A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that tightens and slims the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat. During a tummy tuck, the surgeon makes an incision across the lower abdomen and removes excess skin, fat, and tissue. The abdominal muscles are also tightened. This results in a flatter, more toned looking stomach.
What is the mons pubis?
The mons pubis is the fatty tissue located over the pubic bone. It is located below the lower abdominal muscles and is directly above the genital area. The mons pubis contains subcutaneous fat that provides protection and padding to the pubic bone. As we age, skin in this area can become loose and saggy.
Can a tummy tuck lift the mons pubis?
Yes, a standard full tummy tuck can provide some lift to the mons pubis area. During a full tummy tuck, the surgeon makes a hip-to-hip incision across the lower abdomen. This allows the surgeon access to tighten not only the abdominal muscles, but also the outer skin and tissue of the entire abdominal area, including the mons pubis. When excess skin is removed and everything is tightened, this lifts and provides some rejuvenation of the mons pubis.
How a tummy tuck lifts the mons pubis
There are a few ways a full tummy tuck procedure lifts and rejuvenates the mons pubis area:
- Removal of excess lower abdominal skin – Removing this sagging skin eliminates heaviness and laxity in the mons area.
- Tightening of abdominal muscles – Bringing the rectus abdominis muscles together and tightening the fascia that covers them helps provide an internal lift.
- Suturing the outer abdominal tissue – The remaining skin is sutured together, pulling everything upwards.
- Liposuction – Fat reduction around the mons can reduce bulge and enhance contour.
Essentially, a tummy tuck can lift the mons pubis by removing excess tissue, tightening everything up, and redraping the skin in a higher position.
Results in the mons pubis area after a tummy tuck
When performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, a full abdominoplasty can provide impressive rejuvenation of the mons pubis area. Results include:
- A smoother, flatter, more youthful contour
- Removal of excess fatty tissue and sagging skin
- A tighter, lifted appearance
- More definition along the bikini line
- Better proportion between the mons pubis and abdomen
In many cases, the mons pubis can be lifted 2-4 cm by a full tummy tuck procedure. This provides patients with a dramatically improved, more youthful look below the beltline.
Ideal candidates for mons pubis lift with tummy tuck
The best candidates for a mons lift through abdominoplasty are men or women who have these characteristics:
- Excess, sagging skin in the lower abdomen and mons area
- Weakened abdominal muscles or separated rectus muscles
- Bulge or fullness of the mons area
- Loss of definition along the bikini line
Those who have maintained a stable weight and do not smoke tend to have the best surgical outcomes and improvement in the mons region. Tummy tuck candidates must have realistic expectations for the amount of lifting that can be achieved for their particular concerns.
Can a mini tummy tuck lift the mons?
A mini tummy tuck, unlike a full tummy tuck, has a shorter incision and focuses mainly on the lower abdomen below the navel. With a mini tummy tuck, the surgeon cannot adequately address laxity above the mons pubis as the shorter incision does not provide enough access.
Some mild improvement in the mons may occur simply by removing loose lower abdominal skin. However, the majority of the lifting and tightening occurs in the standard full tummy tuck procedure. For noticeable rejuvenation of the pubic area, a patient will need a traditional abdominoplasty with the longer hip-to-hip incision.
Risks and complications
As with any major surgery, there are risks associated with tummy tuck procedures. These include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Scarring issues
An experienced surgeon will take steps to minimize risks. Following all post-operative care instructions can help reduce complications.
Recovery after a tummy tuck
It will take time to recover after a full tummy tuck procedure. Typical recovery includes:
- 1-2 weeks off work
- A few days in the hospital for drain management
- Wearing a compression garment for 4-6 weeks
- No strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks
- Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness
- Fading of scars over several months
Results will be visible right away, but the final results emerge over the course of the following year as swelling goes down and incision lines continue to mature and fade.
Conclusion
A full tummy tuck procedure can provide significant rejuvenation of the mons pubis area for the right candidates. Removing excess lower abdominal skin, tightening the abdominal muscles, and redraping the skin in a higher position lifts the mons area for a smoother, tighter look. When performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, a tummy tuck can dramatically improve the contour and appearance of the pubic region.