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

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.

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