WHAT IS ABDOMINAL ETCHING?
Abdominal etching, also known as “six-pack liposuction” or “six-pack surgery” is a cosmetic procedure designed to sculpt natural-looking abs. This procedure uses high-definition liposuction to intricately remove excess fat between the abdominal muscles and emphasize the indentations that characterize a washboard stomach. Fat deposits in the abdomen are localized in the skin's deepest layer and often remain unaffected by diet and exercise. Body Aesthetic Center's liposuction surgeons specialize in eliminating this stubborn fat in both male and female patients. We consistently deliver a toned and youthful appearance for supreme patient satisfaction!
Male Abdominal Etching
Our liposuction surgeons in Miami add visible definition to the male torso. Since there is more fibrous tissue surrounding the fat in men's bodies, the process of male abdominal etching must be performed more gently. Body Aesthetic Center's surgeons are experienced in male liposuction, designing personalized liposculpture strategies for men seeking a more chiseled abdomen. Male ab etching can be combined with other body-sculpting techniques such as pectoral etching and arm etching to give you an overall ripped physique.
Female Abdominal Etching
Body Aesthetic Center's liposuction surgeons cater to the female body. Female fat is less dense than its male counterpart, making female abdominal etching easier. However, since women desire a shapely waistline and pronounced ab muscles, they commonly require more fat removal than men. Our experts in female ab etching will design a customized body-shaping strategy to tone your six-pack and cinch your waist. Ab etching also enhances the waist-to-breast and waist-to-hip proportions for an overall alluring figure.
BENEFITS OF
ABDOMINAL ETCHING
The benefits of abdominal etching for men and women are comprehensive, ranging from physical to psychological. Patients will see noticeable changes immediately after their six-pack surgery. Liposculpture patients will have a more contoured and defined midsection with pronounced ab muscles. Since high-definition liposuction is non-invasive, it leaves minimal to no scarring. It also tightens the skin to accent the patient's new athletic physique.
LIPOSUCTION VS. ABDOMINAL ETCHING
The main difference between liposuction and liposculpture (also known as abdominal etching) is that general liposuction removes stubborn fat from multiple problem areas. In contrast, liposculpture is high-definition liposuction that removes fat from the abdomen to accent the six-pack muscles. Instead of removing excess fat in general, abdominal etching targets fat in distinct regions for patients wanting true definition. Your lipo surgeon will discuss your cosmetic goals, review your medical history, and examine your current health at the initial consultation to recommend the best lipo technique for you.
ABDOMINAL ETCHING SURGERY STEPS
Skin Marking
Abdominal etching surgery suctions abdominal fat in a specified pattern that accents the six-pack muscles. Therefore, the treated area will be marked to serve as a guide during six-pack surgery.
Anesthesia and Incisions
Local or general anesthesia is administered, and 2 mm incisions are made on the belly button. The fat will be suctioned with a thin tube called a “cannula” according to the marked design.
Abdominal Etching
Liposculpture is performed using various liposuction methods such as tumescent liposuction, power-assisted liposuction (PAL), laser-assisted liposuction (SmartLipo), and ultrasonic liposuction (VASER liposuction). It will take 1 to 3 hours depending on the scope of work.
Healing
Once the abdomen is sculpted to create stunning results, you will be wheeled to Body Aesthetic Center's recovery room, where a licensed nurse will help ease you out of anesthesia. You will be discharged once stabilized.
AB ETCHING PROS AND CONS
Pros
- Men and women can achieve a sculpted six-pack in a single session.
- Fat cells are permanently suctioned from the body.
- Results are immediate, producing an instant confidence boost!
- Non-invasive, most patients experience very little pain.
Cons
- Possibility of an adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Not entirely effective in eliminating cellulite
- Patients should commit to a healthy lifestyle to maintain results
- Swelling and discomfort are expected in recovery
ABDOMINAL ETCHING RECOVERY
The average recovery time for abdominal etching takes between 10 days to 2 weeks. Liposculpture patients can typically resume normal activities 2 weeks after surgery. Patients with desk jobs will be able to return to work sooner than those whose jobs require more movement and manual labor. Your surgeon will provide you with personalized aftercare instructions. However, there are general guidelines every patient must follow to ensure a successful recovery after their six-pack surgery:
- Ensure you have someone available to care for you for the first 48 hours after surgery.
- Sleep with your legs elevated at a 30-degree angle (1 or 2 pillows underneath, with your knees flexed).
- Move your legs and extend your ankles several times per hour. Don't cross your legs, as this can cause blood clots.
- Wear a postsurgical compression garment (faja) for 3 to 6 weeks after surgery to reduce swelling, prevent fluid build-up, and safeguard your results.
- Drink plenty of water and eat protein-rich foods to promote faster healing.
- Do not smoke for at least 6 weeks.
- Avoid strenuous exercise until cleared by your surgeon.
IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR AB ETCHING
Body Aesthetic Center specializes in male and female abdominal etching; sex and gender do not affect candidacy for this procedure. The ideal candidate for abdominal etching is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia, does not smoke, and desires more defined abdominal lines.
Abdominal etching works best on those who are less than 30% over their ideal body weight. They should also have preexisting muscle tissue and sufficient skin elasticity. Speak to your liposculpture surgeon if you have diabetes, coronary artery disease, or other conditions affecting your heart, lungs, circulation, or immune system.
ABDOMINAL ETCHING RESULTS
AT Body Aesthetic Center
The final results of your abdominal etching procedure will appear after 12 weeks, depending on how much fat was removed. You will notice more defined abdominal muscles and streamlined obliques after the swelling subsides. Although abdominal etching only targets the waistline and midsection, it also improves female patients' waist-to-hip and waist-to-bust ratios. Male patients report increased satisfaction with their burlier torso, particularly if they combined their abdominal etching procedure with pectoral or arm etching body-shaping techniques.
ABDOMINAL ETCHING FAQS
Abdominal etching, like any surgical procedure, poses the risk of complications. Some general complications associated with ab etching include:
- Negative reaction to anesthesia
- Infection
- Skin discoloration
- Blood vessel or nerve damage
- Numbness in the area
- Pulmonary embolism
Your surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your medical history and discuss the potential risks at your first consultation.
Abdominal etching will sculpt the six-pack patients desire. However, individuals with already-existing muscle tone will see the most defined result.
Abdominal etching costs anywhere between $4,000 to $10,000USD at Body Aesthetic Center. It could cost less depending on the scope of work. We provide our patients with personalized pricing at their first consultation with our liposculpture surgeons.
Compared to general liposuction, abdominal etching uses high-definition liposuction and a smaller cannula, resulting in virtually no scarring. Our ab etching surgeons in Miami strategically place the incisions so that any scars remain virtually imperceivable.
The results of abdominal etching are considered permanent because the body cannot regenerate new fat cells once they are removed. Still, these new contours must be maintained with a nourishing diet and regular exercise. Liposculpture patients must be dedicated to upholding a healthy lifestyle to avoid undergoing repeat sessions.
Due to abdominal etching's minimally invasive nature, it does not require much preparation. You can, however, take the following steps to ensure a smoother surgery and recovery period:
- Fill your pain medication prescription before your procedure date.
- Stock up on protein-rich foods
- Prepare meals in advance and store them in an accessible place.
- Do not smoke or take anti-inflammatory supplements like aspirin for at least 4 weeks before lipo etching.
- Avoid alcohol for 48 hours before surgery.
Swelling and bruising will increase if you fail to wear your compression garment, also known as a “faja.” The uniform pressure from your compression garment will ease pain and improve circulation. It also keeps dressings in place, reduces the risk of fluid build-up in the treatment area, and helps shape your new contours.
If you have sufficient fat to shape your buttocks, you can certainly combine a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) with abdominal etching. The success of your BBL and lipo etching procedure will depend on your available fat and desired results. Our board-certified BBL surgeons in Miami will evaluate your condition and help you reach your desired aesthetic goals.