Lift your confidence – and possibly sexual satisfaction – with a pubic lift

Many of us have insecurities about our bodies. For some, this focal point of self-consciousness is a FUPA – an acronym for fatty upper pubic area. This area, just above the pelvis, can accumulate fat and become a source of discomfort and anxiety about body image, leaving us desiring a flatter lower belly. This type of bulge is common, but societal beauty standards often celebrate slimmer figures, so the presence of a FUPA can profoundly affect one's self-esteem.

"You hear all these terms that people use in social media, like camel toe or moose knuckle, to describe that mound of bulging fatty tissue in that pubic area," said ASPS Member Surgeon Jerry Chidester, MD. "A lot of people don't dare wear tight clothing because they don't want people to see that."

The FUPA, technically known as the mons pubis, can become enlarged from aging or weight gain, making you feel dissatisfied with your appearance in clothing. In addition, the line in the center of the mons pubis can descend so low that it is barely visible while you're standing up and may make you feel self-conscious naked.

How a pubic lift can help

Plastic surgeons routinely perform liposuction and then remove excess skin and fat to lift the mons pubis, the mound of fatty tissue covering the pubis bone, as part of a tummy tuck. A pubic lift can also be done as a standalone procedure.

For a pubic lift, the goal is to restore a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing shape to the pubic region, improving the patient's comfort and confidence.

"That's why I think it is a very powerful procedure because women will end up wearing different swimsuits or different bottoms because they feel more comfortable," said Dr. Chidester.

Emotional benefits and increased sexual confidence

Many patients report a significant boost in self-esteem following the procedure, as they feel more comfortable and at ease with their appearance.

"In terms of confidence and mental health that really plays a big component," said Dr. Chidester. "I think by addressing that area, it can really build someone's confidence."

A pubic lift, while primarily a cosmetic procedure aimed at improving the physical appearance of the lower belly, can indirectly have sexual benefits for some individuals. These benefits are primarily psychological and emotional but can significantly impact an individual's sexual well-being and satisfaction.

Many people find that enhancing the appearance of their genital area boosts their self-esteem and body confidence, which can make them feel more confident and liberated during sexual activities. For individuals who previously felt self-conscious about the appearance of their mons pubis, the procedure can alleviate these concerns, allowing them to engage in sexual activities with less inhibition and more enjoyment.

Comfort and enjoyment

According to Dr. Chidester, excess tissue in the mons pubis can sometimes cause discomfort during sex, either by physical interference or by creating a barrier to intimacy. By addressing this issue, a mons pubis lift can enhance physical comfort during sex.

However, it's essential to note that while these benefits can contribute to an individual's sexual satisfaction, the primary intention of a mons pubis lift is to improve the appearance and contour of the mons pubis area. The procedure may not directly impact sexual function or physical sensations for everyone.

"If it does, I think that's a great added benefit, but I wouldn't go into the procedure expecting that to happen or using it as a treatment," said ASPS Member Surgeon Smita Ramanadham, MD, FACS. "There's no guarantee that it's going to work."

So, while the primary goal of a mons pubis lift is not to increase sexual pleasure directly, the removal of excess fat and skin can potentially lead to enhanced sensitivity in the area after padding is reduced over the pubic bone, allowing for closer contact during sexual activity.

"And so, in certain positions during intercourse, you're not going to be affecting the clitoris the same way when it's hanging in the wrong position or if there's excess padding in that area because of the buildup of fat," said Dr. Chidester, adding that the location of the clitoris and the labia, as it's resuspended from when the mons put back up, could make sex more pleasurable.

Ultimately, though, this is all a bonus. Dr. Ramanadham said if a patient gets a mons lift or a reduction and gets the added benefit of having improved sexual well-being, then great, but she doesn't personally think that it's a sure treatment for it.

"It's going to be an improvement in confidence and that's the biggest thing," said Dr. Ramanadham.

Before deciding to undergo a pubic lift with the expectation of sexual benefits, it's crucial to discuss your goals and expectations with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is an ASPS member. They can provide a realistic outlook on what the surgery can achieve and help you understand how it might impact your overall well-being, including your sexual health.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.