Pubic Lift (Monsplasty) Surgery
A pubic lift (monsplasty) treats excess skin and excess fat of the mons pubis, the fatty pad that sits over the pubic bone. Changes to this area are common after significant weight loss and after pregnancy, and often become more noticeable once the lower abdomen has been treated. I perform this surgery at Maitland Private Hospital, usually as a day procedure, either on its own or combined with lower abdominal surgery. For a full explanation of the procedure, read my comprehensive guide to pubic lift (monsplasty) surgery.
Is a Pubic Lift (Monsplasty) the Right Operation for You?
The mons pubis changes in 2 main ways. Some patients have excess fat with reasonable skin tone, where the mound sits forward and full. Others have loose, hanging skin that has descended after significant weight loss, sometimes with the area sitting lower than it once did. Many patients have a combination of both.
Which pattern you have determines the surgery. A fat-dominant presentation may be treated with VASER liposuction (ultrasound assisted lipectomy) alone. A skin-dominant presentation needs excision and a lift. Some patients notice the mons pubis more after an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), once the abdomen above it has been flattened. Where lower abdominal surgery is planned, the mons pubis can often be treated in the same operation. Whether this is appropriate for you is assessed at your consultation.
What the Operation Involves
- A low horizontal incision above the pubic area, positioned to sit within the underwear line, where skin excision and a lift are needed
- VASER liposuction (ultrasound assisted lipectomy) to reduce excess fat of the mons pubis
- Removal of excess skin and elevation of the mons pubis, secured to the deeper tissue so it holds its new position
- Performed under general anaesthetic at Maitland Private Hospital
- Day procedure, so you go home the same day
- No drains
- Operating time is typically 1 to 2 hours when performed on its own
- Comfeel or PICO dressing applied, depending on the length of the incision
- Often combined with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or body lift (belt lipectomy), where the incision is incorporated into the abdominal incision
Why Come and See Me
I am Dr Bernard Beldholm, FRACS, a Specialist Surgeon. My practice focuses on body contouring surgery after significant weight loss and after pregnancy, so the assessment and treatment of the mons pubis is part of my routine surgical work, both as a standalone procedure and combined with abdominal surgery.
I operate at Maitland Private Hospital, which has 24 hour medical cover and an on-site ICU. While you are admitted, I see you on my daily ward rounds.
Your first consultation with me runs for about an hour, and your second consultation is free. Telehealth appointments are available for regional patients. All post-operative follow-up is included in the surgical fee: 2 weeks of intense follow-up immediately after surgery, then reviews at 4 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months.
Risks and Recovery
A pubic lift (monsplasty) is surgery, and it carries risks including bleeding, infection, seroma (fluid build up), delayed wound healing, swelling of the mons pubis and genital area, changes in sensation, and scarring that varies between patients. Swelling in this area can take several months to fully settle, and results vary between patients. Most patients take 1 to 2 weeks off work and return to full exercise over 4 to 6 weeks, depending on what surgery was performed. I cover both topics in detail in my articles on recovering from pubic lift (monsplasty) surgery and complications of pubic lift (monsplasty) surgery.
Cost and Medicare
The cost of a pubic lift (monsplasty) depends on whether it is performed on its own or combined with abdominal surgery, and you receive a written quote after your consultation. Some patients may be eligible for a Medicare rebate where the surgery meets MBS criteria (MBS item 30166 for patients who have lost significant weight), which I assess when I see you, and I explain what is involved in my article on the cost of pubic lift (monsplasty) surgery.
Your Steps to Surgery
1. Get a GP referral
A referral is required before your consultation and is needed for any Medicare rebate.
2. Consultation
We spend about an hour together. I examine the mons pubis and surrounding areas, work out whether fat, skin, or both need treating, and discuss whether standalone surgery or a combined operation suits you. Your second consultation is free.
3. Receive your written quote
This sets out all costs so you can make your decision without pressure.
4. Prepare for surgery
You complete pre-operative blood tests and follow my preparation plan in the weeks before your operation.
5. Surgery at Maitland Private Hospital
A day procedure when performed on its own.
6. Recover with structured follow-up
2 weeks of intense follow-up immediately after surgery, then reviews at 4 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months, all included in your surgical fee.