After having a baby or losing a lot of weight, sagging skin in the lower abdomen is a problem that many people sometimes have. This makes it difficult to wear the clothes you like, stay clean, and it can also be a big worry for the mind. Today, we are talking about a surgery called 'Monsplasty', which can help in such a situation.
Simply put, what is Monsplasty?
Monsplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fatty tissue from your lower abdomen, the fatty area above your pubic bone (medically known as the mons pubis).
This is often considered a cosmetic procedure . That is, many people do this to change the appearance of this area and make it more beautiful. But it is not only about appearance, but also about the discomfort caused by this sagging skin , such as hygiene problems. This surgery is also called a `pubic lift`.
Who is best qualified to perform this surgery?
There are several factors that go into determining whether you are a good candidate for monsplasty. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Factors affecting eligibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Sagging skin | If the extra skin and tissue in the lower abdomen hangs over the genital area, making it difficult to clean, or if you develop frequent skin rashes or infections. |
| Physical discomfort | If this sagging skin causes difficulty urinating or having sex. |
| General health status | No medical conditions that may affect wound healing. Also, no serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease. |
| Avoiding smoking | If you are a smoker, you should be able to completely abstain from smoking for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery, which means at least four weeks. |
| Realistic expectations | Being realistic about the results of the surgery, meaning having a good understanding of what is actually possible. |
Importantly, this area of the abdomen is not lifted by a tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty ) or liposuction. Sometimes, these surgeries can make the area look more prominent. That's why some doctors recommend a monsplasty along with a tummy tuck.
Why does the skin on the lower abdomen sag like this?
There may be several main reasons for this.
- Aging : Skin elasticity decreases with age.
- Pregnancy : After having a baby, the skin on the stomach stretches, and later, as the belly shrinks, the skin in this area can sag.
- Significant weight loss : When you lose a lot of weight all at once, the stretched skin can no longer return to its original shape and sag.
Simply put, our skin has a type of fiber called `collagen` . This is what gives the skin its elasticity. When you gain weight, fat accumulates in this `mons pubis` area and the skin stretches. If it stays like this for a long time, the skin loses its elasticity and starts to sag.
This is not only a physical inconvenience, but it can also have a significant psychological impact. This condition can lead to anxiety about one's appearance, stress , anxiety, and sometimes even depression .
What happens before the surgery?
Once you've decided to have this surgery, you should meet with your doctor. There,
- Your general health will be checked. We will check if you have any other illnesses and what your risk factors are.
- I will talk to you carefully about what you expect from this surgery.
- You should tell your doctor about any previous surgeries you have had, any medications you are taking (prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications), and any herbal supplements you are taking. Aspirin, some painkillers, and some herbal supplements can increase your risk of bleeding.
- Then the doctor will examine your lower abdomen while you are standing, because it is when you are standing that you can see exactly how the skin sags due to gravity.
- The skin is marked with a marker to plan the surgery, where the incisions will be made, to create symmetry on both sides, and to minimize scarring.
- You may also be asked to take some photos of yourself for your medical record.
What happens during the surgery?
Most of the time, this surgery is done under general anesthesia . This means you are asleep and cannot feel anything. In some cases, you may be given a local anesthetic to numb the area and a light sedative to help you sleep.
After you are anesthetized,
1. The surgeon uses a sharp knife (scalpel) to make a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen.
2. Then, the excess fatty tissue and skin are cut and removed.
3. Dissolvable stitches (`internal sutures`) are used to tighten the muscles and tissues inside and adjust the shape.
4. Finally, one or two small silicone tubes (`drains`) may be placed to drain any blood or other fluids that may accumulate after surgery.
5. The tubes are connected to the skin and the incision is sewn up neatly.
What happens after the surgery?
After surgery, your incision will be covered with clean bandages. You may also wear an elastic bandage or compression garment to reduce swelling and provide support to the area while it heals.
Once the anesthesiologist stops giving you the anesthetic, you will gradually regain consciousness. You will then be taken to a recovery room, where medical staff will look after you until your condition returns to normal.
This is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. However, if you have this procedure at the same time as a tummy tuck or liposuction, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.
Once your condition is determined to be good, you will be allowed to go home. It is essential that you have a family member or friend to take you home. It is also essential that someone take care of you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
What are the benefits and risks?
Like any surgery, this one has both benefits and risks.
| Advantages | Risks |
|---|---|
| Increased self-confidence: Being happy with your appearance, being able to wear the clothes you like. | Risks associated with anesthesia. |
| Increased comfort: Easier urination and sexual activity. | Wound healing problems. |
| Easier cleaning: It is easier to keep the lower abdomen and genital area clean. | Wound infection. |
| Permanent results: If you keep your weight stable, the new shape you get will be permanent. | A blood clot (hematoma) or a collection of fluid (seroma). |
| Safety: It is a relatively safe surgery with few complications. | Numbness of the skin. |
| Skin discoloration. | |
| Swelling (edema). | |
| Unpleasant scars. | |
| Asymmetry on both sides or sagging of the skin. |
How long does it take to heal?
The first few days after surgery are the most painful. You may experience swelling, bruising, and pain. The incision may bleed a little.
- Between 5-7 days: Pain and discomfort begin to decrease. You can use painkillers or medications such as paracetamol prescribed by your doctor.
- Between 1-2 weeks: Swelling will have largely subsided. There may still be some bruising and soreness. You can start doing light work, such as sitting at a desk. However, it is best not to do any strenuous work or exercise for at least 4-6 weeks.
- About 8 weeks: It usually takes about 8 weeks for the incision to fully heal.
Remember, everyone's body is different, so recovery time may vary slightly from person to person. It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
When should you see your doctor again?
Schedule regular follow-up appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will usually come back in about a week to remove your stitches. If the stitches were placed on the inside, they will dissolve on their own.
Call your doctor immediately if:
If you experience any symptoms after surgery, such as difficulty breathing (dyspnea), chest pain, or an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia), immediately inform your doctor or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
Some questions you may have too
- Can men also have this surgery?
Yes, anyone, even men, can have this surgery.
- Is this surgery painful?
Yes, it is normal to experience pain, discomfort, and bruising after surgery. But the pain can be controlled with medications prescribed by the doctor.
- What questions should I ask the doctor?
Ask about these things when you see your doctor.
- Am I a good candidate for this surgery?
- Is it better to have this surgery along with a tummy tuck or liposuction?
- How long will it take to heal?
- What will my lower abdomen look like after it is fully healed?
- Can I see before and after photos of people who have had this surgery before?
- What is the full list of risks associated with this?
- How to control swelling and pain?
- When can I resume normal work and exercise?
Take-Home Message
- Monsplasty is a relatively safe surgery that can greatly improve your self-confidence and quality of life.
- If you maintain your body weight, the results of this surgery are almost permanent.
- But remember, this surgery will not completely flatten your stomach. For that, you may need another procedure like a `tummy tuck` or `liposuction`.
- The most important thing is to openly discuss all your questions, hopes, and goals with your doctor.
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