Post tummy tuck my private area is drastically different, will it ever go back? Is there anything I can do?

Question

I'm about 5 months pp from a TT. I couldn't be happier with my results but one thing I am not happy about it the fact that my vagina has been pulled up. To put it simply, it looks stupid. The line/Labia is pulled so much higher. I had no visible labia before surgery and now it hangs out! The actual outer skin (not labia) vagina is pulled so high and tight, it looks to be about 3/4 of an inch pulled higher than where it originally was. Will it ever go back? What can I do ?

Mariam Awada, MD, FACS · Answer

You are quite far out postop where your tissues typically give a bit and this may be your final level of laxity.  If your labia is too prominent or large then you can consider a labiaplasty.

Melinda Lirag Lacerna-Kimbrell, MD, FACS · Answer

With this surgery once the skin of your abdomen is approximated and sutured the lower half is pulled up. The only way for this to be lessened was to have your tummy tuck scar as low as possible, which your plastic surgeon probably did. Give yourself more time to heal, let the scars settle and then if your still unsatisfied with the way it looks, address your concern with your plastic surgeon.Thank you for your question!Melinda Lacerna, MD FACS

M. Azhar Ali, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry to hear about your dissatisfaction with your surgery. Though there are no photos to review, generally the options are very limited. I recommend waiting for a couple of years and see if the skin relaxation would allow to lower the scar.

James E. Leake, MD (retired) · Answer

you should wait for time to pass. it may improve. you could scar massage the area. if it is still unacceptable at one year, you will need a release. make your concerns known to your BCPS now....

Post tummy tuck my private area is drastically different, will it ever go back? Is there anything I can do?

Answers (4)