The PULL procedure

One of the most difficult and highly visible areas of the body to loose fat and excess skin in is the pubic area. In some cases, people are genetically predisposed to a sagging “pouch” in the pelvic. In other cases, due to pregnancy or extreme weight loss, the abdomen fails to return to its original shape. In an attempt to “fix” this area of the body, some people are hitting the gym, while others are turning to plastic surgery to achieve their desired look. While body contouring works well to eliminate many of the unsightly sags in the abdominal area, some patients have skin sagging in the pubic area as well. The excess skin—or pannus—that hangs down from the abdomen isn’t effectively treated with liposuction or a tummy tuck.

I have created my own technique for targeting sagging skin in the pubic area. I call this procedure PULL (Pubic Undermining Lift and Liposuction). It is a combination of skin and fat excision in the upper pubic area combined with liposuction of the lower pubic and surrounding areas. Two small incisions are made in the pubic area (near the bikini line). First, liposuction is done to remove excess fat in the area. Then the incision is enlarged and the skin is lifted and pulled to create a smooth appearance. The excess skin is cut away and the skin lines are closed.

The PULL procedure can be performed alone or in combination with a standard tummy tuck or a body lift. The procedure takes 1-2 hours and is done either in a hospital or “surgicenter,” and patients are generally sent home that same day. There is very little bruising afterwards and most patients recover within a few days with almost no down time. The scar is easily hidden in the same crease as a standard tummy tuck. The scar itself extends only over the pubic area.

The PULL procedure isn't just for weight loss patients. Many people are becoming self-conscious about sagging skin in the pubic area. But most significantly, the PULL technique is a safe and effective way to rejuvenate this area without resorting to genital surgery. With the emphasis on low-cut fashion, the PULL procedure may benefit these patients, as well.