Swollen/hard pubic region after LBL is this normal? 1 month post-op.

Question

Had LBL 7/24/18 healing pretty well but my pubic region is hard and swollen and tender. Post op week 1 first drain came out of that area. Post op week 2 second drain came out of that area. This is the only thing that is painful or causing a ton of discomfort. I’ve massages the area checked nothing looks infected. Is is normal? Anything I can do?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Foxfire264,I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a LBL surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

HI Foxfire264, Thank you for your question regarding the swollen, hard pubic region after LBL, and is this normal one month post-op? Thank you for your history. You must realize that you are still healing. During the lower body lift, the pubic region is exposed. Most plastic surgeons remove a fat pad in this region to further debulk or reduce the mass of the pubic region or mons. This leads to a much improved result. However, the removal of any tissue, or even just from dissection, creates an empty space. The empty space is healed with scar tissue. The accumulation of scar tissue can lead to a swollen, hard pubic region. In addition, this area may have had a collection of serous fluid, leading to a swollen, hard pubic region; this would be called a seroma. Also, this swollen, hard area after your lower body lift could have been due to a collection of blood, like a hematoma. If this area continues to be swollen and hard four months after your lower body lift, I would suggest you have an ultrasound or a CT scan to determine exactly what is causing this firm mass. In the meantime, it is probably just scar tissue. In terms of treatment, I would suggest deep tissue massage. You may want to consider cavitation, but you should check with your plastic surgeon. I would also suggest compression. I hope that I have answered your question regarding a swollen, hard pubic region after a lower body lift and whether this is normal. Good luck. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

David Azouz, MD, FACS, FRCS(C) · Answer

Yes swelling after a body lift is normal because this is a dependent position where swelling tends to accumulate.  For many their scrotum and penis can swell significantly and for women their labia swell.  Firmness in the area can be normal as well.  The best course of action is to have a plastic surgeon assess and determine if this is routine healing after surgery.
Have a speedy recovery! all the best!

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

is normal as often the sutures used can cause fat necrosis and this results in hard tissue.  This does get better with time and healing so be patient as it will not be forever.  It should also diminish in size as you heal so that would be a good sign.  Once healed, if the hard lumps persist and you find them offensive, you can discuss scar revisions with your surgeon.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

First of all, congratulations on your lower body lift, Foxfire264!
Since it’s only been a month after your surgery, it’s normal to experience swelling and tenderness in your operative areas. Swelling will eventually subside. As for the pain, make sure that you take the pain meds your plastic surgeon gave you.
If the pain persists and you have other concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon. 
Best of luck!

Swollen/hard pubic region after LBL is this normal? 1 month post-op.

Answers (5)

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