Why Do I Have An Increased Sex Drive After My Tummy Tuck?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I recently had a tummy tuck and have noticed something unusual (at least for me) afterwards. I am experiencing intense increased sexual desire. This is far beyond what I would normally feel this way. Since it is very early in my recovery ( five weeks) I can’t attribute to the fact that my body has changed and I am experiencing increased libido because of my new body shape. Is it possible that loss of weight or the removal of fat has caused some hormonal change that would account for my increased sex drive?

A: This is not the first time that I have heard from a tummy tuck patient of an increased libido after surgery. I would agree with you that it is not simply caused by a change in your appearance or hormonal levels. The most likely explanation is the coincidental pubic lift effect that results from many tummy tuck surgeries. To close the large open wound from tissue excision in a tummy tuck, the upper abdominal skin flap and the lower pubic region are moved to close over it. This lifts and tightens the pubic region and may change the exposure or angulation of the clitoris. It may also be that that the tissue shift and increased clitoral exposure may allow its increased exposure to be more directly stimulated by the rubbing on clothes. The occasional increased sex drive in a postoperative tummy tuck patient, therefore, may be a simple mechanical effect.