What is a FUPA?

A FUPA, or Fatty Upper Pubic Area, is the extra fat that accumulates above the pubic bone, causing self-esteem issues and discomfort for some people. This condition is common and can affect anyone regardless of body type or weight. It’s influenced by factors such as genetics, weight fluctuations, ageing and hormonal changes.

FUPA can be addressed through various methods depending on your goals and the amount of fat and skin present. Options include:

  • FUPA Surgery: Surgical options such as Mons Pubis Reduction or Liposuction are effective in removing excess fat from the pubic area. Mons Pubis Reduction may also involve removing excess skin, resulting in a more contoured finish.
  • Non-Surgical Treatments: Non-invasive fat reduction procedures such as CoolSculpting (fat freezing) or Laser Liposuction offer alternatives to surgery for reducing fat in the pubic area without downtime.
  • Lifestyle Changes: A balanced diet and exercise, including FUPA exercises that specifically strengthen the lower abdominal muscles, can help gradually reduce the appearance of FUPA.

The exact treatment depends on individual needs and the extent of the fatty upper pubic area. At Cadogan Clinic, our team of board-certified cosmetic surgeons provide personalised advice and help you determine the most effective approach for targeting your FUPA.


What Causes a FUPA?

A fat upper pubic area is caused by several factors including genetics, weight, pregnancy, ageing, and hormones. Understanding these causes is crucial for effectively addressing and reducing a FUPA.

Key factors include:

  • Genetics: Genetic predisposition significantly influences where the body stores fat,  including the pubic area. 
  • Weight Fluctuations: Drastic weight gain or loss can lead to the development of excess fat in the upper pubic area. Rapid weight changes can also affect skin elasticity which makes it harder for the skin to retract after weight loss.
  • Pregnancy and Childbirth: During pregnancy, the body naturally accumulates extra fat to support foetal development which can result in a FUPA. The stretching of the abdomen to accommodate a growing baby can also lead to a more pronounced FUPA postpartum.
  • Ageing: During the natural ageing process, the metabolism slows down, and hormonal changes can cause increased fat deposition in certain areas including the pubic region.
  • Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal changes, especially those related to oestrogen and cortisol, can influence fat accumulation in the FUPA area.

Do Both Men and Women Get FUPAs?

Yes, both men and women can develop a fat upper pubic area. FUPA for women is more prevalent, especially after pregnancy. The causes of FUPA in both genders are similar and can include genetic predispositions, weight fluctuations, ageing and hormonal changes. The differences in male and female anatomy typically mean that the before and after FUPA results can vary. 

For women, factors such as pregnancy and childbirth play a significant role in the development of FUPA due to the stretching of abdominal muscles and skin along with the body's natural accumulation of fat in the pubic area for foetal development. 

Men may develop FUPA due to weight gain, ageing or a decrease in testosterone levels, which can influence fat distribution and muscle mass.


How to Get Rid of Pubic Fat?

You can reduce mons pubis fat through lifestyle changes, exercise, non-invasive treatments and surgery.

Lifestyle and Exercise

  • Diet: Adopting a balanced diet, focusing on whole foods, and eating in a calorie deficit can reduce body fat.
  • Exercise: Regular cardiovascular exercises paired with strength training can help with overall fat loss. Specific core strengthening exercises including pelvic tilts and planks can also target the lower abdomen, improving the area's appearance.

Non-Invasive Treatments

  • CoolSculpting: This procedure, also known as fat freezing, targets and reduces fat cells in the pubic area without surgery.
  • Radiofrequency Therapy: This treatment can enhance collagen production and reduce small fat deposits by heating the skin.
  • Laser Liposuction: A non-invasive method that uses laser energy to break down fat cells, suitable for smaller areas of fat.

Invasive Surgery

  • Mons Pubis Liposuction: Directly removes fat from the mons pubis area, offering a faster and more noticeable reduction in fat mons pubis. To enhance your results, the surgeon may also suggest Liposuction treatment to your stomach area.
  • Mons Pubis Reduction: For those with significant excess skin in addition to fat, this surgical option can provide a more contoured and aesthetically pleasing result.

 

Each method of reducing pubic fat has its benefits and considerations, and the best approach depends on the amount of fat, skin elasticity and overall health. Consulting with one of our expert surgeons will help you determine the most effective strategy for addressing pubic fat.

What Are the Best FUPA Exercises?

Targeting the fatty pubic area through exercise can help reduce excess fat and strengthen the lower abdominal region. 

While exercise alone cannot target fat loss to specific body parts, a combination of cardiovascular exercises to burn fat and targeted strength training can improve the appearance of FUPA.

Here are some effective mons pubis fat loss exercises: 

  • Planks: A core strengthening exercise that targets the entire abdominal region, including the lower abs. Holding a plank position helps tighten and tone the abdominal muscles.
  • Mountain Climbers: This cardiovascular exercise elevates the heart rate to burn fat and targets the core including the lower abdomen, making it ideal as part of a targeted FUPA workout.
  • Pelvic Tilts: This exercise engages the lower abdominal muscles and strengthens the pelvic floor which can indirectly impact the appearance of FUPA.
  • Leg Raises: Lying on your back, slowly raising your legs to a 90-degree angle and then lowering them back down works the lower abs and helps tighten the FUPA area.
  • Bicycle Crunches: An effective workout for the obliques and lower abs, bicycle crunches involve bringing opposite elbows to knees, mimicking a cycling motion.

What Are the Best Non-Invasive Treatments for FUPA?

The best non-invasive treatments for addressing FUPA include radiofrequency therapy, cryolipolysis, laser lipolysis, EMSculpt, and high-intensity focused ultrasound. 

  • CoolSculpting: Also called fat freezing, this procedure targets and destroys fat cells in the FUPA area by cooling them to a temperature where they can no longer survive. The body naturally eliminates these cells over time, resulting in a reduction of fat.
  • Radiofrequency Therapy: This method uses radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of skin, encouraging collagen production and skin tightening. It’s effective for improving skin texture and reducing minor fat deposits.
  • High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): HIFU targets both the skin and underlying fat layers, delivering focused ultrasound energy to eliminate fat cells and stimulate the production of collagen.
  • Laser Liposuction: A non-surgical procedure that uses laser energy to heat up and disrupt fat cells in the target area. The body then naturally processes and removes these cells, offering a less invasive option for fat reduction.
  • EMSculpt: Although primarily designed for muscle toning, EMSculpt can also indirectly reduce fat by using electromagnetic energy to induce powerful muscle contractions. This can tone the abdominal area and reduce the appearance of a FUPA.

What Are the Best FUPA Surgeries?

The best FUPA surgeries are specifically designed to reduce the fat upper pubic area, enhancing the abdominal profile and improving body contour. They include monsplasty, abdominoplasty, mons pubis liposuction, and a mummy makeover. These surgeries can be performed individually or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. 

  • Monsplasty: Also called Mons Pubis Reduction, this procedure reduces the size of the mons pubis by removing excess fat and skin. Monsplasty can be particularly beneficial for individuals with a pronounced FUPA due to weight loss, ageing, or genetic factors. The result is a smoother, more proportionate pubic area.
  • Abdominoplasty: Also known as a Tummy Tuck, this surgery addresses excess fat and skin in the abdominal area and can include tightening of the abdominal muscles. When the FUPA is part of broader abdominal protrusion, a Tummy Tuck can offer a more comprehensive solution which creates a flatter and firmer abdomen.
  • Mons Pubis Liposuction: For those primarily concerned with excess fat in the FUPA area without significant skin laxity, liposuction of the mons pubis can effectively remove fat deposits, offering a less invasive option with minimal scarring.
  • Mummy Makeover: A Mummy Makeover typically combines several operations such as a Tummy Tuck, Liposuction and Breast Lift to address the changes women experience post-pregnancy. A Monsplasty or Mons Pubis Liposuction can be included as part of this procedure to specifically target and improve the appearance of the FUPA.

What Are the Benefits of Having FUPA Surgery?

Patients can experience a boost in self-confidence after FUPA surgery as it improves body contour and comfort. The procedure can also reduce skin irritation and provide long-lasting results. 

FUPA procedure benefits: 

  • Improved Body Contour: FUPA surgery, including Mons Pubis Reduction or Liposuction, effectively removes excess fat from the pubic area which leads to a more contoured, flat and aesthetic appearance. Your surgeon will conceal any scarring to enhance this result and provide a natural finish.
  • Increased Confidence: Some people may experience a boost in self-confidence following the procedure. The ability to wear certain clothing comfortably without feeling self-conscious can improve mental well-being.
  • Enhanced Comfort: Excess fat in the FUPA area can cause discomfort during physical activities or when wearing certain types of clothing. Surgery to reduce this fat can increase comfort and mobility.
  • Reduction in Skin Irritation: For those with excess skin in addition to fat, skin irritation and infections in the folds can be a concern. By removing the excess skin, FUPA surgery can help with skin irritation. 
  • Long-Lasting Results: While weight fluctuations can impact results, the fat cells removed during FUPA surgery are gone entirely, making it a long-term solution for reducing FUPA.
  • Comprehensive Body Reshaping: For women, incorporating FUPA surgery as part of a Mummy Makeover can address multiple post-pregnancy body changes at once.

How Much Does a Monsplasty Cost?

The cost of a Monsplasty can vary significantly based on a range of factors, including:

  • Geographic location of the practice
  • Surgeon's expertise
  • Complexity of the procedure
  • Associated costs such as anaesthesia, facility fees and post-operative care

Please consult with one of our board-certified surgeons to get an accurate quote for the procedure based on your unique needs and goals.


FAQs

FUPA stands for Fatty Upper Pubic Area and refers to the excess fat located above the pubic bone, typically noticeable as a bulge in the lower abdomen.

This depends on factors such as genetics, lifestyle and hormonal balance. There's no specific age or time frame for the pubic fat pad to disappear as it's linked to your overall body composition and fat distribution.

Individuals considered skinny can have a FUPA due to genetics, hormonal factors, or the distribution of body fat. 

A FUPA on a man is the same as in women—excess fat above the pubic bone. It can affect anyone, regardless of gender, due to factors like weight changes, ageing, hormones, or genetics.

Weight loss can reduce the size of a FUPA by decreasing overall body fat, but targeted fat loss in just the FUPA area is not possible without targeted treatments or surgery.

If you wish to conceal FUPA, choose high-waisted clothing that makes the FUPA area appear flatter. You could also opt for flared or baggy clothing that isn’t as tight to the skin to reduce the appearance of FUPA. 

Mons Pubis Reduction is considered a cosmetic procedure so it’s typically not available on the NHS. The exception is if it's causing significant physical discomfort and is deemed a medically necessary procedure. 

The key differences between Liposuction and Tummy Tuck are the purposes of the procedures and methods used to remove excess fat and skin. 

Liposuction removes fat deposits from specific areas of the body for contouring and reshaping. It doesn’t address excess skin or tighten the abdominal muscles. A Tummy Tuck removes the extra fat and skin from the abdomen and may include tightening of the abdominal muscles for an enhanced abdominal profile.


Treatments mentioned in this article



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