Plastic Surgeons Serving Edison, Marlboro, Warren, And West Orange, New Jersey
If you're like many men and women, you might value the appearance of a cut, sculpted midsection. Six-pack abs are definitely in fashion right now, and it's natural that you want to look your best when your midsection is showing.
However sometimes, eating right, optimal workouts, and healthy living just aren’t enough to sculpt the midsection to achieve the washboard abs you desire. In these circumstances, abdominal etching from Associates in Plastic Surgery is an excellent option.
Ab etching, also known as six-pack surgery, is a body contouring procedure that aims to sculpt and define the abdominal muscles by removing excess fat deposits. This procedure is becoming increasingly popular among men and women who want to achieve a more toned and defined midsection. Using safe, proven methods, we can help patients in Edison, Marlboro, Warren, and West Orange, New Jersey sharply define and contour the appearance of the abdominal muscles, providing the sculpted midsection you desire.
How Does Abdominal Etching Work?
Abdominal etching is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses liposuction and other sculpting techniques to remove excess fat deposits and create indentations in the remaining fat layer, which will mimic the appearance of abdominal muscles. Additionally, the surrounding tissue is contoured to create an overall more defined and sculpted appearance.
We use SmartLipo® in abdominal etching procedures, a variation on the liposuction procedure that uses precision-engineered medical lasers to liquefy fat cells. This surgical technique makes fat removal much easier, reducing trauma to surrounding tissue and blood vessels as well as reducing resulting recovery time. The belly fat is removed in such a way as to sharply define the contours of your underlying abdominal muscles, thus providing you with the six-pack look you desire.
Benefits of Abdominal Etching
This body sculpting procedure has many benefits, including:
- Helps sculpt and define musculature in the abdominal region by removing excess body fat
- Creates a more toned and athletic appearance
- Can boost self-confidence, self-esteem, and body image
- Particularly beneficial for those who have lost significant weight but are still struggling to achieve their desired body shape
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View GalleryPreparing For Abdominal Etching
Before undergoing abdominal etching surgery, you will need to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this consultation, your surgeon will assess your medical history, current health status, and aesthetic goals to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. You may need to undergo some medical tests to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo surgery. Additionally, you may need to make some lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or adjusting your diet, to prepare for the procedure. Finally, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
WHat to Expect During Your Abdominal Etching Procedure
Abdominal etching is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that typically takes around 1-2 hours to complete. This liposuction technique is typically performed under general anesthesia, which means that you will be asleep throughout the procedure and will need to arrange to have a ride home waiting for you after the procedure.
Recovery From Abdominal Etching
The recovery period after abdominal etching is fairly short- most patients are able to return to work within a day or two of the procedure, though this period might be longer if you work a physically demanding job. After the procedure, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the abdominal area, which can last for several weeks.
You'll wear a velcro compression garment for approximately two weeks after your procedure. This will reduce swelling and bruising, though you can expect mild swelling for a couple of days afterward.
Most patients can return to their normal activities within 2-4 weeks, but you should avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least 6-8 weeks. You can expect the full results to materialize about six months after the procedure, though your appearance will be improving throughout your recovery.
FAQs About Abdominal Etching
Am I a good candidate for abdominal etching?
Ideal candidates for this type of cosmetic surgery are those with good skin elasticity and muscle tone, who are close to their ideal body weight but have small pockets of stubborn fat in the abdominal area, who want to achieve a more defined, athletic appearance, and who have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. Individuals who have loose, sagging skin in the abdominal area due to pregnancy, significant weight loss, or aging, have weakened or separated abdominal muscles, have excess fat deposits that cannot be removed through diet and exercise alone, and want to achieve a flatter, smoother abdominal contour may be better suited to a procedure like a tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty. It is important to consult with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to determine which procedure is most appropriate for your individual needs and goals. In some cases, a combination of both ab etching with lipo and a tummy tuck may be recommended for optimal results. Your surgeon will evaluate your physical condition, discuss your expectations and goals with you, and recommend the best procedure(s) to help you achieve the desired results.
How long do the results of abdominal etching last?
The results of abdominal etching can be permanent but will rely on adhering to a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.2
Is abdominal etching safe?
Abdominal etching is a safe and very effective procedure when performed by one of our board-certified plastic surgeons with experience in the technique.3 However, as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved, such as infection, bleeding, and scarring.
How much does abdominal etching cost?
The cost of abdominal etching can vary depending on several factors, including any other surgical procedures and non-surgical procedures such as skin tightening treatments that are performed at the same time. The best way to determine the exact price for the procedure or procedures that will achieve your desired goals is to schedule a consultation.
What are the potential risks and complications of abdominal etching?
Some potential risks and side effects of abdominal etching are rate and in addition to anesthesia risks, the most common are contour irregularities and seroma.4
How long does it take to recover from abdominal etching?
Most patients can return to their normal activities within 2-4 weeks after the surgery, but you should avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least 6-8 weeks. It may take several months for the final results of the procedure to become fully visible.
Will I have visible scars after abdominal etching?
The small incisions made during abdominal etching are well-hidden, but there may be minimal visible scars. However, the scars will typically fade over time and become less noticeable.
2 Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Abdominal Etching: Past and Present. Available: https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/39/12/1368/5492334?login=false. Accessed April 13, 2023.
3 Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Abdominal Etching: Surgical Technique and Outcomes. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30921120/. Accessed April 13, 2023.
4 Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Abdominal Etching: Past and Present. Available: https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/39/12/1368/5492334?login=false. Accessed April 13, 2023.