Why Does The Mons Pubis Enlarge?
The mons pubis is the area that sits directly above the genitals, on top of the pubic bone. For some, it is more noticeable than for others. The mons region can become enlarged and/or droopy (ptotic) for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Massive Weight Loss (MWL): Following MWL, individuals are often left with sagging or redundant skin throughout the body, with the mons frequently affected.
- Pregnancy: Stretched skin, hormonal changes and weakened connective tissue all may lead to drooping or fullness in the mons area.
- Cesarean scars: A cesarean scar can sometimes develop tightness and tethering, making the tissue below (the mons) more pronounced.
- Ageing: As we age, all our tissues lose elasticity. Therefore, the mons begins to sag.
- Genetics: Some individuals are simply more genetically predisposed to having more fatty tissue in this area.
Regardless of the reason, if the mons pubis enlarges, it can negatively impact an individual’s quality of life, causing problems such as hygiene issues, rashes, discomfort, intimacy concerns and issues wearing certain clothing.
What Does A Pubic Lift (Monsplasty) Involve?
Monsplasty surgery procedures vary, depending on the patient’s pathology, with their issues being any of the following:
1: Excess fatty tissue – with good skin quality and no ptosis (droop)
2: Excess fatty tissue – with ptosis (droop). This is typically associated with poor skin quality, which is often the case following MWL.
A droop in the mons area can be categorised as mild, moderate or severe. When severe, the mons region completely detaches from the abdominal wall, resulting in displacement of the vulva. (In males, this can result in a buried penis.)
Monsplasty surgery aims to create a smoother, firmer contour from the pubic region to the abdominal wall. Depending on the patient’s requirements, the surgery may involve:
- Removing excess skin
- Removing excess fat
- Lifting and tightening the mons region to help flatten and tighten the area. (In females, this lifts and repositions the vulva. In males, this helps expose a buried penis.)
The Surgical Procedure
If a Monsplasty is being performed in isolation, it takes approximately one to two hours and is typically performed under general anaesthesia. When combined with an Abdominoplasty, it will take the same time as the usual procedure, which is anywhere from two to five hours.
During surgery, the area requiring lifting and/or reducing is first marked. Then, all excess skin and/or fatty tissue is removed. If the mons area was ptotic (saggy), it is lifted to create a flatter, tighter and elevated contour. Finally, the incisions are closed in multiple layers. The incision mark (scar) is placed low enough to comfortably hide under regular underwear.
