The term acronym FUPA is short for fatty upper pubic area and is used to describe a condition that involves the accumulation of fat in the area just above the pubic bone. It is most often thought to be a problem that only affects women, but men can also develop a FUPA, which can lead to discomfort and embarrassment.
Today, we will look at what causes a male FUPA, how to get rid of male FUPA through lifestyle changes and surgical options, and what to expect in terms of costs and recovery.
Can Men have FUPAs?
Yes, men can develop FUPAs, but they are more common in women due to hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, C-sections, etc., which stretch the skin and weaken the abdominal muscles. We also have more data about women and FUPAs because they tend to seek information and look for solutions more than their male counterparts, but the condition is not gender-specific.
Men can also develop a FUPA, which can affect the way their clothes fit, impact their mobility, and lower their self-esteem. It can affect men of all body types and can be influenced by genetics, aging, and hormonal changes, and not only be a side effect of obesity.
Is There A Difference Between A Male FUPA And Apron Belly?
A FUPA and an apron belly are not exactly the same, even though they both involve extra fat and loose skin. The difference between the two is where the excess fat and skin originate or are located. An apron belly hangs down from just below the belly button and can stretch several inches downward, and a FUPA is located right above the pubic bone and can create a bulge or a pouch-like accumulation that hangs downward.
What Does A Male FUPA Look Like?
A male FUPA looks like a soft, rounded bulge or a pouch of fat that sits just above the pubic area and right below the lower abdomen. It can range in size from a small bump to a more noticeable mound that hangs over the groin. Sometimes it has a loose and jiggly appearance, or it can look more firm and dense. The area may look smooth under clothing, or it might push out against tighter pants, creating a visible outline. In serious cases, the bulge can droop down far enough to partially or totally cover the genitals.
What Causes A Man To Have A FUPA?
Several things can contribute to the development of a male FUPA, including:
- 1Weight Gain: Consuming too many calories and living a sedentary lifestyle can cause fat to accumulate in various parts of the body, including the pubic area.
- Genetics: Some men are predisposed to store fat in the lower abdomen and pubic region due to their genetic composition.
- Aging: As men age, their metabolic rates slow down, and they can experience hormonal changes that can cause the redistribution of fat cells.
- Post-Surgical Changes: Surgeries like hernia repairs can change the structure of the lower abdomen and lead to fat accumulation.
How To Get Rid Of Male FUPA
There may be some things that can be done to eliminate a male FUPA, which can involve a combination of lifestyle modifications and/or surgical intervention.
Lifestyle Changes
Making changes to your diet and ensuring you are consuming healthy options like whole foods and choices that are low in processed sugars can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your amount of body fat.
Including an adequate amount of exercise in your daily routine using a combination of cardiovascular exercises along with strength training, can help you lose fat and build muscle. It is almost impossible to lose fat in specific targeted spots, but losing fat overall will help to reduce the fat cells that are located in the pubic area.
Making other lifestyle choices like getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and managing stress can help with weight loss, which will help with the reduction of fat cells and can help reduce the size of a male FUPA.
Surgical Options
- Liposuction removes unwanted fat cells using a special surgical procedure involving a straw-like medical instrument (a cannula) to suction out the excess fat. If the male FUPA is mild to moderate, liposuction may be successful in eliminating it.
- Monsplasty (pubic lift) is a surgery that removes excess skin and fat and also tightens up this area to eliminate a male FUPA and works very well for individuals with significant fat accumulation and skin laxity.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is sometimes done in conjunction with monsplasty surgery for men with excess skin and fat that has accumulated on both their abdominal and pubic areas. This combination results in a flatter abdomen and a natural-looking pubic area.
Does Male FUPA Go Away With Weight Loss?
Losing weight can reduce the size of a male FUPA, but it may not eliminate it entirely, especially if there is a significant amount of loose skin. In some cases, weight loss or liposuction can remove enough excess fat that the area looks normal, but in other cases, a more invasive surgical intervention may be necessary to achieve desired results.
Can Men Get FUPA Surgery?
Yes, men who experience FUPA can have surgery to get rid of this condition through liposuction or a monsplasty, depending on how serious their case is. A board-certified plastic or cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Angelina Postoev can help determine the procedure that will work best for you and your circumstances.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Male FUPA?
The cost to eliminate a male FUPA will vary depending on the type of procedure used, your health, and the type and location of the treatment facility. Liposuction can range anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000, monsplasty can range between $4,800 and $10,000, and a combination with a tummy tuck can start at about $15,000. These costs may be more depending on additional fees charged for anesthesia and post-surgical care.
Recovery After Male FUPA Removal
Recovery times after male FUPA elimination will be different depending on the procedure used. For patients who had mild cases of FUPA that were treated with liposuction, the recovery time could be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Patients who undergo monsplasty or a combination surgery may take four to six weeks to fully recover. Following the aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon carefully will help ensure your recovery goes as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Where Can I Go To Get Help With Male FUPA?
If your FUPA is lowering your self-esteem and causing you embarrassment in certain social situations, you should know that this condition is fairly common and there is help for you. IBI Plastic Surgery and Med Spa offers a few different ways to eliminate a male FUPA that are both safe and effective.
Dr. Angelina Postoev with IBI Plastic Surgery & Med Spa is a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon with expertise in male FUPA removal, and she can help determine the best way to get rid of yours and restore your confidence. Set up your consultation to learn more about the state-of-the-art treatments available to eliminate your FUPA and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to book your consultation.
