Overview
Atlanta plastic surgeons, Dr. John Connors and Dr. Alexandra Hart, take liposuction to an all new level for men seeking 6-pack abs. Men desiring a more sculpted abdominal appearance may consider ab etching to help get them closer to having the muscular appearance they wish to achieve. This specialty surgery uses liposuction to enhance the definition of the abdominal muscles by removing excess fat and reshaping the abdominal region to create “rippling” effect and a sculpted ab appearance. The best candidates for abdominal etching are men in relatively good shape who desire a more defined abdomen without intrusive scarring.
Abdominal Etching Reviews
Surgical Technique
Abdominal etching is done with a special tumescent liposuction technique. The procedure removes and sculpts fatty tissue residing under the skin. Before the procedure, detailed markings are made of the patient’s flexed abs. During the surgery, small incisions are made within the natural contours of the abdomen. This helps minimize scarring. Through these incisions, fat is removed in some areas, thinned in others, and rearranged to accentuate the abdomen (rectus) muscles and the linea alba (the line running down the center of the abdomen).
During/After Surgery
All male abdominal etching procedures are performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure at an accredited surgical facility. The surgery typically lasts about an hour. Following surgery, there will be some swelling and bruising in the abdomen. A compression garment should be worn for 3-6 weeks. Most patients are able to resume a normal work schedule within 1 week and incorporate exercise within 3 weeks. The full effect of surgery should be noticed within 6 months. This surgery allows men increased definition of their abdominals.
Plan Your Procedure
- Recovery Time
- 1-2 Weeks
- Average Procedure Time
- 1 Hour
- Post-op Follow-up
- 3-6 Weeks
- Procedure Recovery Location
- Outpatient
Abdominal Etching FAQs
Will I Have a “6 Pack”?
For the ideal candidate, yes! Many people hope for a “6 pack” and work for years without attaining the desired results. This is caused by a layer of fat covering the muscle. Abdominal etching removes and sculpts this layer of fat, resulting in the desired “6 pack” for most candidates. Patients with muscle tone already present see the greatest results.
Who is the Ideal Candidate?
The ideal candidate for abdominal etching is a male with up to 20% body fat and preexisting muscle tissue, but who feels let down because he cannot attain “washboard abs”.
Is Liposuction Always Needed?
In most cases, yes. The soft tissue and fat that collects in excess will need to be removed using a liposuction method. There are many liposuction techniques to consider. Some are less invasive and use a mechanism that can help the skin become tighter on the chest wall. These methods can be discussed during your consultation.
What About Scarring?
Incisions for this surgery are well concealed. They are usually placed near the areola or in the lines between the abdominal muscles and are typically small enough that scarring is minimized. Over time, the incision lines will fade and become almost nonexistent for most men.
