Abdominal Etching for Male Body Contouring

Abdominal etching for male body contouring utilizes liposuction to target fat along the muscle layer which allows the muscles to become more defined. Abdominal etching, also known as “Ab etching, uses a cannula to contour and shape the abdominal fat pad while eliminating excess fat to provide a flatter stomach. This type of procedure is popular among males since men tend to have an abdomen with denser fat that may hide the underlying muscles.  Abdominal etching for male body contouring can remove specific lines of fat and reveal the patient’s natural muscle tone while providing a better-defined six pack. Men differ from women in the fact that men usually do not have excess skin. Women tend to have looser fat with extra skin but some who have a tight skin envelope could benefit from Ab etching performed with a feminine approach.

Am I a Good Candidate for Abdominal Etching for Male Body Contouring?

A GOOD CANDIDATE for abdominal etching includes:

• Any patient who already has well-toned, underlying abdominal muscles which can be accentuated by etching
• Male patients who wish to achieve a more chiseled appearance
• A patient who has already undergone a tummy tuck or liposuction and desires a washboard looking stomach
• Any patient whose six-pack can be felt but not seen
• Patients with good skin tone
• Any patient willing to make lifestyle changes to maintain the results of the procedure

The following patients are NOT GOOD CANDIDATES for Ab etching:

• A patient who has lost a massive amount of weight and has loose or hanging skin
• Patients who are overweight or obese and wish to remove large amounts of fat
• Any patient who has serious medical conditions which may increase surgical risks or impede healing
• Patients with unrealistic expectations

How is Abdominal Etching for Male Body Contouring Performed?

Abdominal etching is typically performed on an outpatient basis using either local or general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes less than an hour to complete.

The surgeon starts by marking the outline of the patient’s abdominal muscles to serve as a guide during the surgery. Small incisions will be made in the belly button or along the natural creases on the abdomen. A cannula is inserted through the incision and the surgeon uses tumescent fluid to infiltrate the treatment area. The surgeon then uses a precise back and forth movement to loosen the fat along the lines in order to sculpt the abs with the desired contours. Any excess fat and fluids are suctioned out with the cannula. The incisions are typically so small that they usually do not require sutures. However, surgical bandages may be used to cover the wounds.

Combined with Other Procedures

Abdominal etching is often paired with other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction of the hips or thighs. Having liposuction on several areas of the body at one time can be less expensive than having them done individually.

Patients who have lost a lot of weight, or have excess hanging skin, may require a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty with, or prior to, abdominal etching. A tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat but abdominal etching uses liposuction which cannot treat excess skin.

What is the Cost of Abdominal Etching for Male Body Contouring?

The cost of Ab etching depends on several factors such as the amount of fat to be removed and the surgeon’s experience. The cost can also be increased depending on the geographic location of the procedure and if general anesthesia is used rather than local anesthesia. Therefore, abdominal etching can range from $4000 to $10,000.

Recovery and Downtime

After Ab etching, the patient will experience some discomfort which can be managed with pain medications. The surgical area can be bruised with some swelling at the start of the RECOVERY period. A compression garment will be worn 22-24 hours a day, for up to six weeks, except when bathing. This garment will minimize swelling and help the tissues adjust to their new contours more swiftly. Surgeons may also recommend the use of a scrotal support, or jockstrap, since gravity can cause scrotal swelling during the first few days.

Most patients are able to return to work after about one week of DOWNTIME. Lifting anything over 10 pounds and other strenuous activities should be avoided for the first 2 weeks.

Results

Some results can be noticed within 7 to 14 days when most of the swelling and bruising has subsided. Residual swelling can continue for up to 3 months. At 3 to 6 weeks post-op, the tissue will begin to form the desired abdominal contours as the skin retracts. Therefore, gradual changes can be noticed during this time. The biggest improvements can be seen over the first 6 weeks but additional improvements can be observed for up to 6 months. The effects of abdominal etching for male body contouring can last a long time since the removed fat can never come back. However, neighboring fat cells can increase in size from improper diet and lack of exercise. Furthermore, fluctuations in weight can stretch out the tissue and void the results. To maintain the results, patients should adopt a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

Limitations of Abdominal Etching for Male Body Contouring

The limitations of abdominal etching for make body contouring include:

• The amount of etching that can occur on a patient with a thick abdominal fat pad
• Patients who are overweight may need to lose some weight before having this procedure
• Patients who are having weight fluctuations may be limited until they maintain a stable weight for approximately 6-12 months

Risks of Abdominal Etching for Male Body Contouring

The risks associated with Ab etching include:

• An allergic or adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Damage to the nerves or underlying structures
• Uneven results
• Internal or external scarring

Removing Fat to Expose a Six-Pack

Abdominal etching for male body contouring can remove unwanted fat pockets while sculpting the abdominal muscles to expose a six-pack. This type of treatment can benefit anyone with some muscle tone and good skin tone of the abdomen. Abdominal etching is a step beyond liposuction since its focus is contouring the abdomen to provide better definition to the underlying muscles. Prospective patients should consult with a board-certified surgeon who performs abdominal etching for male body contouring on a regular basis.

Written by Cosmetic Town Editorial Team -AA

Based on an exclusice interview with Dr. Camille Cash in Houston, TX.