Abdomen Etching/6 Pack
Abdominal etching takes you a step beyond conventional liposuction fat removal. This procedure is intended to give you a flatter, tighter stomach area, with stronger muscle definition.
Abdominal etching also differs from abdominoplasty. In an abdominoplasty, the abdomen muscles can be tightened or removed, whereas abdominal etching only removes excess fat and skin.
Am I a candidate for Abdominal Etching?
The best candidate for this plastic surgery has naturally athletic-looking underlying muscles that can be accentuated with abdominal etching. People who are liposuction candidates, with very localized, exercise-resistant fat deposits, can obtain additional improvements through abdominal etching. Likewise, patients who undergo an abdominoplasty to reduce loosened and excessive muscles may achieve a more athletic-looking appearance with abdominal etching. The strength of the results depends on personal anatomy. The ideal candidate also follows a proper diet and exercise program, which are necessary to maintain the benefits.
Procedure:
The procedure selectively removes a small amount of fat around the patient’s natural muscular contours and shapes or sculpts the abdomen to create a more athletic contour. Prior to the procedure, the surgeon makes detailed markings of the patient’s flexed abdominal muscles and uses the markings to remove fat and highlight the patient’s individual muscular structure. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Several small incisions (1-2 millimeters in length) are made in the belly button or in natural creases of the abdomen so that the incisions are not highly visible. The surgeon uses a cannula to remove excess fat and skin. It is a delicate procedure that includes sculpting grooves in the fat layers to emphasize a muscular appearance.
What is the post-operative care involved?
The patient has to wear a pressure garment to wear at all times other than bathing for three to six weeks, or as directed by the doctor. Pain, swelling, and bruising may occur, all of which can be managed with medications and proper care.
Restrictions include no exercise or lifting of heavy weights. There cannot be any pressure placed on the abdominal area.
When can I resume my normal activities?
Normal activities typically can be resumed in one to three weeks.
When will the results be apparent?
The full results of abdominal etching appear within six months of the procedure. But patients often see results such as better-fitting clothes and a firmer abdominal appearance much sooner.
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