How To Get Rid Of A FUPA?

Those who have developed a Fat Upper Pubic Area (FUPA) wish to flatten and tone the area to create a more defined figure. However, many patients don’t know the surgical and non-surgical treatments available to achieve these results.

In this article, we will discuss the different procedures available to treat a FUPA so that you can understand which option may be right for you. 

At the CREO Clinic, our medical director, Dr. Omar Tillo, is a body contouring expert, having dedicated his career to transformative cosmetic procedures that enhance the figure. 

Contact the CREO Clinic today to book a consultation with Dr. Tillo and find out how you can achieve a more defined figure, free from a FUPA. 

What Is A FUPA?

A FUPA, or fat upper pubic area, describes the excess fat over the area between the hips and pubic bone. This area is also commonly referred to as the pannus. 

What Causes A FUPA?

A FUPA can be caused by a range of factors, including childbirth, ageing, rapid weight loss, and genetic predispositions. In addition, fat can accumulate in the area, causing excess upper pubic fat, following abdominal surgeries like a caesarean section (c-section).

Can You Get Rid Of A FUPA Naturally?

Losing the fat in the upper pubic area can often be difficult with lifestyle changes alone. However, maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise regime to both burn calories and strengthen the muscles in the area can help get rid of a FUPA and flatten the area to some degree. 

However, for patients seeking more drastic changes that create more permanent results, a vast range of surgical and non-surgical treatments are available to target this area of body fat. 

Can You Remove Fat In A Specific Area Of The Body?

Exercise regimes can be created to target certain areas of the body, such as the area where a FUPA can develop. This can help to strengthen the muscles in the area, giving them an enhanced appearance while assisting overall to lose weight. However, targeted fat removal is not possible through lifestyle changes alone, as the body burns fat based on overall fitness and not small muscle fatigue. 

Normal strategies to reverse weight gain, like a healthy diet and exercise, can be ineffective when it comes to getting rid of a fat upper public area. Instead, surgical interventions, such as liposuction, are required that can permanently remove fat cells. This can reduce the prominence of a FUPA, flattening the area and creating a more contoured upper body. 

Ways To Get Rid Of A FUPA

Monsplasty

Monsplasty surgery removes stubborn fat and excess skin from the area where a FUPA can develop – above the pubic bone (the mons pubis). This helps to reduce the prominence of the FUPA, creating a flatter, more contoured mons pubis that many patients desire. 

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) 

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure to flatten and contour the abdomen by removing excess, loose skin while repairing the abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck, therefore, is a great option for patients with a FUPA, as it contributes to a more defined upper body. There are several different types of tummy tucks that FUPA patients should consider:

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck involves the removal of lax skin across the upper and lower abdomen as well as repairing muscle separation (diastasis recti) to contour and flatten the abdomen while strengthening the core. 

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive procedure, ideal for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity. 

Extended Abdominoplasty

An extended tummy tuck treats skin laxity around both the abdomen and lower flanks, or ‘love handles.’ It is a more invasive alternative, requiring a longer incision across the bikini line and beyond the hip bones, covering the lower flanks. 

Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck

A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is designed for patients who have developed excess skin following significant weight loss, often due to bariatric procedures like a gastric bypass. 

Liposuction

Liposuction, or suction-assisted lipectomy, is a cosmetic procedure to permanently remove excess fat deposits in targeted areas of the body. This can help with mons pubis fat or related belly fat. Liposuction helps to tone and define the area, creating a more contoured figure. However, liposuction will not remove excess skin and is therefore not suitable for patients with substantial skin laxity.  

Nonsurgical Methods

CoolSculpting (Cryolipolysis)

CoolSculpting describes a technology that uses a method of fat reduction known as cryolipolysis. This involves the removal of fat by freezing and destroying excess fat cells in a given area. The body’s own lymphatic system then works to gradually eliminate frozen fat, creating a more defined and contoured treatment area. However, although CoolSculpting can remove some of the fat in targeted parts of the body, it is much less effective than surgical alternatives.

Benefits Of Having Surgery To Get Rid Of A FUPA

Surgical procedures that enhance the upper body, more specifically the lower abdomen and mons pubis, can provide more permanent and comprehensive results than can be achieved with non-surgical treatments or lifestyle changes alone. 

In addition, many patients are unable to get rid of skin laxity and reduce fat in the area with less invasive treatments. This means that surgical intervention is the only suitable route to achieve their desired aesthetic of a flatter, more contoured lower abdomen.  

How To Prepare For Surgery To Remove A FUPA

Prior to any surgical procedure, you will need to make several preparations: 

• BMI – You will need to ensure your BMI remains stable and below 30 for surgery. Use our BMI checker to understand your eligibility for different surgical procedures to treat a FUPA.  
• Smoking – Abstain from consuming any form of nicotine four weeks prior to and after your surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
• Reduce alcohol intake – You should reduce your alcohol intake prior to surgery, as this can delay your healing.
• Prep your home for recovery – Make sure your home is comfortable, and that you have adequate help with chores and caring for children and pets.

FUPA FAQs