How Long Should I Expect my Vagina & Labia to Be Swollen After Tummy Tuck?

Question

Had tummy tuck 11 days ago, vagina & labia are swollen looks deformed. How long will this last? Is there something I can do to speed up the process. Please help its depressing me

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Patients undergoing abdominoplasty can anticipate
significant swelling in the immediate post-operative period. In some cases this
swelling can be severe and impact the labia and vagina as well.In most cases this swelling resolves rapidly
with the vast majority being gone in about three weeks.Almost all the visible swelling is gone in
about 4 to 6 weeks but in some cases, significant amounts of swelling may
persist for 3 to 4 months following surgery.Compression
garments and low salt diets are frequently utilized following abdominoplasty to
minimize swelling.Persistent swelling
should be evaluated by your plastic surgeon to rule out more serious problems.With time this type of swelling usually
resolves with conservative management.For
these reason, we feel it’s important for the patient and surgeon to have good
communication regarding this topic immediately following surgery.In this situation a little reassurance can go
a long way towards making this a more comfortable experience.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Than you for your question.After a #tummytuck surgery, #swelling can persist for several months and will
gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even
one year. Frequently the pubic area can
become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to gravity as
this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.If you have major concerns, please contact your #BoardCertified #PlasticSurgeon.

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

It is common for labia in women and the scrotum in males to become swollen, bruised, black and blue, after a tummy tuck. The simple explanation is that edema and 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 within 2-3 weeks. Check with your plastic surgeon to make sure this is the case with you.#tt#tummytuck

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

In many patients, the vaginal / pubic area can become swollen after tummy tuck / abdominoplasty.  Due to gravity, these areas can become swollen.  In most cases, the swelling significantly improves within the first week to 10 days.  However, if you have persistent swelling, then you may want to discuss your concerns with your surgeon and make sure that there is a not a sermoa or fluid collection under the skin.

	 

	Good Luck.

Eric Pugash, MD · Answer

After surgery gravity causes fluid to gather at the lowest portion of the wound, in this case the labia.

	Moreover, many surgeons do liposuction in this area as part of the abdominoplasty to decrease fatty deposits. This area does tend to swell and bruise a good deal all on its own.

	The swelling will eventually disappear without your having to take any special measures.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

It is normal for swelling and bruising to form after surgery, and it is normal for these to move down with gravity.  Rest assured that it will go away and leave no marks in 2-4 weeks

Sincerely, 
Martin Jugenburg, MD

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

If your lower abdomen was flat at first and now it is swollen this is normal.  As you get more active the fluid between the cells, called interstitial fluid tends to accumulate above the scar.  The scar works as a dam.  It takes about 3 months for the lymphatic vessels to re-form and properly drain this dependent edema.  Give it a chance and it will get better.  If in doubt discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Swelling of the labia and vagina are not uncommon following a tummy tuck. Typically, it may take approximately 3 - 4 weeks for most of the swelling to subside though some resolve earlier and others, later. Wearing firm comfortable underwear may help somewhat.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

In most cases this is a dependent gravity effect of fluids draining. If after 3 weeks post op you are still swollen discuss with your operative surgeon. Massage or ultrasound therapy can help. From MIAMI

Delio Ortegon, MD · Answer

At 11 days it is quite common to have labial swelling. If you are currently wearing a garment you should assure that is is not putting pressure on the labia. If you are not wearing a garment then support panties (IE snug fitting) to support the labia and reduce swelling. Most of the time the swelling starts to go away by weeks 2-4.

	good luck

How Long Should I Expect my Vagina & Labia to Be Swollen After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (11)

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