Medically reviewed by Dr. Orestes Fernández specialist in body contouring, licence no. 4304469Published on 3 November 2026
What is a pubic lift?
A pubic lift is a small repair that corrects the step a C-section scar sometimes leaves between the lower abdomen and the pubis. Fat is moved from the abdomen to the pubis and a little skin is removed to level the area so the scar is no longer sunken.
It is also called pubic plasty. It is designed for patients who, after a C-section, do not have a problem with the whole abdomen but with one specific area: the scar has become sunken and a small fold hangs over it, so a step forms between the lower belly and the pubis that shows in tight clothes or a swimsuit.
Correct the C-section step
What does a pubic lift involve?
It is a very localised procedure: only the scar area is treated. “We transfer fat from the abdomen to the pubis and remove a little skin to level the area below the navel with the pubis and prevent the scar from being sunken,” explains Dr. Orestes Fernández, a plastic surgeon specialising in body contouring.
The result is a continuous line between the belly and the pubis, without the step, and the new scar sits in the same place as the C-section scar.
When is it indicated and when is it not?
It is indicated when what bothers you is the scar step and the rest of the abdomen is fine. If there is also loose skin across the whole belly, stretch marks or separation of the abdominal muscles, a pubic lift falls short and it is worth considering a tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck. You can read more about it on our page on the tummy tuck.
If the problem is only localised fat on the pubis or lower belly, with no step and no excess skin, you may only need liposuction.
What is the recovery like?
As it is a small repair, recovery is easier than after a tummy tuck: a small area is treated and the C-section scar is reused. Rest days, the compression garment and when to return to exercise are explained at your consultation according to your case.
The scar follows the same process as any other: it changes colour and flattens over the following months. We explain it month by month in tummy tuck scar month by month.
Frequently asked questions about the pubic lift
How much does a pubic lift cost?
At Instituto de Benito it is quoted like a liposuction, from €4,500 (VAT not included). The final price depends on how much needs correcting and whether it is combined with another procedure. What the price of liposuction includes and does not include is explained in liposuction price.
How much does pubic liposuction cost?
From €4,500 (VAT not included), like other liposuctions. You can have it at our clinic for liposuction in Barcelona or liposuction in Madrid.
How do you reduce a bulging belly after a C-section?
First, with time and exercise: the abdomen needs months to recover after giving birth. If a step remains in the scar after that, it is corrected with a pubic lift; if there is excess skin and separated muscles, with a tummy tuck, which can be combined with breast surgery in a mommy makeover. We share more ideas in how to lose belly fat after pregnancy.
Which is riskier, a tummy tuck or a C-section?
They cannot be compared directly. A C-section is a surgical birth, often urgent; a tummy tuck is a planned operation, done when the patient is healthy and after a full assessment. Like any surgery it has risks, and we go through them with you at your consultation. A pubic lift is an even smaller procedure.