I had a lower body lift 1 week ago. My labia is swollen. Is this normal?

Yes, this is likely to be normal.  It is very common after lower lifts to have swelling in the labia.  Often the mons pubis will have liposuction during the operation and this causes swelling.  The other reason is that usually the mons and labia are lifted back up to their original position by the surgery - this temporarily can affect the blood and lymphatic flow through these tissues which causes swelling. The swelling should go away over a few weeks.  Firm compression garments may help but in some cases can make the labial swelling worse (usually the type that have a "cut-out" section at the front).  Sometimes trial and error is needed to find a garment that works best for you.If your swelling is painful or not settling please consult your surgeon.Kind regards,Dean

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding labia swelling after a lower body lift. Thank you for your history. Edema or swelling after a lower body lift is completely normal. During the healing phase, your body swells. During this phase, your body rushes blood to the incision. The blood goes out of the circulation through the capillaries and results in swelling. The blood going out of the capillaries delivers essential healing components. Physically, this presents as swelling or edema. Usually, there is swelling throughout the entire incision. Sometimes, as fluid collects, there can be more swelling in dependent areas. Dependent areas are areas that are lower to the ground on your body. Dependent areas include your ankles and knees. Also, fluid migrates and collects in the lower back when lying down after a lower body lift. Fluid can also collect in the buttocks. Fluid can also collect in the labia because, during the lower body lift surgery, fat is removed from the pubic region. The removal of suprapubic fat and the elevation of the pubic area causes swelling. Also, during the abdominoplasty portion of the lower body lift, fluid collects and descends into the pubic region by gravity. Most of the time, there is asymmetric swelling in the labia. Asymmetric swelling is more common than symmetric swelling. Nonetheless, almost all swelling eventually goes away. Compression can help. Ice can also help, but always check with your plastic surgeon before you apply ice. Good luck. I hope this answers your question regarding asymmetric labial swelling one week after lower body lift. Good luck. Sincerely, J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS,  FICS
(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgery)

I appreciate your question.



I would recommend that you discuss your concerns with your surgeon at this time.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.



Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz



Board Certified Plastic Surgeon



#RealSelf100Surgeon

This is dry common following your procedure, but if you are concerned you should discuss it with your surgeon. It is common for the area to be flatter in the morning and gets progressively more swollen throughout the day as gravity maintains fluid in that area. This may take several weeks to months to completely resolve.

Labial swelling is pretty normal with body lift surgery and even tummy tucks. Sometimes a tight garment can make the swelling worse. Intermittent icing with cold iced water or frozen peas has helped my patients. Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon how you can treat this condition. Best, Dr. ALDO