Abdominal Etching Surgery
Many people wish that they could get washboard abs. However, in reality even the most well-toned muscles can be concealed by a layer of fat. Do you want washboard abs, but can’t quite achieve that look, no matter how much you exercise? As an alternative, you may want to consider abdominal etching, which is a surgical procedure performed to improve definition of the abdominal muscles.
This form of plastic surgery will accentuate the existing muscle tissue by getting rid of excess fat, giving you “six pack” abs. This procedure takes liposuction and tummy tucks to the next level to sculpt the tissues of the abdomen. Your stomach can look firmer, tighter, and more muscular as a result of abdominal etching.
Are you a good candidate?
The best candidate for abdominal etching already has well-toned abdominal muscles, but is disappointed in the appearance of their stomach because a layer of stubborn fat covers the muscles. This procedure is not appropriate for someone with a significant amount of weight to lose from the abdomen. The ideal candidate for abdominal etching must already be physically fit and have an athletic muscle build, with only relatively small pockets of fat concentrated in the abdominal region. If your body fat percentage is greater than 18%, then this procedure may not be appropriate for you. Those wishing to undergo this procedure should understand that after this surgery, following a healthy diet and exercise regimen is essential to maintaining the results.
Abdominal Etching Procedure
Usually lasting no more than an hour, abdominal etching can be performed as an outpatient procedure utilizing either local or general anesthesia. Before the surgery begins, the surgeon will trace the outline of the patient’s abdominal muscles. This is usually done before the anesthesia is administered. These lines then serve as guides during the surgery. Several small incisions will be made in the belly button or following natural creases on the abdomen. Then, a small metal tube known as a cannula will be inserted underneath the skin. Using a liposuction technique, excess fat is removed along the lines drawn by the surgeon, sculpting the abs into the desired contours. At the conclusion of the procedure, the incisions, which usually measure less than a quarter of an inch long, may or may not require sutures.
Complications & Risks
Risks of abdominal etching include bleeding, excessive scarring, and the potential for infection. Unsatisfactory or uneven aesthetic results may occur if the surgeon does not correctly target fat cells for removal through the cannula. Moving the cannula around underneath the skin can also cause nerve damage leading to temporary or permanent loss of skin sensitivity, particularly around the belly button.
Recovery Time
After undergoing treatment, you can expect to experience some pain and discomfort, which should be manageable using over-the-counter pain medications. Common side effects experienced after abdominal etching include swelling, bruising, and redness. Your doctor will instruct you to wear a compression garment over your abdomen for several weeks. This will reduce swelling and help the tissues to adjust to their new contours faster. For the first week or two after surgery, strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided. Most patients return to work in about a week. The physical outcome of the procedure will become fully apparent within six months, after your body has had sufficient time to heal.
Abdominal Etching Cost
The total cost of an abdominal etching procedure includes the surgeon’s fees and the costs of anesthesia and the surgical facility. This procedure usually costs around $2,500 to $5,000. Often, patients combine it with liposuction on another body part such as the hips or thighs; having several liposuction procedures performed at once can be less expensive than the individual procedures. The costs depend on the surgeon selected, the amount of fat removed, the exact liposuction technique used by the surgeon, and other factors. Learn more about the various factors involved in the liposuction cost.