Puboplastics
What is Puboplasty?
Puboplasty is a type of surgery that is part of female genital aesthetic surgery. This procedure aims to correct excess fat tissue or sagging in the pubic area (also known as the mons pubis, located at the upper part of the groin). Often performed for aesthetic concerns, this surgery can also enhance an individual's self-confidence and alleviate physical discomfort.
What is the Pubis?
The pubis is the bony and protruding area located below the belly in the female genital region. It can become pronounced due to weight gain. As weight increases, this area becomes more visible beneath clothing. With vaginal and pubic area aesthetics—namely puboplasty—excess fat is removed, resulting in a flatter appearance. Increasing obesity, sudden weight loss, and the accumulation of fat deposits in the mons pubis can lead to a protruding appearance.
Fat accumulation in this area, which is connected to the outer labia, also affects the outer labia. Liposuction can reduce the fat deposits in the mons pubis, and deformity may occur in the mons pubis during sudden weight loss. In such cases, surgical intervention becomes necessary. The removal of the mons pubis fat pad through liposuction is accompanied by a horizontal incision in the skin, tightening the area.
How is Puboplasty Performed?
The surgery is generally performed under spinal or general anesthesia. Depending on the patient's condition and needs, it can be done vaginally or abdominally, and the surgeon decides on the appropriate option.
In vaginal puboplasty, the surgeon makes an incision through the vagina to access the pelvic floor muscles. Weak or damaged muscles and connective tissues are strengthened and repaired. During this process, stitches or special support materials may be used to support the pelvic organs.
For abdominally performed puboplasty, several small incisions are made. A thin, lighted instrument called a laparoscope allows surgeons to perform necessary interventions using small tools. This method also strengthens weak muscles and tissues.
After the procedure, the incisions are closed, and the patient begins to recover. The recovery time after puboplasty varies depending on the patient's overall health and the extent of the surgery but usually lasts several weeks. During the post-operative period, patients should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activities. Puboplasty strengthens the pelvic floor muscles, helping to reduce urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and improve quality of life.
Examination and Application of Puboplasty
During a pubic aesthetic examination, the degree of pubic fat and sagging of the mons pubis is assessed. The amount of pubis is measured while the patient is standing. The size and protrusion of the outer labia associated with the pubic protrusion are also noted. This area is integral to the overall anatomy, and the aesthetics of the puboplasty procedure depend heavily on this assessment. The skin island to be removed from the pubic protrusion should not exceed a few centimeters. If the upper joining point of the outer labia protrudes too much, the cutting area should be sized appropriately for aesthetic reasons.
Puboplasty can be performed in three ways, with liposuction being the most common method. In addition to liposuction, pubic aesthetics involve horizontal incision of the skin and reduction of the mons fat pad. Surgical procedures are performed on those with advanced and excessive complaints of folds and excess in the pubic area.
- Liposuction: The removal of fat tissue on the pubis through liposuction, thereby thinning the pubic mound.
- Lipolysis: Involves injections into the subcutaneous layer of the pubis to dissolve subcutaneous fat. It is a painless and non-surgical procedure, making it advantageous.
- Surgical Procedure: Involves the surgical removal of skin layers and flattening this area. It can be similar to a minor tummy tuck, surgically reducing the pubic bulge. This surgical intervention is only applied to those with advanced complaints of folds, wrinkles, and excess in the pubic area.
The incision line is made from the abdominal area, typically along the lower abdomen’s cesarean incision line. The upper skin incision may also encompass some pubic hair. In pubic aesthetics, the incision should be sufficient to remove excess skin. The fibrous and fatty pubic tissue is secured to the rectus fascia to prevent sagging of the pubis.
By entering through a cesarean scar or potential cesarean incision, the soft tissue over the mons pubis is lifted. In mons pubis aesthetics, fat pads are removed, and both the appearance of the pubis and the new appearance of the outer labia are assessed. If necessary, excess fat is also removed via liposuction. By eliminating the subcutaneous fat tissue, the pubic mound is thinned, achieving permanent and long-lasting effective results.
Primary Reasons for Puboplasty
- Insufficient elasticity of connective tissue in the vagina due to various genetic factors, or congenital abnormalities in the size and asymmetry of the inner labia.
- Sagging associated with aging in the vagina.
- Enlargement of the inner labia due to sagging in the vagina following menopause.
- Tearing of the vagina due to normal birth or multiple births.
- Frequent vaginal infections.
- Loss of elasticity in the vagina and widening of the labia due to excessive strain.
- Rapid weight fluctuations or sudden weight gain for various reasons.
Will There Be a Scar After Puboplasty?
The genital area heals quickly and scars are usually not visible. The edges of the inner labia heal rapidly, and by the end of the first month after surgery, it may be undetectable that the patient underwent surgery. Six months post-operation, even the patient may not notice the incision site.
Patients can resume sexual intercourse one month after surgery. Before undergoing puboplasty, the patient should communicate with the doctor to decide how to proceed with the surgery. The structure of the inner labia varies among individuals, thus the planned puboplasty surgery will also differ. Sometimes this procedure can balance any visual excess or deficiency in the inner labia. Puboplasty surgery does not harm the hymen, so patients can proceed with peace of mind.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Pubis Surgery?
The recovery time from pubis surgery varies based on the patient's overall health status, the extent of the surgery, and post-operative care. Typically, recovery from pubis surgery lasts about four to six weeks.
After the surgery, patients are usually kept in the hospital for the first few days. During this time, pain and discomfort may be felt, but doctors can provide painkillers and other medications. Patients should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous physical activities, and sexual intercourse for the first week. Gradually returning to daily activities and light exercises is possible, but care should be taken until full recovery is achieved.
Following the surgery, adhering to the doctor's recommendations can accelerate recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Regular check-ups with the doctor during the recovery period are also important. If any abnormal symptoms or discomfort occur during recovery, patients should contact their doctor immediately. Generally, with appropriate care and rest, recovery after pubis surgery can proceed smoothly.
Is Pubis Aesthetics Risky?
Pubis aesthetics, which involves the removal of excess fat or skin in the pubic area, tightening the skin, or improving the overall appearance of the region, carries certain risks and potential complications like other surgical procedures. However, when proper precautions are taken and the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon, these risks are generally minimized.
Risks of pubis aesthetics include infections, bleeding, complications from anesthesia, issues with wound healing, and unexpected scarring. Additionally, unwanted aesthetic results or asymmetry may arise post-surgery, which could require further corrective surgeries.
Patients should pay attention to their doctors' recommendations during the post-operative period. This reduces the risk of infection, accelerates healing, and prevents complications. Certain habits, such as smoking, can negatively affect recovery, so avoiding these habits before and after surgery is advisable.
Puboplasty and Pubic Surgery in Istanbul
Istanbul has become an important center for health services, offering a wealth of expertise and experience for specialized surgical procedures such as puboplasty and pubic aesthetics. Many hospitals and clinics in the city are equipped and qualified to perform such surgeries.