Pubic Lift (Monsplasty): Surgical Management of the Mons Pubis
Book Online NowA pubic lift is the commonly used term for monsplasty, a surgical procedure that treats excess fat and excess skin of the mons pubis. The mons pubis is the fatty pad that sits over the pubic bone at the junction between the lower abdomen and the pubic region.
Changes to this area are common after pregnancy, massive weight loss, or significant weight fluctuations. Patients may notice enlargement of the pubic mound, excess fatty tissue, or a lowered position of the mons pubis relative to the lower abdomen. In some cases, these changes persist despite stable weight, regular exercise, and good general health.
Monsplasty surgery aims to reduce excess fat, manage loose or extra skin, and, where appropriate, elevate the mons pubis. In Dr Bernard Beldholm’s practice, this is most often achieved by combining mons pubis liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy), typically using VASER technology, with a supra-pubic lift (lipectomy).
What Is Monsplasty (pubic lift)?
Monsplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the mons pubis, the fatty pad located over the pubic bone. It may involve one or both of the following components:
- Mons pubis liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) to remove excess fat
- Excision of excess skin with a lift (Lipectomy) of the pubic mound
The aim of mons pubis reduction surgery is to reduce bulk in the pubic area and treat a lowered or enlarged pubic mound, particularly when this change has become more noticeable following changes to the lower abdomen.
While often described as a cosmetic procedure, monsplasty may also be considered when excess tissue contributes to physical discomfort, hygiene challenges, or difficulty wearing certain clothing.
Why Do Patients Consider Mons Pubis Reduction?
Patients presenting for an initial consultation commonly report one or more of the following concerns:
- Excess fat in the pubic area that does not change with weight loss
- A visibly enlarged or lowered pubic mound
- Excess skin or loose skin following pregnancy or significant weight loss
- Changes following a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) that make the mons pubis appear more prominent
- Physical discomfort or friction with certain clothing
Anatomy of the Mons Pubis
The mons pubis region is composed of:
- Skin
- Subcutaneous fatty tissue
- Connective tissue overlying the pubic bone
An enlarged mons pubis may involve excess fat, excess skin, or both. Careful assessment of skin quality and fat volume is essential when planning mons pubis reduction surgery.
How Monsplasty (pubic lift) Is Performed
Surgical Technique
Monsplasty surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia at Maitland Private Hospital. Local anaesthetic may be used as part of perioperative pain management, but the procedure itself is usually carried out under general anaesthesia.
Dr Beldholm’s approach frequently combines two key components.
Mons Pubis Liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy)
- VASER-assisted liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) is commonly used
- Targets excess fatty tissue in the mons pubis area
- Aims to reduce bulk while preserving surrounding structures
This technique is particularly useful when excess fat is the dominant concern in the pubic region.
Supra-Pubic Lift (lipectomy)
When excess skin or a lowered position of the mons pubis is present:
- A horizontal incision is placed low in the pubic area
- Excess skin may be removed
- The mons pubis is lifted and secured in a higher position over the pubic bone
This combined approach enables effective reduction and repositioning of the mons pubis.
Is Monsplasty Minimally Invasive?
Isolated mons pubis liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) may be considered a minor procedure. However, when excess skin removal and lifting are required, monsplasty becomes a more involved surgical procedure.
The extent of surgery depends on:
- The amount of excess fat
- The presence of excess skin or skin laxity
- Skin quality and elasticity
- Individual anatomy
Monsplasty Combined With Other Procedures
Monsplasty is frequently performed in conjunction with other procedures, particularly in post-weight-loss or post-pregnancy patients. These may include:
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Lower body lift (belt lipectomy)
- Other body contouring surgery
Combining procedures can treat the lower abdomen and pubic region together, but this may influence recovery time and overall surgical risk.
The Consultation Process
Initial Consultation
A GP referral is required prior to consultation. Dr Beldholm follows a structured, stepwise consultation process designed to allow adequate time for assessment, education, and decision-making.
The first consultation is typically 45–60 minutes. For patients who live outside the Hunter Valley or interstate, this appointment may initially be conducted via telehealth. This consultation includes:
- Detailed review of medical history and general health
- Discussion of pregnancy history, weight changes, and weight stability
- Assessment of previous abdominal or pelvic surgery
- Discussion of concerns relating to the mons pubis area and lower abdomen
- Explanation of available surgical options, including mons pubis liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) and lift techniques
- Overview of recovery time, limitations during recovery, and potential risks
- Physical examination of the mons pubis and surrounding areas
- Clinical photographs taken in a medical setting
For telehealth consultations, an in-person assessment is required prior to proceeding with surgery.
Second Consultation (Preoperative Planning)
A second consultation is essential and is provided at no additional cost. This appointment is usually conducted in person and focuses on:
- Confirmation of the recommended surgical procedure and planned technique
- Detailed discussion of scars, recovery expectations, and possible complications
- Opportunity for patients to ask further questions before making a decision
This staged approach allows time for reflection and ensures patients have realistic expectations.
Preoperative Review
Prior to surgery, patients attend a final preoperative review to:
- Confirm medical clearance and optimisation of health
- Review consent forms and operative details
- Finalise logistics for hospital admission at Maitland Private Hospital
Clinical photographs are taken with consent as part of routine surgical planning and documentation.
Surgery at Maitland Private Hospital
Monsplasty surgery is performed at Maitland Private Hospital, which provides:
- 24-hour medical cover
- On-site ICU facilities
- Experienced anaesthetic and nursing teams
Dr Beldholm conducts daily ward rounds during admission and oversees early postoperative care.
Recovery After Monsplasty
Early Post‑Operative Care (First 2 Weeks)
Following surgery, patients may experience:
- Swelling and bruising in the pubic region
- Postoperative discomfort, typically managed with prescribed pain medication
- The use of compression garments to help reduce swelling
Dressings may include Comfeel or PICO dressings, with selection based on incision length and the extent of the surgical procedure.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery after monsplasty surgery is generally shorter than recovery following an abdominoplasty, particularly when the procedure is limited to the mons pubis. However, recovery varies with the extent of surgery and individual factors.
First few days
Most patients are able to mobilise at home within a day or two. Light activities around the house and desk-based or work-from-home duties are often feasible within a few days, depending on the level of discomfort.
First 1–2 weeks
Swelling and discomfort are most noticeable during this period. Patients attend regular nurse and doctor reviews and should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting. Driving is usually avoided for approximately one week, or until patients are comfortable, mobile, and no longer requiring strong pain medication. Many patients return to non-physical work within 1–2 weeks, depending on the level of discomfort and the nature of their job.
Weeks 3–4
Gradual return to most day-to-day activities is expected. Light exercise may be reintroduced if comfortable, while swelling continues to settle.
From 4 weeks onwards
Most normal activities are progressively resumed. More strenuous exercise can be reintroduced cautiously, although some discomfort with heavy exercise may persist.
It is normal for swelling to continue for several months after monsplasty, particularly following exercise or prolonged activity. Mild discomfort with heavier physical activity may persist during this period.
The recovery period varies between individuals.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, monsplasty surgery carries potential risks, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Seroma formation
- Changes in sensation in the pubic area
- Scarring
- Asymmetry
These potential complications are discussed in detail during consultation. Individual outcomes vary.
Who May Be Suitable for Monsplasty?
Patients considered for mons pubis reduction surgery typically:
- Are at a stable weight
- Are in good general health
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit smoking before surgery
- Have realistic expectations
Monsplasty is not a weight loss procedure and is not suitable for patients who are actively trying to lose weight.
How Much Does Monsplasty Cost in Australia?
The cost of monsplasty in Australia varies depending on:
- The extent of the surgical procedure performed
- Whether mons pubis liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) alone is required or if a lift is also needed
- Hospital and anaesthetist fees
- Whether monsplasty is combined with other procedures
A personalised written quote is provided after consultation. In some cases, part of the procedure may be considered medically necessary, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Monsplasty?
Monsplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces excess fat and/or excess skin of the mons pubis and may include lifting of the pubic mound.
Why do people get monsplasty?
Common reasons include changes after pregnancy, massive weight loss, or persistent excess fat in the pubic region.
What is the recovery time for a pubic lift (monsplasty)?
Most patients require several weeks for initial recovery, with a gradual return to normal over several months.
How do you fix an overhanging (ptotic) mons pubis?
Treatment may involve mons pubis liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy), excision of excess skin, or a combined mons pubis lift (monsplasty), depending on individual anatomy.
How much does a pubic lift (monsplasty) cost?
Costs vary depending on the extent of surgery and whether it is combined with other procedures. A personalised quote is provided after consultation.
Final Considerations
A pubic lift (monsplasty) is a specialised surgical procedure that treats changes to the mons pubis following pregnancy or weight loss. Careful assessment, appropriate surgical planning, and structured follow-up are essential components of care.
Consultation with a qualified Specialist General Surgeon is required to determine whether this procedure is suitable.