How can I reduce swelling of vaginal area (labia)?

Question

Hi,I'm going on two weeks since I had my tummy tuck procedure and everything seems to be healing fine except my vaginal area got very swollen after the first week. Is this normal and is there something I can do to reduce the swelling?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It is common for labia in women and the scrotum in males to become bruised, black and blue, after a tummy tuck. The simple explanation is that even a few drops of deep blood move down fascial planes with gravity and lymphatic flow to this area. It will resolve in most cases rather promptly. Check with your plastic surgeon to make sure this is the case with you.#tt#tummytuck

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

There is nothing that you can do directly for swelling in the area described. This is self-limited and will get better in the next few weeks.

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!Two weeks post op say that you are in the recovery process. There is no need to worry as is normal that you are swollen at this stage. Just wait for the normal resolution of the swelling. people continue with the swelling for several weeks. If you have more concerns, note drastical changes in the swelling, feel pain in the area, fever, etc. you should ask your plastic surgeon.Have a nice day!

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

What you are describing is very common after tummy tuck. Swelling and bruising typically will be most pronounced in the gravity dependent areas in the lower abdomen and genital area.  There is nothing that you can do at this point. Try to be patient. It will go down eventually. Healing typically takes 2-3 months.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Swelling is normal after surgery, and tends to be most pronounced in the lowest areas, which in this case happens to be your labia.  Over time it will settle, just be patient.  Nothing to do but wait.

Frank Barone, MD, FACS · Answer

The tummy tuck or abdominoplasty procedure may result in prolonged swelling depending on surgical technique, individual factors such as overall weight and abdominal tissue excess, and post operative activity.  The tissue resection temporarily disrupts the normal lymphatic pathways that clear the lymph fluid so this is a normal but temporary frustration. The swelling is usually most prolonged in the inguinal and groin area so your experience is not uncommon but should resolve soon.  If it persists, be sure to inform your surgeon so that a follow up exam is scheduled.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, what you are describing is frequently encountered after tummy tuck surgery. Some swelling in this area is not unusual 2 weeks after the procedure was performed.  Unfortunately, there are no specific measures that will expedite the resolution of swelling; time and patience will be your best friends in this regard.Always best to discuss your concerns directly with your plastic surgeon; he/she will be in the best position to rule out fluid accumulation (seroma)  which may require drainage, if present. Best wishes; hopefully, you will be very pleased with the longer-term outcome of the procedure performed.

How can I reduce swelling of vaginal area (labia)?

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