What is Abdominal Etching?

Abdominal etching goes beyond conventional liposuction fat removal techniques to give you a flatter, tighter stomach with stronger muscle definition. It is different from an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, in that with a tummy tuck, the abdomen muscles can be tightened or removed, whereas abdominal etching only removes and sculpts fat and skin from in front of the muscle wall.

Who is a Good Candidate for Abdominal Etching?

The best candidates for abdominal etching are those with naturally athletic-looking underlying muscles that can be enhanced by this procedure. Good liposuction candidates tend to have very localized, exercise-resistant fat deposits. They can get additional improvements through abdominal etching. Patients who undergo a tummy tuck to reduce loosened muscles and excessive fat can also achieve a more athletic-looking appearance with abdominal etching. The success of the results depends on the patient’s own anatomy and fitness more than anything else. A sensible diet and exercise are absolutely essential to maintain the benefits.

Can It Be Combined With Other Procedures?

This technique can also be used at the same time as liposuction. Abdominal etching can be done at the same time as other procedures as well, depending on the combination of treatments you have worked out in consultation with your plastic surgeon.

Where Is It Performed?

Abdominal etching is typically performed in the plastic surgeon’s office or in an outpatient clinic. It will take about one hour. The procedure is often done under local "twilight" anesthesia—which means you are sleepy, sedated, and awake. It can also be performed under general anesthesia, while you are asleep.

The plastic surgeon will make several mall incisions of one to two mm in the belly button or in the natural creases of the abdomen. In this way he or she ensures that the incisions are not highly visible. The surgeon then uses a hollow tube-like instrument to remove excess fat and skin. This technique is delicate and includes sculpting grooves in the fat layers to emphasize a muscular appearance. A different but similar instrument may be used to perform liposuction than to perform the abdominal etching.

Recovery and Complications

Usually, patients return home within a few hours of their abdominal etching surgery. Results can vary and are highly contingent upon the patient’s individual anatomy.

As with any medical procedure, complications are possible. The most typical albeit infrequent complications include infection, bleeding, and excessive scarring. Your doctor can help in these situations; but be aware they can prolong the recovery period.