Yes, it is possible to get liposuction on the pubic area to remove excess fat deposits. Liposuction is a procedure that removes fat from targeted areas of the body through the use of a thin tube called a cannula. The cannula is inserted through tiny incisions in the skin and is moved back and forth to break up and suction out fat cells. While the pubic area is not the most common place to get liposuction, it can certainly be treated with this technique. Some key points about pubic liposuction include:
- Liposuction can remove fat deposits from the mons pubis and along the pubic bone.
- It may help reduce the appearance of a fatty pubic mound or “FUPA” (fatty upper pelvic area).
- The area heals relatively fast but patients need to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks.
- Bruising, swelling, and soreness are common side effects.
- Results are permanent as long as a healthy lifestyle is maintained.
Let’s explore this topic in more detail:
What causes fat deposits in the pubic region?
There are a few potential causes for fat accumulation in the pubic region:
- Weight gain – Overall increases in body fat can lead to more fat deposits around the pubic area.
- Genetics – Some people are simply predisposed to storing excess fat in the pubic region.
- Pregnancy – Fat buildup often occurs during pregnancy and may persist afterwards.
- Menopause – Hormonal changes associated with menopause can cause fat accumulation.
- Aging – Graduual loss of collagen can lead to fat deposits in this area.
Both men and women can develop unwanted pubic fat, but it is more common in women. Weight gain is the most controllable factor that contributes to excess fat in this region.
Candidacy for pubic liposuction
The best candidates for pubic liposuction include:
- Men and women with localized fat deposits in the pubic region
- Individuals with good skin elasticity
- Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that impair healing
- Non-smokers
- People with realistic expectations for the procedure
Candidates should be at or near their ideal body weight but still have stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. The pubic area needs to have good skin elasticity prior to surgery. This procedure is usually not recommended for obese patients or those with weak skin.
The pubic liposuction procedure
Here are the typical steps involved in a pubic liposuction procedure:
- Anesthesia – The surgery can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
- Incisions – Small incisions no more than 1 cm long are made in inconspicuous areas.
- Cannula insertion – The micro-cannula is inserted through incisions to reach fat deposits.
- Fat removal – The cannula is moved back and forth to break up and suction out fat cells.
- Additional passes – The doctor makes additional passes as needed to achieve the desired contour.
- Incision closure – Incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape.
- Compression – A snug garment is worn over the area to minimize swelling.
The procedure takes one to two hours to complete. The surgeon may use additional small incisions if necessary to get better access to fat deposits. The number of incisions depends on the technique being used.
Recovery after pubic liposuction
Recovery typically involves:
- Taking 1-2 weeks off from work and exercise
- Wearing the compression garment as directed
- Taking prescribed pain medication as needed
- Expecting swelling, bruising, and numbness that resolves over weeks
- Avoiding sex and tampon use for 2-4 weeks
- Keeping incisions clean while healing
- Visiting the doctor for follow-up appointments
- Seeing final results after several months
Most swelling subsides within 6-8 weeks but it can take 3-6 months for skin to fully adjust and reveal the final results. Strenuous exercise, intercourse, and douching should be avoided for a few weeks to minimize the risks of bleeding, infection, and seroma formation. Complete healing takes about 6 months.
Risks and complications
Possible risks and complications include:
- Infection
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Excessive bleeding (hematoma)
- Seroma (fluid accumulation)
- Skin loss
- Asymmetry
- Contour irregularities
- Swelling
- Numbness or nerve damage
- Fat embolism (rare)
- Poor wound healing
Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon can help minimize the risks. Be sure to follow all post-op instructions carefully for optimal healing. Let your doctor know right away if you experience any signs of infection, excessive bleeding, or other complications.
Cost of pubic liposuction
The cost for pubic liposuction ranges from $2,000 – $5,000 on average. Factors that affect the price include:
- The surgeon’s fee
- Extent of treatment needed
- Geographic location
- Type of facility
- Anesthesia fees
Many plastic surgeons offer financing plans to help make the procedure more affordable. The cost should be discussed during the initial consultation. At that time, patients can weigh the costs versus expected aesthetic benefits.
Results to expect from pubic liposuction
Patients can expect the following types of results:
- Reduction of excess fat deposits in the pubic region
- Smoother, flatter appearance of the mons pubis
- Less protrusion of the lower abdomen
- Better contour of the area below the belly button
- Tighter pubic area skin (in some cases)
- A more youthful look
- Boost in confidence
The results are permanent as long as a healthy stable weight is maintained through proper nutrition and exercise. If weight gain occurs after surgery, excess fat can return and possibly accumulate in new areas.
Non-surgical alternatives
Non-surgical options for improving the appearance of the pubic area include:
- Diet and exercise – Losing weight through calorie control and exercise can reduce fat throughout the body, including the pubic mound.
- Skin tightening devices – Radiofrequency and ultrasound devices may provide mild skin tightening and contour improvement.
- Dermal fillers – Injectable fillers like Sculptra can be used to add volume under loose skin for smoother contours.
- Laser treatments – Laser resurfacing can help tighten skin. Cryolipolysis freezes fat cells.
- Topical skin products – Retinols, alpha hydroxy acids, and vitamin C serums may mildly improve skin texture.
- Grooming – Shaving or waxing pubic hair can make the area look less bulky.
However, these non-invasive options provide relatively mild improvements compared to liposuction surgery. Patients with moderate to large amounts of excess fat are better candidates for liposuction.
Finding a surgeon
It is important to select a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist to perform pubic liposuction. Here are some tips for finding a skilled surgeon:
- Check credentials and reviews online.
- Browse before and after photos to evaluate results.
- Schedule consultations to meet potential surgeons.
- Ask about experience with pubic liposuction specifically.
- Make sure you feel comfortable with the surgeon.
- Confirm the surgeon has hospital privileges.
- Look for members of ASPS and ASDS.
The initial consultation is the best time to ask the surgeon questions and address any concerns. Be sure to communicate your goals and expectations. An experienced surgeon can show you results from real patients with similar bodies and treatment areas.
Preparing for pubic liposuction surgery
Patients can take these steps to prepare for their pubic liposuction procedure:
- Get required lab testing done in advance.
- Discontinue certain supplements and medications as instructed.
- Arrange a ride home from the surgical facility.
- Stock up on soft, comfortable clothing to wear post-surgery.
- Prepare the recovery area at home.
- Read all pre-operative instructions.
- Set up assistance for responsibilities like childcare.
- Implement a healthy diet and exercise routine.
- Quit smoking, if applicable.
- Set realistic expectations.
Proper preparation helps minimize risks and supports smoother healing after pubic liposuction. Be sure to follow all of the surgeon’s specific directions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pubic liposuction is an effective procedure for reducing fat deposits in the pubic mound and surrounding areas. It can provide permanent improvements in the appearance of the pubic region when performed by a qualified surgeon. Candidates should be healthy with good skin elasticity in the treatment area.
Recovery takes 1-2 weeks of downtime and swelling persists for several months. Results are not fully visible until the 6 month mark. Risks like infection and asymmetry are possible but minimal when proper surgical techniques are utilized. Overall, pubic liposuction is a reasonable option for both women and men seeking a smoother, firmer contour of the pubic region.
