There are some areas of the body where stubborn fat is extremely difficult to lose, even with the best nutritional diet and plenty of exercise. The FUPA is one of those areas. An acronym for a fuller upper pubic area, a FUPA can occur in both men and women, but more women often experience it, particularly after pregnancy. Although there are a variety of surgery options, since the pubic area is part of the abdomen, it’s important to choose a cosmetic procedure that smooths out the entire region, rather than one which may cause an unbalanced appearance and shelf. Read on to learn more.
What is a FUPA?
A FUPA is often confused with lower stomach fat. A FUPA however is not part of the ab area. Instead, it is the area specifically known as the mons pubis, which is where your pubic bone is located. You can think of the area as also being located where pubic hair grows, where a bikini bottom would cover. Fat or loose skin can develop in this area and make it uncomfortable to wear swimsuits, workout clothing, or other tight-fitting bottoms. Genetics, weight gain or loss, a highly-processed diet, pregnancy, childbirth, and aging can all contribute to a FUPA occurring. It’s also an area that does not respond well to diet and exercise, making it difficult to minimize without plastic surgery.
What is a pubic lift?
A pubic lift, also known as a monsplasty, removes excess skin and/or fat from the mons pubic region. Under general anesthesia, a horizontal incision is used to remove fat tissue and excessive skin. The incision area is then stitched together, creating a “lift” or smoothed-out region. Some patients choose to pair a pubic lift with a tummy tuck. Others, however, opt to have only a public lift performed. It is important to note, however, that it’s often not recommended to just have a public lift procedure performed. The noticeable “step-off” or shelf can be created when just addressing the pubic area, which draws attention to any excess skin or fat in the abdomen region.
Does a tummy tuck lift your pubic area?
Many potential patients ask the question: Does a tummy tuck lift the mons pubis? A tummy tuck does not include a pubic lift, although the two procedures can easily be combined. A tummy tuck focuses on tightening the areas of the abdomen surrounding the belly button. A tummy tuck can remove loose skin and excess fat in the abdominal area, much like a pubic lift. This creates a smoother, more flat-looking appearance.
Dr. Cat performs pubic lift surgery in conjunction with tummy tuck surgery if the patient also has excess sagging skin of the mons pubis. She believes this is a better option rather than just undergoing a pubic lift because it helps blend the area around the incision seamlessly. Additionally, if a patient has excess fat of the mons pubis, Dr. Cat will perform liposuction of the mons pubis to help de-puff and flatten the pubic region.
How to lose fat around private areas for females
It’s important to understand that you can’t “spot reduce” and target a specific area for fat reduction. The best approach is a healthy lifestyle with a calorie-deficient diet for weight loss. Regular exercise can be beneficial, particularly moves that focus on strengthening the core, such as planking, crunches, and leg lifts. Since the fat in the pubic area can be particularly stubborn, this process can take a significant amount of time, so patience is important. No amount of weight loss or muscle development will help remove excess skin, particularly if it was caused by weight loss, pregnancy, or a cesarean section procedure. This is also why it’s helpful to have a surgical option for this region.
How much recovery time is needed for FUPA removal surgery?
Similar recovery times should be expected for a FUPA removal surgery and tummy tuck. Typically each surgery will require about a week of bed rest and recovery. During this time, swelling and some discomfort are normal. After a week, patients can normally return to light walking and minimal activity. Both procedures require six weeks of recovery before normal activities and exercise can resume. It’s at this time that incision sites should be for the most part healed.
Is it best to have a pubic lift by itself or with a tummy tuck?
Because the pubic area is not an isolated area, it’s very easy to see the difference when just a pubic lift is performed. Here, the contrast to the abdominal region directly above is easily evident. When just a pubic lift is performed, step-offs, dog ears, or an unnatural bulge can be created. This is why Dr. Cat only performs pubic lift surgery with a tummy tuck. She understands the goal is to make everything look seamless and smooth, so with the combination of a tummy tuck and pubic lift, the entire area can be one smoothed-out region.
Dr. Cat also uses her trained eye and experience to gently perform the procedures to focus on minimizing and scarring or incision lines to the smallest, least noticeable. By adding pubic liposuction to the procedure, fat cells can be permanently removed. This ensures a FUPA will not be returning once these cells are suctioned out of the body.
If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Cat’s gentle approach to pubic lifts, tummy tucks, and liposuction, reach out to learn more from her helpful staff who are ready to answer all of your questions. A FUPA might be difficult to lose on your own, but with the expert care of Dr. Cat, you can make an informed decision that gives you the best, most balanced look.
