Tummy tuck damage to my vagina, 7 years post-op

Dear indichic7634512,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question regarding long-term loss of sensation and possible internal damage following your tummy tuck surgery. I'm so sorry to hear about the complications you've been facing. While some numbness near the incision site is common after a tummy tuck, what you’re describing — loss of vaginal sensation, an ultrasound showing signs consistent with a C-section, and concerns about possible damage to your bladder or intestines — is not typical and deserves a thorough medical evaluation.

First, it’s important to clarify that a standard tummy tuck should not involve any cutting into or near the vagina, uterus, bladder, or intestines. The incision is usually placed low on the abdomen, above the pubic hairline, and the work is done on the abdominal wall and fat, not internally. If you're experiencing vaginal numbness or sexual dysfunction, there may have been injury to the nerves in the pelvic or groin area, such as the ilioinguinal, genitofemoral, or pudendal nerves. These nerves can be affected by surgery, infection, or excessive scar tissue.

A few steps you can take moving forward:

Pelvic floor specialist or urogynecologist: These physicians specialize in female pelvic anatomy and can assess for nerve injury, vaginal dysfunction, or damage to the bladder or surrounding structures.

Pelvic MRI or nerve conduction studies: These tests can help determine if there's scar tissue or nerve compression affecting sensation.

Neurologist referral: A neurologist who specializes in peripheral nerves may also be helpful if nerve damage is suspected.

Plastic surgeon with experience in revision cases: If your tummy tuck resulted in structural complications (such as excessive internal scarring or tissue displacement), a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in revision abdominoplasties may be able to help.

The good news is that in some cases, nerve pain and sensation loss can be treated with medications, nerve release procedures, regenerative injections (like PRP), or even surgical repair if nerve entrapment is found.

I highly recommend gathering your original operative report and imaging results to bring to your next consultation. I wish you the best.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thank you for posting your question here!My answer will be based on the limited information provided , for a detailed and bespoke plan please consult with your surgeon in person.I am sorry to hear about your struggles with those issues. Though some sensation loss after a tummy tuck is to be expected it is usually centered around the abdominal incision and in rare occasions the lateral thigh which usually resolve with time , but loss of vaginal sensation is very unlikely to be the result of your tummy tuck as those nerves are deeper and located away from the incision site. Also when it comes to your bladder and intestines it is very unlikely that they were injured during surgery as a tummy tuck usually deals with fat and skin above the muscles of the abdomen, unless you had a hernia that was repaired under the same setting. those injuries would have also declared themselves much earlier and the fact that you are 7 years out from your surgery is reassuring.I hope this helps, best of luck!

The tummy tuck did not affect your bladder, intestines, or vagina, and numbness from the horizontal scar up to your belly button is normal and permanent. However, the infection may have done more damage. I would suggest visiting with an OB/gyn to discuss your concerns.

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you have experienced since your tummy tuck. This is not typical. The procedure does not involve internal organs and should not impact vaginal sensation. Nerve regeneration can sometimes occur but it is a slow process. I would begin by consulting with your Ob/gyn who may be able to further advise you.

I'm really sorry you're dealing with these complications—it sounds incredibly frustrating. When it comes to your concerns, it’s crucial to take a few steps to address them:
1. Nerve Damage: The numbness you're experiencing could be related to nerve damage from the tummy tuck, especially if the surgeon cut or altered nerves near the pelvic area. This can affect sensations, including during sex. Nerve regeneration can sometimes occur, but it might not always fully resolve, especially if there was significant damage. A neurologist or a plastic surgeon specializing in nerve repair may be able to evaluate the extent of the damage and suggest treatments, including nerve stimulation or surgery to repair damaged nerves.
2. Pelvic Floor Concerns: The feeling loss in the vaginal area could also be related to pelvic floor dysfunction, which can be exacerbated by surgery. You could benefit from consulting a pelvic floor physical therapist, who specializes in strengthening and rehabilitating the pelvic area. They can guide you in exercises and treatments that might help restore sensation or function.
3. Bladder or Intestinal Concerns: If you're worried that the surgery may have affected your bladder or intestines, it would be wise to consult with a urologist and a gastroenterologist. They can run tests to rule out any issues with your bladder or digestive system, such as pelvic organ prolapse or adhesions from the surgery. It’s possible for surgeries like tummy tucks to lead to complications affecting these organs.
4. Second Opinion from a Reputable Surgeon: It may be worth getting a second opinion from a highly regarded plastic surgeon who specializes in post-surgical revisions or complications. They can assess the area of concern, check for any residual scarring or adhesions, and determine if any corrective surgeries might help restore function and feeling.
It's important to have a thorough, well-rounded medical approach to address these concerns.