Surgical Solutions for FUPA Concerns
Are you self-conscious about the appearance of your lower abdomen and pubic area? Do you feel that your clothes don’t fit quite right or that you’re unable to wear certain styles due to a bulging or sagging mons pubis? If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with a condition known as FUPA, or Fat Upper Pubic Area. This concern can affect individuals of all ages and body types, causing distress and impacting self-confidence. The good news is that there are surgical solutions and treatment available to address FUPA and help you feel more comfortable and confident in your own skin. In this blog post, Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna will explore the meaning of FUPA, what it looks like, and how procedures such as abdominoplasty, liposuction and pubic lift can help you achieve a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
What is FUPA?
FUPA, or Fatty Upper Pubic Area, refers to the accumulation of excess fat and skin in the mons pubis region, which is the area above the pubic bone and below the abdomen region. This can result in a bulging or protruding appearance that is often visible through clothing, particularly in tight-fitting garments or swimwear. FUPA can develop due to a variety of factors, including weight fluctuations, ageing, and genetics. Even men and women who are otherwise fit and healthy may struggle with a persistent FUPA that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise alone.
So, what does FUPA look like? The appearance can vary from person to person, but common characteristics include:
- A bulging or protruding mons pubis area
- Sagging or loose skin in the pubic region
- A lack of definition between the belly and pubic area
- Difficulty fitting into certain clothing styles or feeling self-conscious in intimate situations
It’s important to note that having a FUPA is not a reflection of your overall health or fitness level. Many people who lead active lifestyles and maintain a healthy weight may still experience aesthetic concerns. If you’re struggling with a FUPA and feel that it’s impacting your quality of life, know that you’re not alone and that there is treatment available to help you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin.
Download the Tummy Tuck Guide
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) and FUPA
One of the most effective surgical solutions for addressing FUPA is abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck. This procedure is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, resulting in a flatter, more toned appearance. While a traditional tummy tuck focuses primarily on the belly, it can also have a significant impact on the appearance of the mons pubis area, as well as the abdominal muscles.
During an abdominoplasty, Anca will make an incision along the lower abdomen, typically from hip to hip. Through this incision, she will remove excess skin and fat, tighten the underlying abdominal muscles, and reposition the remaining skin to create a smoother, more defined contour. In the process, the mons pubis area is often lifted and reshaped, helping to address the appearance of FUPA.
The benefits of abdominoplasty for addressing FUPA are numerous. In addition to removing excess skin and fat, the procedure can help to:
- Lift and reposition the mons pubis area for a more youthful appearance
- Improve the fit of clothing and boost self-confidence
- Create a more defined transition between the lower abdomen and pubic area
- Enhance the overall proportions and contours of the body
It’s important to note that while abdominoplasty can significantly improve the appearance of FUPA, it may not completely eliminate the concern, particularly if there is a significant amount of excess skin or fat in the mons pubis area. In some cases, a more targeted approach, such as a pubic lift, may be recommended to achieve optimal results. Liposuction can be performed together with tummy tuck in some cases.
Pubic Lift – A Targeted Approach to Get Rid of FUPA
For individuals who are primarily concerned with the appearance of their mons pubis area, a pubic lift may be a more suitable option. This procedure, also known as a monsplasty, is specifically designed to address excess skin and fat in the pubic region, resulting in a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
During a pubic lift, Anca will make a discreet incision along the lower border of the pubic hair line. Through this incision, she will remove excess skin and fat, reposition the remaining tissue, and lift the mons pubis area to create a more elevated and defined appearance. The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia and can take anywhere from one to two hours to complete.
The benefits of a pubic lift for addressing FUPA are significant. By targeting the specific area of concern, a pubic lift can help to:
- Elevate and reshape the mons pubis area for a more youthful appearance
- Remove excess skin and fat that contribute to a bulging or sagging appearance
- Create a more defined transition between the lower abdomen and upper pubic area
- Improve the fit of clothing and boost self-confidence
- Enhance intimate experiences by reducing self-consciousness and discomfort
One of the advantages of a pubic lift is that it involves a shorter incision and less extensive dissection compared to a full abdominoplasty. This can result in a quicker recovery time and less post-operative discomfort. However, it’s important to note that a pubic lift is a targeted procedure and may not address concerns related to the lower belly or other areas of the body with a fat deposit.
Combining Abdominoplasty and Pubic Lift to Correct FUPA
For some individuals, combining an abdominoplasty with a pubic lift, monsplasty procedure and/ or liposuction can provide the most suitable solution for addressing FUPA and achieving the desired aesthetic outcome. By addressing both the abdominal area and the mons pubis region with pubic liposuction, these procedures can work synergistically to create a more harmonious and proportionate appearance. Liposuction can help you get rid of unwanted body fat deposits
The benefits of combining abdominal surgeries are numerous. Together, these procedures can help to:
- Remove excess skin and body fat from both the abdominal area and upper pubic area
- Tighten and reshape the underlying tissues for a more toned and youthful appearance
- Create a more defined and aesthetically pleasing transition between the lower abdomen and upper pubic area
- Improve the overall contours and proportions of the body
- Boost self-confidence and enhance quality of life
Candidates for Abdominoplasty and Pubic Lift
If you’re considering cosmetic surgery such as abdominoplasty and pubic lift to address your FUPA concerns, it’s essential to understand who is a suitable candidate for these procedures. While these surgeries can provide significant improvements in the appearance of the lower abdomen and pubic area, they are not appropriate for everyone.
- Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty and pubic lift are generally those who are in good overall health, with no underlying medical conditions that could complicate surgery or recovery. Age is not necessarily a determining factor, as long as you are physically healthy and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.
- One crucial factor to consider is skin elasticity. As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity, which can contribute to sagging and a loss of definition in the abdominal and pubic areas. If you have good skin elasticity, you may be a better candidate for these procedures, as your skin will be more likely to conform to your body’s new contours. However, if you have significant skin laxity, Anca may recommend additional or alternative procedures to achieve your desired results.
- Another important consideration is your weight and body mass index (BMI). Abdominoplasty and pubic lift are not weight loss procedures and are best suited for individuals who are at or near their ideal body weight. If you are significantly overweight or obese, Anca may recommend that you lose weight through balanced diet and physical activity before considering surgery. This can help to ensure optimal results after upper pubic area surgery and reduce the risk of complications.
- It’s also essential to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgical option. While these procedures can provide significant improvements in the appearance of the lower abdomen and pubic area, they are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. It’s important to understand that you will need to maintain a stable weight and engage in regular exercise to preserve your results over the long term.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if you are a suitable candidate for abdominoplasty and pubic lift is to schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon regularly performing cosmetic procedures. During this consultation, Anca will evaluate your individual needs, discuss your goals and expectations, and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment to help you achieve your desired outcome. Anca will also provide you with detailed information about the procedures, including the risks, benefits, and expected recovery time, so that you can make an informed decision about whether surgery is right for you.
Before and after photos can be a valuable tool in helping you understand the potential results of abdominoplasty and pubic lift. By viewing images of patients who have undergone these procedures, you can get a clearer idea of what to expect and feel more confident in your decision to move forward with surgery. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that every patient is unique, and your individual results may vary.
FAQs about Abdominoplasty and Pubic Lift – Solutions for FUPA
Can I combine abdominoplasty and pubic lift with other procedures?
- Yes, abdominoplasty and pubic lift can often be combined with other procedures, such as liposuction or breast surgery, to achieve superior results. Anca can help you determine which combination of procedures may be most beneficial for you based on your individual needs and goals.
How long does it take to recover from abdominoplasty and pubic lift?
- Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the procedures and individual factors, but most patients can expect to take around 2-4 weeks off work and other normal activities. Anca will provide you with detailed instructions for post-operative care and will monitor your progress closely to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
Will I need to wear a special garment after the surgery?
- Yes, most patients will need to wear a compression garment for several weeks after abdominoplasty and pubic lift to help reduce swelling, support the tissues, and promote optimal healing.
How long do the results of abdominoplasty and pubic lift last?
- The results of abdominoplasty and pubic lift are typically long-lasting, but they can be affected by factors such as weight gain, pregnancy, and the natural ageing process. To help maintain your results over time, it’s important to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid significant weight fluctuations or rapid weight loss.
Is it possible to have children after undergoing abdominoplasty and pubic lift?
- While it is possible to have children after these procedures, pregnancy can have a significant impact on the abdominal and pubic areas, potentially compromising the results of the surgery. If you are planning to have children in the future, it’s important to discuss this with Anca so that she can help you make an informed decision about the timing of your procedure.
Will I have drains after the surgery?
- In most cases, patients will have thin, small tubes called drains placed under the skin during abdominoplasty and pubic lift to help remove excess fluid and prevent complications. These drains are typically removed within a few days to a week after the surgery, depending on the amount of fluid being collected. Anca and her team will provide you with detailed instructions for caring for your drains and will let you know when they can be safely removed.
How much pain can I expect after abdominoplasty and pubic lift?
- Pain and discomfort are common after any surgical procedure, including abdominoplasty and pubic lift. However, most patients find that the pain is manageable with prescribed medications and tends to improve significantly within the first few days after surgery. Anca and her team will work with you to develop a personalised pain management plan to help keep you as comfortable as possible during your recovery. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for taking pain medications and to contact them immediately if you experience any severe or unusual pain.
Ms Anca Breahna, PhD, MSc, FEBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) is a highly regarded Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in the field of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Anca performs a range of breast, body and face surgery and minor skin procedures.
