Abdominal Etching
Abdominal etching is a surgery that uses liposuction to selectively remove abdominal fat to create a lean, sculpted abdomen.
If you look at the abdomen of a fit, lean person, you notice there are natural depressions and contours and that the abdomen is not “flat as a board.” These contours follow along the muscular anatomy of the abdomen in particular areas:- RThe depression that runs down the middle of the abdomen to the belly button (umbilicus) is called the linea alba. This is the indentation between the six pack muscles (rectus abdominis muscles).
- RThe linea semilunaris is the depression that runs along either side of the rectus abdominis muscles.
- RRunning horizontally are several depressions that define the six pack muscles. These are called tendinous inscriptions of the rectus abdominis muscles.
When these features of the abdomen are accentuated with liposuction, the end result is: a lean figure, with a natural appearance, and muscular contours
How is Abdominal Etching performed?
Abdominal etching is done under general anesthesia in the operating room with you “totally asleep.”
This special version of liposuction surgery is done using a surgical instrument called a cannula which is often around the width of a pencil or even smaller.
Small puncture incisions are made in discrete areas whenever possible, such as in along the underwear line or in the hair bearing skin of the pubis.
Through these small puncture incisions (about a centimeter in width at the most), the cannula is inserted and passed back and forth in the fat layer under the skin.
In areas where a deeper depression is desired, liposuction is done more aggressively and closer to the underside of the skin. Tubing attached to the cannula suctions the fat out.
After the liposuction is completed, foam strips are placed along the depression lines at the abdomen and an abdominal binder or compression garment is applied.
frequently askedquestions
What is soft versus hard abdominal etching?
Soft abdominal etching is done in patients who desire a lean look to the abdomen with some muscle definition. To achieve this look, the linea alba and linea semilunaris lines are enhanced with liposuction.
Hard abdominal etching is done in patients who prefer a more chiseled abdominal appearance with strong muscle definition. To achieve this look, the linea alba, linea semilunaris, and rectus inscriptions are strongly defined with liposuction.
Can abdominal etching be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Dr. Rodriguez often recommends combining abdominal etching with BodyTite™ and Morpheus8™. These adjuncts help to encourage skin tightening so that the contours created are even more defined.
In addition, abdominal etching is frequently combined with liposuction of the flanks and back to narrow the waist as much as possible. The end result is a cohesive, natural-appearing change circumferentially.
Are the results from abdominal etching permanent?
The longevity of the results of abdominal etching follows the same principle as the longevity of the results for liposuction. If your weight remains stable, the results should last for many years.
Is abdominal etching for men or women?
Both! Depending on the patient’s preferences, soft or hard abdominal etching can be performed. Oftentimes, women often prefer soft abdominal etching whereas men prefer hard abdominal etching. Regardless of gender, Dr. Rodriguez will discuss your specific goals with you to help you decide which look may suit you best.
am I a goodcandidate?
If you are in the Houston area, you may be a good candidate for abdominal etching if you:
- RAre at a healthy weight
- RDo not have loose abdominal skin
- RHave a mild-moderate amount of stubborn abdominal fat
- RMaintain good control over all health issues
- RDo not smoke or use nicotine
- RHave realistic expectations for this procedure
Abdominal Etchingrecovery
You can go home the same day after abdominal etching surgery.
You will have foam tapes in place along the newly defined abdominal depressions. These will stay in place for about a week.
Dr. Rodriguez advises that you use a compression garment, to help reduce swelling, for at least 6 weeks after surgery.
Most patients can return to work about 1-2 weeks after surgery, though this may vary depending on your specific job. Exercise can be gradually resumed after about 4-6 weeks from surgery.
Abdominal Etchingresults
Most of the swelling will go down in the first few weeks after surgery. The subtle contours will become more and more evident as time goes on, particularly after 3-4 months from surgery.
The results should be long-lasting if you maintain your pre-surgical weight after abdominal etching.
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