Is a mons pubis lift always performed with a tummy tuck?

No. Mr Patel most commonly addresses the mons pubis at the time of abdominoplasty, but occasionally performs it as a standalone procedure. As a standalone procedure it is a smaller operation with a shorter recovery; when combined with a tummy tuck, it is carried out as part of the same operation, and procedure time, hospital stay, and recovery follow the abdominoplasty pathway — most patients are discharged after one night, with a compression garment worn for around six weeks.

What anaesthetic is used?

General or local anaesthetic may be used, selected according to the individual patient and the extent of the procedure.

Mons Pubis Lift (Monsplasty): Mr Nakul Patel Plastic Surgeon

Mons Pubis Lift

The mons pubis is the fatty pad of tissue that lies over the pubic bone. Significant weight loss, pregnancy, or simply the natural effects of ageing can leave this area enlarged, descended, or lax — causing discomfort, difficulty with clothing or hygiene, and, particularly after a tummy tuck, relative prominence once the abdomen above it has been flattened and lifted.

Usually With Abdominoplasty

Most Common Setting

Selected Patients

Standalone Option

General or Local

Anaesthetic

Lift, Excision or Liposuction

Technique

What Is a Mons Pubis Lift?

A smoother, flatter, and better-supported contour.

A mons pubis lift (monsplasty) reduces excess fat and skin over the pubic area and, where needed, lifts and resuspends the tissue to the underlying fascia to restore a smoother, flatter, and better-supported contour. The right technique depends on whether the main issue is excess fatty volume, loose skin and descent, or a combination of the two.

Why Is It Often Combined With a Tummy Tuck?

When an abdominoplasty flattens and elevates the lower abdomen without also addressing an enlarged or descended mons pubis, the mons can appear comparatively more prominent or lower than before — a contour mismatch that can be avoidable. For this reason, Mr Patel routinely assesses the mons pubis as part of tummy tuck planning, and treats it at the same time where appropriate to achieve a balanced, proportionate overall result.

Technique	Overview
Liposuction of the Mons	Where the main concern is excess fatty volume with good skin quality, liposuction alone can reduce the projection of the mons with minimal scarring
Direct Excision and Lift	Where there is excess skin or descent, excess tissue is excised and the remaining tissue is lifted, typically incorporating the incision within the existing tummy tuck scar
Suspension Sutures	Sutures anchoring the deeper tissue to the underlying fascia, often used alongside excision to provide a more durable lift

Technique

Overview

Liposuction of the Mons

Where the main concern is excess fatty volume with good skin quality, liposuction alone can reduce the projection of the mons with minimal scarring

Direct Excision and Lift

Where there is excess skin or descent, excess tissue is excised and the remaining tissue is lifted, typically incorporating the incision within the existing tummy tuck scar

Suspension Sutures

Sutures anchoring the deeper tissue to the underlying fascia, often used alongside excision to provide a more durable lift

Phase 1 of 4

Consultation

Key Milestone

First Consultation

The first consultation is an opportunity for Mr Patel to understand your concerns about the mons pubis area and assess whether a mons pubis lift is appropriate for you. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, weight history, and any previous surgery, together with a careful clinical examination of the mons pubis, skin quality, degree of descent, and fatty volume. Clinical photographs are taken as part of the planning process.

Mr Patel will explain the available techniques, whether liposuction alone, direct excision and lift, or a combination with suspension sutures, and will discuss whether treatment at the time of a tummy tuck or as a standalone procedure is the right approach for your anatomy and goals. You are encouraged to bring a partner, family member, or friend to your consultation.

Patient consultation for mons pubis lift surgery — Patient Consultation

Cooling-Off Period

Time built in after your first visit to reflect carefully before making a considered decision.

Following your initial consultation, a cooling-off period is built into Mr Patel's practice to allow you time to reflect carefully on all the information you have received. Mr Patel believes that this pause is an essential part of safe and considered decision-making, ensuring that every patient proceeds with clarity and genuine confidence in their choice.

Second Consultation

Confirming the surgical plan, technique choice, and whether standalone or combined with a tummy tuck.

The second consultation allows you to revisit the proposed plan in detail, confirm the chosen technique, and ensure all questions have been addressed. The expected outcomes, scar placement, and recovery pathway are reviewed. If the procedure is being combined with a tummy tuck, the full abdominoplasty plan is confirmed at this appointment. There is no pressure to proceed, and further consultations can be arranged if you need more time.

Phase 2 of 4

Preparing for Surgery

Medicines & Supplements

Blood thinners and some supplements may need to be paused 1 to 2 weeks before surgery.

It is important to inform Mr Patel of all medications you are taking, including prescribed medicines, over-the-counter treatments, herbal remedies, and supplements. Some medications and supplements can increase bleeding risk and may need to be stopped 1 to 2 weeks before surgery. Any changes should only be made following discussion with Mr Patel and your healthcare team.

Smoking & Nicotine

Stopping all nicotine use at least 4 to 6 weeks beforehand reduces the risk of wound healing problems.

Smoking significantly increases the risk of wound healing complications, particularly in an area prone to friction and moisture. This includes all forms of nicotine, including vaping and nicotine replacement products. Mr Patel strongly advises stopping all nicotine use at least 4 to 6 weeks before surgery and continuing to avoid it throughout recovery.

Weight & BMI

A stable weight supports a safer procedure and a more predictable, longer-lasting result.

Surgical outcomes are safer and more predictable when your weight is stable. Significant planned weight change after surgery can affect the result of a mons pubis lift. Mr Patel will discuss your weight history and goals as part of your assessment to ensure the timing of surgery is right for you.

General Preparation

A balanced diet, good hydration, and practical support arranged at home for the early recovery period.

Maintaining good general health in the weeks before surgery is important. Eat a balanced diet, stay well hydrated, and ensure adequate rest. Avoid heavy alcohol and intense new exercise routines close to your surgery date. You will be given clear fasting instructions before your operation. Arrange practical support at home for the first few days, and prepare comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to put on and take off.

Phase 3 of 4

Hospital Journey

Admission

Meeting the nursing team, reconfirming consent with Mr Patel, and final surgical markings.

On arrival at the hospital, you will be welcomed by the nursing team and shown to your room. Mr Patel will visit you to reconfirm your consent, answer any final questions, and carefully perform surgical markings. You will also meet your anaesthetist, who will review your medical history and discuss the anaesthetic plan.

Going to Theatre

Performed under general anaesthetic, so you will be asleep and comfortable throughout.

When it is time for your procedure, you will be escorted to the operating theatre. A mons pubis lift is performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep and comfortable throughout. When performed alongside a tummy tuck, the operating time is longer; as a standalone procedure it is typically shorter.

Key Milestone

The Operation

Once you are asleep, the procedure is carried out in a carefully planned sequence. Depending on the technique agreed, this may include:

Liposuction to reduce excess fatty volume where skin quality is good and the main concern is projection rather than descent.
Direct excision of excess skin and tissue where there is looseness or descent, with the incision placed within or near the existing tummy tuck scar or low on the pubic area.
Suspension sutures anchoring the deeper tissue of the mons to the underlying fascia, to provide a durable lift and reduce the chance of recurrence over time.
Careful wound closure in layers, with meticulous suturing to optimise scar quality in this sensitive area.

When performed alongside a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), mons treatment is integrated into the overall operative plan and carried out in the same operating session.

Mr Patel and the surgical team in theatre — Operating Theatre

Recovery & Discharge

Closely monitored while you wake, then home the same day or after one night with clear aftercare instructions.

After the operation, you will wake in the recovery area and be closely monitored until comfortable. As a standalone procedure, most patients go home the same day or after one night. When combined with a tummy tuck, discharge follows the abdominoplasty pathway, typically after one night in hospital. Before leaving, you will receive appropriate medication, written aftercare instructions, and direct contact details for the team.

Phase 4 of 4

Recovery After Mons Pubis Lift

Recovery varies depending on whether the procedure was performed alone or combined with a tummy tuck. Mr Patel will provide a personalised aftercare plan tailored to your procedure.

Key Milestone

Week 1: Initial Recovery

Expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the pubic area. The area may feel tight and tender.
This area is prone to friction and moisture, so keeping the wound clean and dry is particularly important in the early days.
Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended to avoid pressure on the treated area.
Gentle walking is encouraged from the first day or two to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Your first wound check with Mr Patel's team usually takes place around 7 to 10 days after surgery.

Weeks 2 to 3: Regaining Comfort

Discomfort settles and light daily activities gradually resume.

Swelling and bruising improve and most patients feel considerably more comfortable.
Light daily activities gradually resume. Many patients feel ready to return to desk-based work during this period.
Avoid activities that create friction or pressure on the treated area.
Early scar care is introduced; Mr Patel will advise on the appropriate timing and products for this sensitive location.

4 to 6 Weeks: Return to Normal Activities

Most patients return to normal day-to-day activities and light exercise can be gradually reintroduced.

Most patients are able to return to normal day-to-day activities by this point.
Light exercise can be gradually reintroduced, avoiding activities that create direct pressure or friction on the treated area.
Swelling continues to improve and the contour of the treated area becomes more defined.

3 to 6 Months: Settling Phase

Swelling continues to resolve and the final contour becomes clearer as scars soften and fade.

The majority of swelling resolves and the treated area settles into its final contour. Scars may still appear pink or slightly firm but continue to improve with time and appropriate scar care including silicone-based products and sun protection.

Key Milestone

12 to 18 Months: Final Outcome

Scars soften, flatten, and fade, although they remain permanent.
The final contour of the mons pubis stabilises. Results are long-lasting, though future weight change or pregnancy can influence the area over time.

Mons Pubis Lift

A balanced, proportionate result

What Is a Mons Pubis Lift?

Why Is It Often Combined With a Tummy Tuck?

What a Mons Pubis Lift Can Achieve

Restores a Smoother Contour

Durable Support

Minimal Scarring Where Suitable

A Balanced, Proportionate Result

Addresses Comfort and Hygiene

Tailored to Your Anatomy

Are You Suitable for a Mons Pubis Lift?

Techniques