FUPA Explained: Causes and Solutions

by | Apr 6, 2023 | Body

What is FUPA?

Fatty Upper Pubic Area, commonly known by its acronym FUPA, refers to lower belly fat that sometimes hangs over the pubic and gnital region. This area is actually made up of a combination of excess skin and fat. Theree are many non-surgical options to minimize the appearance of FUPA, but it can be difficult. These options focus on cardio and lower abdomen exercises such as crunches, pull ups, burpees, leg raises, and many more. Pilates is also a great option for addressing both excess fat and stubborn skin. 

In males, the FUPA is typically the result of excess fatty tissue, while women’s may be a product of childbirth. C sections contribute to more apparent upper pubic areas, the prominence produced by the anchoring of skin and tissues to muscle via the incision. In general, however, the fatty upper pubic area can be because of rapid weight loss, or even genetics. Thus, many patients seek out cosmetic surgery to correct this stubborn fat, especially because of its difficulty to get rid of via weight loss. 

Benefits of FUPA correction via surgery

Surgery is a great and efficient way to address this stubborn region of fat. By surgically removing excess fat and/or cutting out loose skin, the lower abdominal region is immediately tightened up. Moreso, these procedures guarantee long lasting results so that you don’t have to worry about dealing with it again. Moreso, the procedures help reinstall confidence, having you confident and bikini- ready in your new and improved body.

Surgery to Address the FUPA: Liposuction, Tummy Tuck and Monsplasty

When correcting the FUPA, it is important to understand whether the main cause of the fatty appearance is primarily excess fat or skin redundancy. This allows doctors to address the issue in the most suitable way and produce the most natural results. 

If excess fat is the issue of focus, this may be addressed via liposuction. abdominal liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that removes fat from the mid to lower abdomen. Skin redundancy on the other hand may need to be tightened or trimmed in excess. This skin excision can be done through a lower tummy tuck, allowing for a public lift to reset the height and better the appearance of the pubic area. This pubic lift, or monsplasty, removes excess skin and tissue for a smooth transition between the lower abdomen and genital region. Both options produce long lasting and effective results for patients looking to get rid of their fatty upper public area.

How the Procedures Work

Abdominal Liposuction

If it is understood that your FUPA is the result of excess fat in the upper pubic area, then liposuction to the lower abdominal region is the most efficient course of action to address this. Liposuction is the removal of fat via a small cannula inserted beneath the skin to remove the fat cells. The process takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the treatment area. The results are permanent since the fat cells themselves are removed, and will be maintained so long as the patient maintains a healthy body weight.

Recovery for abdominal liposuction typically takes around 2 weeks, and patients are able to return to normal activity fairly quickly. The scarring is also minimal since the incisions are small. During this time patients should expect to feel redness, swelling, and possibly bruising in the area. 

Lower Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is a much more invasive procedure, reconstructing abdominal muscles and removes excess skin. An incision is made below the belly button to allow access to the abdominal muscles and connective tissues. The muscles are repaired if needed, and connective tissues tightened. Finally, the skin is repositioned, with excess skin being removed, to firm up the look. The results of a tummy tuck are considered to be permanent so long as the person’s weight is maintained. Since both skin and fat cells are removed, patients can expect the results to be maintained for years after the procedure. 

The recovery time is considerably longer, typically a minimum of six weeks before returning to strenuous activity. During this time patients should expect to feel redness, swelling, and possibly bruising in the area. Furthermore a tummy tuck comes with a large scar although this is typically concealed by the bikini line.

Monsplasty

Monsplasty, or a public lift, is a procedure that removes sagging skin and fatty tissue from the upper pubic area. In this, an incision is made in the lower abdomen where the fatty tissue and skin are removed, tightened, and then sculpted to give the upper pubic area a better appearance. 

Recovery time for monsplasty can take up to 8 weeks to return to full activity. During this time patients should expect to feel redness, swelling, and possibly bruising in the area.  The procedure typically leaves a scar which can be concealed by the bikini line. By 6 weeks, patients can expect to see final results which are considered permanent so long as a stable weight is maintained. 

Cost and Pricing

Liposuction of the lower abdomen typically costs about $2,500 to $7,000. A lower tummy tuck ranges from $5,5000 to $8,000, typically averaging around $5,500. Finally, pricing for monsplasty ranges within $3,000 and $8,000.

Am I a good candidate?

If you are someone suffering from a fatty upper public area, whether it is excess fat or skin, then FUPA correction surgery may be great for you. Liposuction,  lower tummy tuck, and monsplasty are all great options to address this stubborn region of fat and help you regain confidence in your body. By removing fat from this region and/or tightening up the skin through these procedures, one will immediately see and feel the results, feeling more comfortable and confident in their skin. 

Similar and Related Procedures 

Coolsculpt, Bodytite, and Kybella are all popular options to address fat in the body. These treatments work by freezing or heating the fat to kill stubborn fat deposit in different areas of the body. The processes also help the skin contract, providing some skin tightening benefits. They are all minimally invasive, but results take a while to show up as the body slowly clears away the dead fat cells. However, the procedures are not great to address significant fat deposits, so may not be sufficient in fixing a protruding FUPA.

Side Effects and Risks

As with any procedure, liposuction, tummy tuck, or monsplasty run the risk of complications to the pubic area such as bleeding, infection, or delayed wound healing. 

Since liposuction is strictly a removal of fat cells, patients will not see a drastic change in appearance and should not expect the skin to be tightened and toned. Specifically for those who don’t have great skin elasticity, liposuction can leave loose or sagging skin proving undesirable after the procedure, like a teddy bear without its stuffing. For this reason, liposuction is not recommended for those who aren’t near their ideal weight or are looking for the aesthetic of weight loss surgery. A tummy tuck is much more comprehensive in this respect, often combining liposuction with skin removal to produce a tighter, fitter looking abdominal region.

If you are interested in receiving  FUPA correction surgery, or even just curious what procedure or treatment option may be right for you, feel free to call us at (310) 273-3007 with any questions you have. We will be happy to assist you and provide guidance to various treatment options, whether it concerns eyebrow divots or any procedure you are considering!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is FUPA?

FUPA is an acronym for fatty upper pubic area, referring to an extra layer of skin and fat that protrudes above the pubis.

Why is my mons pubis so big?

Some have a larger mons pubis simply due to genetics, which directs extra fat to be deposited and stored in this region. The FUPA can also develop after significant weight gain or weight loss.

Will my FUPA go away with weight loss?

Those with a large mons pubis due to genetics may find it especially difficult to get rid of with dieting and exercise. While there are many workouts dedicated to addressing this region of lower belly fat, surgery may be the only way to efficiently and permanently address the FUPA, allowing confidence to be restored in one’s body.

Can I remove my mons pubis without surgery?

Yes, some may see success in removing their large mons pubis with dieting and exercise. For those with less protruding FUPAs, body sculpting procedures like CoolSculpt or BodyTite may be attractive options as they are minimally invasive and easier on the body.

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