Your Questions
Your Questions
Q: Dr. Eppley, I don’t live in Indiana but I haven’t been able to find a plastic surgeon in my state that does the type of procedure you do. I have for my entire life had an extreme amount of fatty tissue in my mons pubis region, even when I was 125 pounds (I’m about 140 pounds now) it was just insane how big of a bulge I have down there. I am in a situation financially where I might be able to afford some type of financing arrangement, some type of payment plan… and if that were a possibility I would be more than happy to make the trip out there to Indianapolis to speak with you! I just want to be able to wear a swim suit or tights or just tight jeans without this source of embarrassment! 🙁 I am 26 years old and this has been a major issue for me ever since I was about 10 or 11. I’d give anything to finally have it reduced and just look in the mirror and feel ‘normal’ although I hate that term. I know nobody else would notice a difference because I’ve gone to such extents to hide it but just for myself I know it would give me something that I need more than anything right now in my life. It would give me the peace of mind to just wear whatever I want to wear, to do things that other people do without thinking about how to hide this part of my body… please, if there is any forseeable way you think I could work out the financial aspect of this pleasse let me know if I can meet with you! I would so appreciate it. Thank you for your time, I hope to hear from you soon…
A: A large suprapubic mound is not uncommon in many women although it is more unusual in thin women. But its presence in an otherwise non-heavy woman suggests that it is here to stay and will not be eliminated by any amount of diet or exercise. Surgical reduction by liposuction can be remarkably effective and a lot of ft can be quickly removed, In some patients, a suprapubic lift with the liposuction may be needed if there are any excess skin issues, But that would seen unlikely with someone of your weight range and stability.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana
Q: Dr. Eppley, The picture used on the December 28, 2008 article written by Dr. Eppley looks like my body. I have lost some weight but am still a large women. I am very curious about this procedure. Do I have to be at normal weight to have a pubic lift done? Does insurance ever cover this type of procedure. My Gyn says that she thinks I may have some sort of a “prolapse” and suggested I go see a plastic surgeon. I am so embarassed by how I look I haven’t done so. Your website gives me hope that I am not the only person who has this problem. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.
A: A large overhanging suprapubic mound is a common problem for men and women that either have a large abdominal pannus or who have lost a lot of weight. The difference between the two is in the amount of fat that either contains. Either way, this overhanging mound can interfere with urinary outflow, sexual function as well as pose hygiene issues. Its removal can be done through a procedure known as a suprapubic reduction/lift (mons reduction) which consists of liposuction debulking of its fat volume if needed and reduction and lifting of the excess skin that it contains. Based on the above or overlying abdominal anatomy, it may be necessary in some cases to remove any overhanging abdominal pannus or extra skin first before proceeding with a pubic lift procedure. (e.g., abdominal panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck) This is usually not a procedure that medical insurance will cover.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana