Massive weight loss, whether through bariatric surgery, lifestyle changes, or other methods, is a transformative experience. While it brings significant health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular function and mobility, it often leaves individuals grappling with physical and emotional challenges, especially in areas like the mons pubis. This blog will explore the reconstructive principles and procedures available to address mons pubis deformities caused by weight loss.
Surface Anatomical Definition of the Mons Pubis
The mons pubis, also called the mons veneris, is the fatty tissue overlying the pubic symphysis. This area serves as a cushion and is covered by skin and, post-puberty, pubic hair. In women, it sits above the labia majora, and in men, it lies above the penis and scrotum. A harmonious mons pubis complements the aesthetics and functionality of the lower abdomen and genital region.
Effects of Morbid Obesity on the Mons Pubis
In individuals with morbid obesity:
- Excess Fat Deposition: The mons pubis often becomes enlarged due to disproportionate fat accumulation. It is seen commonly before the massive weight loss.
- Skin Changes: Chronic stretching leads to skin thinning, loss of elasticity, and the formation of stretch marks sometimes associated with ulceration because of skin breakdown.
- Functional Limitations: Excess bulk can interfere with hygiene, ambulation, and sexual function. It can become cause of recurrent fungal infection within the folds.
Effects of Massive Weight Loss on the Mons Pubis
Physical Impact
1. Excess Skin and Sagging:
The skin around the mons pubis often loses its elasticity after weight loss. This results in sagging or redundant folds that can create a visible and uncomfortable bulge.
Drooping in this area can also lead to the mons pubis sitting lower than its natural position, affecting its integration with the abdomen and thighs.
2. Functional Challenges:
- Hygiene Issues: Skin folds can trap moisture, leading to rashes, infections, and discomfort.
- Mobility Problems: Excess tissue can cause friction and chafing, particularly during walking or exercise.
- Difficulty with Clothing: Finding well-fitting garments becomes a challenge as the area may protrude inappropriately, making tight or tailored clothing uncomfortable.
3. Sexual Health:
Sagging or bulky tissue in the mons pubis can interfere with sexual function, causing physical discomfort or limiting intimacy.
Emotional Impact
1.Self-Esteem and Body Image:
The mons pubis is an intimate and private part of the body. Post-weight loss deformities in this area can leave individuals feeling embarrassed or self-conscious, even after achieving their weight-loss goals.
Persistent issues in this region can overshadow the joy and confidence that weight loss typically brings.
2. Frustration and Disappointment:
For many, massive weight loss is a long and arduous journey. Dealing with residual deformities, such as sagging of the mons pubis, can feel like an unmet expectation or an incomplete transformation.
3. Social Anxiety:
The inability to wear certain clothes, such as swimsuits or fitted trousers, can lead to social withdrawal or avoidance of situations where the appearance of the mons pubis may be noticeable.
4. Impact on Relationships:
Emotional discomfort or self-consciousness about the mons pubis can create barriers in intimate relationships, reducing confidence and openness with partners.
Reconstructive Surgical Principles for Post-Massive Weight Loss Deformity the Mons Pubis at MACS Clinic
Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria will do a thorough evaluation of the patient’s anatomy, fat distribution, skin quality, and functional complaints. This process will be helpful to plan the procedure. Mr. Vadodaria will then excise the excess skin and fat to reduce bulk and improve the contour. An attempt will be made to reinforce the underlying connective tissue to elevate the mons pubis and maintain a natural position. Mr. Vadodaria will attempt to blend the mons pubis contour with the lower abdomen, thighs, and genital structures. Incisions will be positioned to within natural creases or along the bikini line when possible. The procedure is performed either under local or general anaesthetic with or without sedation. Procedure takes around 1-2 hours. This procedure is done as a day case and doesn’t not require overnight stay in the hospital. It will require a follow up after one week to inspect the healing and at the end of 6 weeks to assess the aesthetic outcome.
Different Designs of the Operation
The skin and soft tissue are debulked either in horizontal and or vertical axis either in one or multiple stage/s.
Liposuction-Assisted Reduction:
For patients with good skin elasticity but excess fat, liposuction can refine the area without extensive excisions.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure at MACS Clinic
1.Consent Process:
Upon arrival at MACS clinic, you will need to complete the consent process. This ensures that you fully understand the treatment, its potential risks, and the expected outcomes.
2. Pregnancy Test:
In compliance with National Government Law, a pregnancy test will be conducted to ensure patient safety.
3. Anaesthesia:
Mons Pubis reconstruction is typically performed under local anaesthesia with or without sedation or general anaesthesia.
4. Surgery Duration:
The surgery generally takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity and extent of the corrections required.
5. Post-Procedure Care:
After the surgery, you will be provided with prescriptions for painkillers and antibiotics in either tablet or ointment form to manage any discomfort and prevent infection.
You will also receive a comprehensive post-operative information leaflet. This guide will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your treated area, what to expect during recovery, and signs of any potential complications to watch for.
6. Recovery Guidance:
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress. The MACS Clinic team will be available to address any concerns or questions you may have during your recovery period.
Postoperative Care after the procedure at MACS Clinic
- Mr Vadodaria recommends patient to wear compression garments to reduce swelling and support the healing tissues.
- Patient will be advised to keep the area clean and dry is essential to prevent infections.
- Vadodaria recommends the patient to avoid strenuous activities, bending, or lifting for at least 4–6 weeks.
- 1 Week Post-Procedure: A follow-up appointment will be scheduled with Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria to assess your initial healing and address any concerns.
- 6 Weeks Post-Procedure: Another follow-up appointment will be scheduled to evaluate your progress and ensure proper recovery.
Potential Complications
- Scarring – Unsightly visible scarring, thickening (keloid), stretching, asymmet
- Altered sensations e.g., loss, reduced, painful, hypersensitive
- Haematoma
- Infection, Bleeding
- Swelling, Bruising, Discolouration/Pigmentary Changes
- Painful Intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
- Wound Healing Problems, wound dehiscence (gaping), delayed wound healing, secondary Suturing
- Pigmentation/colour mismatch, edge asymmetry
- Injury to underlying and surrounding structures
- Deep Vein Thrombosis/ Pulmonary embolism
- Complication related to anaesthetics
- Under / Over Correction, asymmetry
- Revisional Surgery
- Imperfect Result/Unsatisfactory Outcome Conclusion
Steps for Booking a Consultation with Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria at MACS Clinic
Contact the Clinic:
- Phone: Call the clinic at 020 7078 4378.
- WhatsApp: Message the clinic at 07792 648 726.
- Email: Send an email to enquiries@macsclinic.co.uk.
- Contact Form: Fill out your details on the contact form.
MACS clinic staff will respond to your inquiry and offer you a complimentary video or face-to-face consultation with Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria, the senior consultant plastic surgeon.
You will be provided with a detailed information factsheet about Reconstructive Surgical Principles for Post-Massive Weight Loss Deformity of the Mons Pubis to give you better insight into what to expect.
Consultation with Mr. Vadodaria:
During your consultation, Mr. Vadodaria will thoroughly explain all aspects of Reconstructive Surgical Principles for Post-Massive Weight Loss Deformity of the Mons Pubis procedure, including potential risks, complications, and post-operative care.
He will also present representative before and after photos/videos of previous patients from his practice.
Procedure Estimate:
After the consultation, the MACS Clinic team will send you a procedure estimate to help you plan accordingly. The prices may vary based on factors such as the type of anaesthetics used and your choice of clinic or hospital. Following your consultation with Mr. Vadodaria, a final cost estimate will be provided to you.
For more information or to book an appointment, contact MACS Clinic:
Phone: 020 7078 4378
WhatsApp: 07792 648 726
Email: enquiries@macsclinic.co.uk
