We all wish we had a washboard stomach. Trips to the gym for classes and workouts may help, but unfortunately, when even a small amount of fat remains on the abdomen, it may hide those impressive muscles you’ve worked so hard for. For those looking for a way to get a well-defined and sexy six-pack, there is the ab etching procedure also known as lipo sculpting or Hi-Def Liposuction.
At some point the results of exercise and diet plateau. Sometimes no matter how many sit-ups you do, it fails to deliver those chiseled abdominal muscles you want. Imagine a proven and quick procedure that gives you defined six-pack abs without the use of implants.
If you’re a man or a woman looking for more defined abdominal muscles, there’s a cosmetic treatment for that. Abdominal etching is a popular procedure that involves a qualified cosmetic surgeon sculpting abs into your stomach muscles and superficial fat to give you the 6-pack you’ve been unable to achieve in the gym.
The ab etching cosmetic technique was developed by Doctor Henry Mentz in 1992. The purpose was to rid the body of the annoying abdominal fat that tends to be resistant to diet and exercise. Isn’t it frustrating that you can diet like crazy and do sit-ups until your core is sore, and six-pack abdominal muscles can still elude you? Abdominal etching is meant to do away with your frustration while giving you abs to die for.
It is important not to confuse ab etching with other treatments like the tummy tuck or liposuction. The tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is useful for removing excess skin and fat but doesn’t create quite as much definition as ab etching. Traditional liposuction is the better option for removing large pockets of stubborn body fat while ab etching is best used for that last bit of fat that covers up your abdominal muscles. Lipo also doesn’t create as much definition around the abdominal muscles as ab etching tends to.
Abdominal etching comes with quite a few benefits, making it a popular cosmetic treatment for anyone desiring:
One of the most significant benefits of revolutionary ab etching is the ability to give you dramatic results when diet and exercise fail to give you the ideal body. Imagine achieving six-pack abs within a single surgical session. This is a major draw for anyone who has put in hours of exercise without the abdominal definition to show for it. Ab sculpting can also reduce your waist size. With a healthy diet and regular workout routine, you can retain your six-pack and even enhance the results of the abdominal sculpting procedure.
Abdominal etching is associated with a fast recovery period. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities within five to seven days. As for regular exercise, you can be back in the gym in around three weeks following the ab etching procedure.
The definition obtained following abdominal etching is considered permanent. This is because your body cannot replace the fat cells once they are removed with the ab etching procedure. You must do your part by living a healthy lifestyle if you hope to retain optimal results long into the future. That is because significant weight gain following the procedure can have a negative effect on the final outcome. While you are unlikely to replace fat cells, the cells on other parts will grow if you gain weight, which can skew your results.
Some people are afraid to have cosmetic surgery because they are afraid that visible scars will be left behind. This is not the case with ab etching. The technique requires tiny incisions that become almost invisible once healed. Cosmetic surgeons are also trained to hide incision marks within the natural folds of your body, further obscuring scarring produced by the ab etching surgery.
Having a flatter tummy and six-pack abs can have dramatic effects on your silhouette. Your clothes will fit better, and your body will appear leaner.
This is one of the best reasons to undergo an abdominal etching procedure. Knowing that all your hard work in the gym is finally showing through can have immense effects on your body image and self-esteem.
Liposculpting is not for everyone. You know you are a suitable candidate for abdominal etching surgery if you are relatively fit and have naturally athletic-looking abdominal muscles that are unfortunately covered up by small pockets of stubborn fat.
In other words, if your body fat is greater than 18%, you might look into a different fat extraction technique such as liposuction instead. Ab etching is for those who are almost at their goal weight and need help spot-reducing fat around the abdominal region.
The first step to undergoing an ab etching procedure is to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon such as Doctor Babak Moein. The purpose of this discreet meeting is to determine if lipo sculpting is a good fit for your physique and weight.
If you are a viable candidate, the day of surgery can be scheduled at your earliest convenience. The day before ab sculpting, you are encouraged to drink at least two liters of water. Your cosmetic surgeon will also advise that you do not eat at least two hours before the surgical session.
Your ab etching procedure with Doctor Moein at Moein Surgical Arts will require anywhere from one to three hours to complete. Before surgery begins, Doctor Moein may use a marker to create outlines to better define the areas around the ab muscles. These markings act as guidelines for the lipo-sculpting procedure during surgery. While Doctor Moein is creating the guidance markers, you will be asked to contract your muscles in order to provide the clearest picture of your abdominal area.
Once the abdominal region has been marked, you will be administered anesthesia (general or local). Doctor Moein will then create one to two-millimeter incisions, either in the natural contours of your abdomen or in the belly button. A highly flexible cannula, which is a fat-reduction tool, will be inserted into the incisions. That is when Doctor Moein will begin suctioning the fat along the natural lines of your abdominal muscles. Finally, Doctor Moein will seal the incisions using medical sutures.
Abdominal etching is associated with a quick recovery period. We recommend staying home from work for the first three to five days after your surgery. In around one to three weeks from the procedure date, you will be able to return to your everyday activities, including exercise.
After around 48 hours, you’ll be free to shower again. You’ll need to avoid putting any sort of stress or pressure on your abdomen for a period of about three weeks. It will be recommended that you do not lift anything over 10 lbs. until your cosmetic surgeon okays it.
Swelling and bruising are a normal part of your recovery process. For three to six weeks of your ab etching recovery, you will need to wear a compression garment to control post-surgical swelling. In around six months or less from the procedure date, you’ll be able to see the full results.
Abdominal etching produces immediately noticeable results. According to a report published in Healthline, 98% of patients surveyed were satisfied with their results up to 27 months following the procedure. While you will see instant results, swelling and bruising can persist. You will be able to see the full results of your abdominal etching procedure after 2 to 5 months. At that point, your abs will be more visible and tighter with a toned-looking midsection.
Ab etching is a surgical procedure that you can opt for solely or in tandem with procedures like traditional liposuction, weight loss surgery, and the tummy tuck for additional body sculpting.
Some patients opt for liposuction for larger body parts such as their back, flanks, thighs, and arms, while ab etching takes care of the stubborn fat along the abdominal region.
Bariatric or weight loss surgery can be an effective treatment for obesity and weight-related ailments such as type 2 diabetes. Once the excess weight has come off, ab etching can be used as a component of post-bariatric body contouring surgery.
A tummy tuck can be used to remove excess fat and saggy skin from the abdominal area. Ab etching can then be used to further define your abdomen once your belly is flatter without all the extra tissue getting in the way. The tummy tuck and ab etching are popular inclusions in what cosmetic surgeons like to call the Mommy Makeover.
Gynecomastia surgery or male breast reduction surgery is useful for ridding the body of male breasts. Ab etching and gynecomastia surgery can be combined in a single surgical session that cosmetic surgeons like to call the Daddy Do-Over.
Liposculpting can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on your provider and location. To receive an accurate quote for the ab etching procedure, schedule a consultation with Doctor Moein.
Many patients ask if health insurance will cover some or all of the costs of the abdominal etching procedure. Since ab etching is considered an elective, insurance is unlikely to cover the costs associated with cosmetic surgery. Doctor Moein does partner with medical finance companies such as Care Credit and Prosper Healthcare Lending, which can help you cover the costs instead of paying directly out of pocket.
If you are relatively fit and find yourself frustrated with the state of your abs, the ab etching procedure may be right for you. Find out more about ab etching and determine your candidacy for the cosmetic technique by scheduling a consultation at Moein Surgical Arts.
To find out more about Doctor Babak Moein, we advise you to request a consultation online. If you prefer, you are more than welcome to call our office to schedule your appointment. 310-694-4486