Body lift about 4 years ago. I now have a FUPA and loose skin. Is this because I didn't have them cut above?

Question

I had a body lift done about 4 years ago. I had lost 132 pounds and had a "double roll". Before the body lift, I was asked if i wanted them to cut vertically below my breasts to get rid of the skin there.I chose not because it sounded like they would be able to get rid of it with just the cut from the bikini line. I now have a "FUPA" and very loose skin on back/sides. Is this because i didnt have them cut above? Its disheartening

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding how do you get rid of loose skin in the pubic or mons region. Also, specifically, how do you get rid of the FUPA. 
To get rid of the FUPA or excess skin and fat in the mons region, you will require an incision. Usually,  this can be done using your prior lower body lift incision. By going through this incision, dissection is done towards the pubic region. Excess fat in this area can be removed. Once the fat is removed, measurements can be made as to how much skin can be resected from the mons or FUPA. The incision is  closed over drain. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately one hour to complete. Drain stays in place for about 7 to 10 days.  In your case, because you specifically stated you have a loose FUPA  skin, I do not advise FUPA liposuction. I do not suggest FUPA Liposuction in your case because it will not get rid of the loose FUPA skin. It will only get rid of the fat.  
The vertical or the fleur-de-lis or FDL incision would not have fix the mons or FUPA region.   The incision suggested years ago would not have your mons or FUPA issues.  
I hope this answer helps to clarify what to do with the FUPA or mons region four years after a lower body lift.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  An abdominoplasty fleur de lis removes skin both horizontally and vertically.  We would love to sit down with you in person and discuss your concerns and your options. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to assist you in reaching your goals.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Please post standard before and after photos (frontal, front oblique, lateral back oblique, and back) so I can give you an accurate assessment.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  It's difficult to know what is leading to the results that bother you without an exam or photos.  Further skin excision with potentially some liposuction should be able to give you improvement.  I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear chellabella123,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Body lift about 4 years ago. I now have a FUPA and loose skin. Is this because I didn't have them cut above?

Answers (5)