Swelling above incision

So glad I have found this site. Have a questions I hope you can help me with.

Is it normal to have a sausage like swelling directly above the bikini line incision?

I am so glad that you brought that up!!! I too have the same thing, only problem is that I first developed that after a terrible C-section 9 years ago. The most frusterating part is that I was hoping when I had this surgery they would be able to fix it and they didn't/couldn't. The problem I have now is that this layer of "fat" lays on my incision and the incision gets irritated. My DR has told me it will get better since I will stay swollen for some time but she also said that because I already had that problem before it would be a matter of eventually working it off (if that is at all possible)!

I know that what I am saying probably didn't help much I am just glad to see that someone else has had the same problem!

Take care and God Bless

Its nice to know that I am not the only one. Do you find that the swelling gets worse if you do a little too much? I am assuming your incision is a horizontal one. Mine is healing well, I think due to having beaded stitches.

I am feeling great even after getting a stinking cold straight after discharge from hospital and then having to go to the dentist 2 weeks post op with a gum infection, so am on a course of antibiotics and DH had to mash food to be able to eat. Getting stronger by the day and only had one day of crying (don't know why really).

I feel my energy levels are going up by the day but am frightened I might over do it. Even though DH has been brilliant with all the household chores, cooking etc and looking after the children (age 11 and 9) I have a strong urge to vacuum. Don't worry I won't as I have heard that is the worst thing, but when can you?

Hi there. The little 'shelf' above your horizontal incision is perfectly normal, and does get bigger towards the end of each day. It seems it can take months to go. Apparently its something to do with the upwards lymph flow having been cut across by the incision......have any ladies with vertical cuts got a 'shelf' or 'piecrust' effect? If not, then maybe the lymph flow explanation is correct.
The booklet I was given pre-op states no vacuuming till 5 wks if you have a cylinder, or for 6wks if you have an upright cleaner.
No driving until 6 wks either!!
Love
Liz

My incision is horizontal right over my c-section scar which was nice. It's a little bigger but that's ok, it will shrink just like before I am sure. It's healing pretty well. The steri-strips seem to have aggrevated some areas and/or I am allergic to the tape (more then likely the latter since I have a latex allergy) so I have little sores that have developed. I was given a cream to put on the sores and the reddened areas of the incision to promote healing and further problems. Last week at my 2 wk check up they said it looked good regardless. I think on days that I am more active the swelly belly is certainly worse, but not real noticiable(only to me). My DH is overseas currently so I am having to fend for myself to an extent. I have a 8 yr old who is pretty independant and my folks who are both disabled living with me even with their disabilities are able to help out in some ways. The 1st two weeks I was fortunate that DH was still here and didn't leave until my 2 week mark, nonetheless I still have to remember to take it easy and gradually I know I will be able to get back into an exercise routine and hopefully get moving again!