Puffy and Ridge in Pubic Area After Tummy Tuck

Question

My TT incision is very low (right on my pubic hairline). I have a "ridge and my pubic area looks puffy. its been 3 weeks. Will this ridge really go away. its totally raised off my skin. im so upset!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

In all likelihood, this will resolve.
However, there are conditions which can make this work. I have found that when patients wear garments or binders which fold or kink, especially when sitting, it can make the pubic selling worse due to a tourniquet-like effect.
It is similar to when you wear tight stocklings and your ankles swell.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello moneyhunna29,

I understand your concern about the puffiness and ridge in your pubic area following your tummy tuck surgery. It's not uncommon for patients to experience changes in their appearance during the early stages of recovery.

The ridge you're noticing may be due to swelling and tissue healing around the incision site. As your body continues to heal and the swelling subsides, this ridge should gradually improve over time. It's important to remember that the body's healing process can vary from person to person, and what you're experiencing may be a normal part of the recovery process.

Try not to stress yourself out too much by worrying about it. Healing takes time, especially after surgery, and it's normal to have concerns about changes in your body during this period. Be patient with yourself and allow your body the time it needs to heal properly.

If you find that the ridge and puffiness persist or worsen over time, I would recommend contacting your plastic surgeon for further evaluation and advice. Your surgeon is the best person to assess your individual situation and provide guidance on the appropriate course of action.

In the meantime, focus on following your surgeon's post-operative instructions, including any recommended wound care and activity restrictions. Taking good care of yourself and allowing your body to heal at its own pace can help promote a smoother recovery process.

I hope this reassurance helps alleviate some of your concerns. Remember to reach out to your surgeon if you have any questions or if you notice any concerning changes during your recovery.

Take care and wishing you a speedy recovery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.
Post-op swelling after a tummy tuck is still largely present at only three weeks post-op.  Swelling occurs as part of your body's natural response to trauma. (Yes, surgery is controlled trauma!)  Your body has an impaired ability to resolve this swelling because of the divided lymphatics.
Your surgeon may have used drains for the first week or two to collect fluid accumulating under the abdominoplasty flaps.
Most of this swelling should go away at 6 - 8 weeks.
If the swelling persists it may represent an organized seroma (fluid collection) that will need to be drained, a disruption in the rectus muscle plication or excess fat that might need liposuction.
Time is your friend right now.  Be sure to discuss the concerns with your plastic surgeon and have regular follow-up.
I hope this helps.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Tummy tucks are a very popular and effective technique to contour the abdomen. In our practice, patients request a very low abdominal scar so that they can wear small bikinis and the low-cut jeans that are so popular here in South Florida. We always let our patients know that the lower the scar is on your pubis, the greater the chance that you may have prolonged swelling in this area. The pubic region is very dependent on lymphatic drainage to remove excess fluid. After a tummy tuck, some of the lymphatic system may be disrupted. In our practice, we provide our patients with two compression garments that specifically apply pressure to this area. This will allow the swelling to resolve more quickly and will provide support to increase the patient's comfort.

	To learn more about tummy tucks, see photos, and help you decide which one is best for you, please visit us at the link below:

Kari L. Colen, MD · Answer

Don't worry and give yourself time to heal. It takes a bit longer then 3 weeks for all the swelling to go away after a tummy tuck. Since you are standing, a lot of the swelling will go into your mons area. If this does not improve in another couple of weeks, ask your doctor about it.

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Puffy and Ridge in Pubic Area After Tummy Tuck

Answers (7)

Answer: Bulging in the pubic area after a tummy tuck

Answer: Bulging in the pubic area after a tummy tuck

Answer: Give yourself time to heal from Tummy Tuck

Answer: Give yourself time to heal from Tummy Tuck

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.