplasty and is usually liposuctioned to lower the surface level to that of the abdomen. If the pubic area appears large it may be just swollen but needs to be evaluated to see if this area will need a revision in the future.
+2
Pubic area appears bigger after tummy tuck
Your pubic area is higher after a tummy tuck. During the operation, some of the skin between your pubic area and lower rib cage is removed. After the procedure is complete the remaining skin is sewn together. The pubic area is pulled to a higher position. An easy fix if this higher position is bothersome to you would be to remove the upper portion of your pubic hair. Shaving is the quickest way, but removing the hair at the root may give a better cosmetic appearance...
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+2
Making the pubis smaller in tummy tuck.
Thank you for your question.
When I perform a tummy tuck I always try to bring the scar down as low as possible because the pubic skin and pubic mound tend to be elevated by tension from the upper abdominal skin. I will often take a layer of fat out from under the pubis as well to help it look thinner and to help it line up with the thickness of the upper abdominal skin.
If you have already had your tummy tuck you may wish to discuss liposuction...
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+2
Bigger Pubic Area After Tummy Tuck
Since you are only a few weeks after surgery I think the increased volume is very likely just prolonged swelling and will settle down. If it still seems too full in 3 months, I'm sure your surgeon will be happy to revise it for you.
+2
Pubic are bigger after tummy tuck
Hello,
Chances are your pubic area was raised in the process of your tummy tuck. This can be corrected by either liposuction or by removing more tissue utilizing the tummy tuck scar you already have.
All the best,
Dr Repta
+2
Pubis stretches with pregnancy,gaining weight and aging but needs to be parcially removed with a tummy tuck
Dear Ariela
you may still have some swelling,but when you have a tummy tuck the markings for the incision should include part of the pubis ,below the C section scar and pubis shoul be tighter and lower than before
+2
Better to be lower
Patients often have droopy sagging mons pubis regions before tummy tucks. I try to raise the pubic region but also "cut it shorter" so that the mons stays where it belongs. This also helps to keep the scar low.
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