Monsplasty, also known as a “pubic lift,” is perhaps one of the lesser-known cosmetic surgeries. The procedure involves the removal of fat and skin from the mons pubis, the area from the top pubic hairline down to the genitals.1 Excess fat and skin in this area can lead to problems with urination or sexual intercourse, but most often, a monsplasty is performed for cosmetic reasons. It can improve a person’s self-esteem and comfort level with their body’s appearance.
Who Benefits From a Monsplasty?
The mons pubis is present in both men and women, but the presence of the penis distracts the eye from it, so men don’t usually think about it. A monsplasty is seldom performed on men unless the excess fat and skin get in the way of urinating or sexual intercourse.2
For women, the mons pubis is much more noticeable and may play a large part in how they feel about their physical appearance. Childbirth, weight gain, and aging can lead to excess fat buildup in the mons pubis. This can lead to a noticeable bulge in the area, especially when wearing a bathing suit or snug-fitting pants. It may make women feel like they look more like a man than a woman when wearing these types of clothing.3 For these women, removing the excess fat can give them a more feminine profile.
If there is significant weight loss in the area or because of the aging process, the skin of the mons pubis may sag. While this condition may be less noticeable with clothes on, it may still make a woman feel uncomfortable with the appearance of her body. The excess skin may also cause intercourse to be difficult or painful. A monsplasty removes excess skin and smooths and tightens the area.
What To Expect During and After a Monsplasty
The monsplasty is most often done under mild sedation and local anesthesia. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used.4 It is a safe procedure with few complications and negative side effects as long as you prepare properly and give yourself time to heal thoroughly.5
How To Prepare for a Monsplasty Procedure
Preparing properly for a monsplasty procedure will make it safer and less prone to complications.6 Talk to your doctor about your medications and ask if any should be stopped leading up to the procedure. Certain over-the-counter medications like aspirin, other NSAIDs, or some herbal remedies may increase your risk of bleeding, so let your doctor know prior to scheduling the procedure. You should not drink alcohol for at least two days beforehand.
If you will be sedated, and most people are for a monsplasty, be sure you know how long you must refrain from eating or drinking before the procedure. Be sure to have someone drive you home from the office afterward, and it’s also wise to find someone who can stay with you for at least the first day.7
What To Expect After the Monsplasty
As soon as the sedation has worn off, you may be encouraged to take slow steps around the office. You should be able to begin showering the day after the procedure as long as you take steps to keep the incision dry. After three weeks, you should be healed enough to soak in the tub, but avoid swimming pools until you are cleared to exercise.8
Listen to your doctor’s advice about returning to work and exercising. Exercises more strenuous than walking may have to pause for four to six weeks.9
Risks and Side Effects of a Monsplasty
The risks associated with a monsplasty are similar to those of any other surgical procedure. These include excessive bleeding during or after the procedure, scarring, and infection at the incision site.10
Patients might experience bruising, swelling, minor bleeding or seepage at the incision site, and pain. These should get better as the days go on. Contact your doctor immediately if they do not improve, or if you have new or worsening pain and swelling after the procedure.
How Much Does a Monsplasty Cost?
Except in rare cases, a monsplasty is considered cosmetic surgery and not covered by insurance. Before you decide whether having a monsplasty is the right choice for you, you need to be sure you can afford one.
The average cost for a monsplasty procedure is around $5,500, but it can be much more expensive depending on what part of the country you live in and how extensive the procedure will be.11 The type of anesthesia used and the site of the procedure may also affect the total costs.
If the price of a monsplasty is a bit more than you can afford, but you believe you need the procedure, talk to your doctor. Because many surgeries that plastic surgeons perform are not covered by insurance, many offer flexible payment options to their patients.
Visit the My Body Treatment website to learn more about monsplasty or other cosmetic procedures. Here, you will find a wealth of information about different cosmetic procedures and tips about caring for your body and keeping your muscles and mind toned and healthy.
SOURCES:
- PubMed Central: ” The Safe Practice of Female Genital Plastic Surgery“
- Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons: ” Body Contouring in the Male Weight Loss Population: Assessing Gender as a Factor in Outcomes“
- Connect by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons: ” Aesthetic Genital Plastic Surgery“
- Orna Fisher, MD: ” What is Monsplasty?“
- Healthline: “ What to Know About Monsplasty Surgery”
- Connect by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons: ” Aesthetic Genital Plastic Surgery“
- Healthline: “ What to Know About Monsplasty Surgery”
- Anita Patel, MD: ” Monsplasty“
- PubMed Central: ” The Safe Practice of Female Genital Plastic Surgery“
- PubMed Central: ” The Safe Practice of Female Genital Plastic Surgery“
- Healthline: “ What to Know About Monsplasty Surgery”
