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Abdominal Etching: Another Six Pack Short Cut

by Wendy Travis

Most of us have heard of liposuction, a procedure used to remove pockets of unwanted fat for a leaner, contoured look. Doctors have now taken this technique a step further to provide abdominal etching; a treatment that removes additional fat layers to reveal the sculpted "six-pack" that many men crave today. Abdominal etching has slowly but surely grown in popularity, as more men are discovering this path to sexy abs and a leaner waistline. Plastic Surgery Portal has the lowdown on abdominal etching, to help you decide if this is the right procedure for you.

Who is a Candidate for Abdominal Etching?

Like liposuction, abdominal etching is not a quick weight loss fix. It is typically used on men (and women) of normal weight who have very localized pockets of fat that have not responded well to diet and exercise. The ideal candidate will also have well sculpted, strong abdominal muscles underneath the fat layer that can be effectively accentuated through the procedure. Patients who already subscribe to a healthy diet and exercise program will be more likely to maintain the results of abdominal etching over the long term.

How is the Procedure Done?

Abdominal etching is usually done in a doctor's office or outpatient facility. The patient is given a local anesthetic with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the preference of the doctor and patient. The surgery takes about an hour or two to complete, and the patient remains in recovery for a number of hours afterward for observation. Most patients return home the same day of the procedure.

The doctor will make a number of small incisions in the abdominal region, which are used to insert the cannula and remove excess fat tissue. The incisions are generally made in the belly button or natural folds of the abdomen so the scars are not easily visible after the procedure. The flexible cannula is often different from the one used for liposuction, even though the two procedures can be completed simultaneously in a single surgical session. Fat is removed through the cannula with the aid of a suction device attached to the other end of the tube. The fat is removed specifically along the muscle lines, resulting in a sculpted look once the procedure is complete.

Abdominal Etching Recovery

Patients do report some swelling and discomfort after the procedure, which can usually be managed effectively with pain medication. Patients are restricted in their activities for about one to three weeks, and may not be able to lift items weighing 10 pounds or more for much longer. Your doctor may also advise you to wear a surgical garment at all times except when bathing for up to six weeks after the procedure. While patients do not usually see full results of the procedure for six months, they may experience benefits, such as looser fitting clothing and a firmer abdomen, much sooner.

Abdominal Etching Risks and Side Effects

Like liposuction, risks associated with abdominal etching are relatively rare and may include:

Infection
Bleeding
Scarring
Bruising and swelling

In most cases, your doctor can easily manage potential complications, although they may make the recovery time frame somewhat longer. You can also do much to reduce your risks by choosing a doctor who is very experienced in the abdominal etching procedure.

Benefits of Abdominal Etching

The benefits of abdominal etching move beyond those of basic liposuction procedures. In addition to losing inches off your waistline, you will enjoy a more sculpted abdomen and the "six-pack" you have always dreamed of. Many people find that even after achieving a healthy weight, it is difficult to lose isolated pockets of fat in the abdominal region. This is where liposuction and abdominal etching come into play. For some patients, a combination of liposuction and abdominal etching may yield the best results.

The cost of abdominal etching ranges from about $4,000 to $10,000, depending on the extent of the surgery and where it is performed. To learn more about abdominal etching, or related procedures like liposuction, tummy tucks, and abdominal implants, contact us today and arrange your private consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon near you!

Find out more about abdominal etching and the latest liposuction procedures such as LipoSelection at a consultation today! Body contouring centers like Sono Bello of Atlanta can help you get the body you always wanted!