Pubic contouring after massive weight loss in men and women: correction of hidden penis, mons ptosis, and labia majora enlargement.

BACKGROUND: Weight gain and subsequent weight loss usually result in unsightly large fat deposition in the pubic areas along with ptosis of the fat pad and skin. Men also complain of burying of the penis and the woman complains of labia majora enlargement, both causing secondary sexual dysfunction, hygiene issues, discomfort, and aesthetic concerns. Even with weight loss, most of these deformities persist.
METHODS: The hidden (buried) penis is characterized by a lack of firm attachments between the Buck fascia surrounding the tunica albuginea of the corpora and the dartos fascia and skin. Successful treatment requires the penile skin and dartos fascia to be stabilized to the penile corporal bodies to make the penis one integrated unit. The method of surgery is usually to excise and lift excess pubic skin, eliminate the pubic fat without creating a significant pubic concavity, and stabilize the penile skin to the corporal bodies with tacking sutures dorsally and ventrally. If inadequate penile skin is present, scrotal flaps or skin grafts are used to cover the penis. Treatment of the mons pubis requires similar pubic lifting, fat excision, and pubic tacking. Labia majora reduction requires skin and usually fat excision.
RESULTS: Results are excellent with the use of these techniques.
CONCLUSIONS: Pubic contouring after massive weight loss in men and women is very successful and safe if performed meticulously. Treatment improves self-esteem along with the associated physical and aesthetic deformities.