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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mons pubis pubic swelling 1 month post-op

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63 Doctor Answers | Asked by Ariela in Latvia

Doctor Answers (63)
Community Comments (1)

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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... more

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.

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.... more

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... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

33 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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... more

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

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... more

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... more

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.

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... more