Monsplasty (Pubic Lift): Surgery, Recovery & Scars

Monsplasty is a cosmetic surgery that removes extra fat and skin from the mons pubis. That’s the area above your pubic bone where hair grows. People pick this surgery for looks, comfort, or after losing weight. Plastic surgeons do it as part of genital surgery options. It’s gotten pretty common lately.

Your mons pubis can get bigger when you gain weight. Or it might sag after you lose weight or get older. Both men and women can get this done.

What is Monsplasty?

The mons pubis sits right above your genitals. It’s that soft, rounded area covered with pubic hair. Sometimes it gets too big or starts hanging down.

Weight gain is usually why this happens. Fat builds up there when you put on pounds. Then if you lose a bunch of weight, you’re stuck with loose skin. The skin stretched out but won’t snap back.

Getting older makes it worse. Our skin loses that bounce-back quality as we age. Pregnancy can mess with this area, too. Monsplasty for men works the same way. Guys can get bulging here just like women.

Reasons People Consider Monsplasty

Most folks want this surgery for appearance and comfort reasons. A bulging mons looks bad under tight clothes. Skinny jeans, swimsuits, workout gear – they all show off the bulge.

It can hurt, too. Extra tissue rubs against clothes when you exercise. Creates chafing and irritation. Some people say it gets in the way during sex.

Staying clean gets tricky. When skin folds over on itself, you can’t wash properly. Bacteria grows in there. Causes smell and rashes. Your confidence takes a hit. Monsplasty surgery fixes these problems and brings back confidence.

Who is a Good Candidate?

You need to be healthy for this surgery. No serious medical problems that mess with healing. Non-smokers do better. Your weight should be stable. Still trying to lose weight? Wait until you’re done. The same goes if you’re planning to get pregnant.

Don’t expect miracles. The surgery helps a lot, but it won’t make you perfect.

People who have lost lots of weight make great candidates. Sometimes you combine monsplasty with a tummy tuck to fix loose skin everywhere.

How Monsplasty Surgery Works

The surgery is pretty straightforward. Most people go home the same day. Takes one to three hours, depending on how much needs removing. Liposuction often comes into play. If it’s mostly fat causing the bulge, liposuction might be enough. The surgeon uses a thin tube to suck out fat cells.

Got extra skin, too? Then you need more cutting. The surgeon makes a cut that underwear will hide. They remove fat and skin through this cut. Then pull everything tight and stitch it up. You’ll probably get general anesthesia for bigger surgeries. The surgeon might tighten the muscle underneath, too. They basically sculpt the whole area to look natural.

Monsplasty vs. Other Procedures

A tummy tuck fixes your whole belly area. It can include the mons pubis but that’s not the main focus. If you need both areas done, combining surgeries makes sense.

Just liposuction sometimes works. If your skin bounces back well and it’s mostly fat, lipo might be enough.

But liposuction can’t fix loose, saggy skin. Sometimes phosphatidylcholine shots get suggested as non-surgical options. These fat-dissolving injection kits for clinics can shrink small fat pockets, but they won’t tighten skin or handle big reductions. Work with a qualified plastic surgeon who can check your specific needs.

Recovery After Monsplasty

Recovery follows a pretty standard timeline. The first week is the toughest. You’ll miss work and can’t do much. Most people get back to desk jobs after a week.

Pain stays manageable with prescribed meds. You’ll get swelling and bruising that peaks around day three.

  • No heavy lifting for six weeks minimum. That includes grocery bags, laundry, and kids. No intercourse for four to six weeks, either. 
  • Exercise limits depend on the extent of your surgery. Light walking starts almost right away. Gentle exercise after two weeks. High-impact stuff waits six to eight weeks. There is a big improvement in swelling by six weeks. 
  • Final results will show up around three months.

Scarring and Long-Term Results

Every surgery leaves scars, but good surgeons hide them well. The cut usually goes horizontally just above where pubic hair grows. Underwear and swimwear cover it completely.

Scars start red and bumpy. Over time, they fade to thin, pale lines. Keep the area clean and moisturized. Protect from the sun because UV makes scars darker permanently.

Most scars significantly fade within a year. Results generally last. The removed fat and skin don’t grow back. However, gaining a lot of weight can interfere with these results. You will continue to age normally. Over many years, skin gradually loses its elasticity. Maintain a stable weight and live healthily to preserve your outcomes.

Cost Considerations

Most people wonder how much is a monsplasty. It runs from $3,000 to $8,000. Average hits around $5,500. Big range because lots of factors affect price.

More experienced, board-certified surgeons charge more. Usually worth it for their skill and lower complication rates. Location matters too. Big cities cost more than small towns.

How complex your surgery is changes the price. Simple fat removal costs less than major skin removal. Insurance won’t cover this since it’s cosmetic. You pay everything out of pocket. Many surgeons offer financing.

Choosing a Surgeon

Picking the right surgeon matters most. Start with board certification in plastic surgery.

Experience with monsplasty specifically counts. Ask how many they’ve done. Look at before/after photos of their work.

Pay attention to how they communicate during consultations. Should explain things clearly and answer questions.

The surgery place should be accredited. Ask about their complication rates and how they handle problems.

Don’t choose just on price. Safety and results should come first.

References

Centre for Surgery. (2023, October 19). How is a monsplasty done? Retrieved from https://centreforsurgery.com/how-is-a-monsplasty-done/

Centurion Cosmetic Clinic. (2024, October 15). Monsplasty | Pubic lift. Retrieved from https://www.centurionclinic.co.za/monsplasty/

Beldholm Plastic Surgery. (2025, August 23). Post-pregnancy monsplasty (pubic lift) for fatty upper pubic area (FUPA). Retrieved from https://beldholm.com.au/abdominoplasty/post-pregnancy-monsplasty-pubic-lift-for-fatty-upper-pubic-area-fupa/

Cleveland Clinic. (2025, June 29). Monsplasty (pubic lift): Surgery, recovery & scars. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23372-monsplasty

Healthline. (2021, February 15). Monsplasty surgery: Preparation, recovery, cost. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/monsplasty

Common Questions About This Topic

How much is a monsplasty?

Cost runs $3,000 to $8,000, averaging around $5,500. Surgeon experience affects price the most. Board-certified plastic surgeons with lots of experience charge more but usually deliver better results.

Location plays a big role. Major cities cost more than smaller markets. How much work you need changes the price, too.

Does monsplasty surgery hurt?

Most patients say the pain stays moderate and manageable. Less painful than a tummy tuck but more than simple lipo. Pain peaks in the first few days, then gets better.

Your surgeon gives pain meds to keep you comfortable. It’s more soreness than sharp pain. Think of it like you overdid it at the gym – that deep muscle ache rather than stabbing pain. Most people find they can handle daily activities pretty well once the first 48 hours pass.

Swelling and bruising add to the discomfort more than the actual surgical pain. These usually peak around day three, then start fading. Ice packs help during the first couple of days.

Can men have monsplasty?

Yes, men definitely can get monsplasty. The surgery fixes the same problems in both men and women. Guys can get bulging from weight gain, weight loss, or genetics.

Men often pick this for comfort reasons. Recovery works the same for men and women.

How long does recovery take?

Initial recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people get back to desk jobs after a week. Complete healing takes several months.

No heavy lifting or hard exercise for six weeks. No sex for four to six weeks. Light walking starts almost right away.

Will the scars be visible?

Scars are placed to be hidden as much as possible. The cut usually runs horizontally just above pubic hair. Underwear and swimwear cover it.

Scars start red and raised but fade to thin, pale lines within a year. How well you heal varies by person.

Is monsplasty permanent?

Results usually last long-term. Removing fat and skin doesn’t cause them to grow back. But major weight gain can affect results.

Normal aging continues after surgery. Staying at a stable weight helps preserve results.

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