What is abdominal etching and is it permanent?
High-Definition Abdominal Liposuction
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that effectively removes stubborn fat that doesn’t go away with diet and exercise. If you’ve tried everything, are a healthy weight, and have relentless areas of fat here and there, this treatment might be just what you need.
Liposuction is an ultra-versatile surgical technique that can be done in your belly, hips, back, legs, arms, and even face. While liposuction is incredible, sometimes you just need a little extra for the biggest problem area of all: your abs. Known as abdominal etching or high-definition liposuction, this surgery improves the already amazing results from liposuction and gives you an ultra-detailed sculpted figure over your abdominal muscles.
What is high-definition liposuction?
If you are in good condition and follow a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, and still have a “beer belly” or a bulge in your abdomen, you are not alone. Thousands of men and women who engage in a healthy diet and exercise struggle with their abdominals and they, just like you, cannot achieve six-pack abs even with an ideal body weight. This area of our bodies is particularly resistant to exercise and diets, but with surgical intervention, your cosmetic surgeon can sculpt your underlying abdominal muscles and do away with unwanted excess fat.
What’s the difference between abdominal etching and regular liposuction?
Regular Liposuction
During traditional liposuction, your surgeon will:
- Inject a tumescent solution into the area. This solution contains lidocaine, epinephrine, and sterile saltwater. Together, they help the treatment area bleed less, facilitate fat removal, and minimize bruising.
- Make small incisions in the treatment area.
- Insert a cannula (thin straw-like tube) and suction out unwanted fat.
The Abdominal Etching Procedure
Abdominal etching, as we mentioned earlier, gives great results and improves the shape of the body. However, traditional liposuction will not give you a chiseled body contour on your ab muscles the way only HD liposuction can.
During Ab etching or HD liposuction, your surgeon will:
- Start with a similar process to traditional liposuction, but target your abdominal muscles.
- Use a special liposuction cannula to remove fat specifically along the abdominal muscle lines.
- Potentially transfer fat to delineate certain muscles and accentuate your abs more, resulting in ripped six-pack abs.
What to expect from high-definition liposuction targeting abdominal muscles
For most abdominal etching patients, liposuction is generally an outpatient procedure. After your surgery, you might feel a bit sore and swollen. Most discomfort passes after 3 or 4 days after the surgical procedure, and you’ll be able to go back to work. To be more comfortable during recovery and help your body heal faster, you’ll have to wear compression garments for several weeks. As you follow up with your surgeon, you’ll see your results improve as the swelling decreases. Give your body a couple of weeks to fully heal to appreciate the results of your abdominal HD liposuction: abs of steel.
Remember that as with all surgical procedures, everyone heals from abdominal etching surgery at a different rate. However, once the swelling is completely gone, you’ll be able to enjoy a contoured shape where your sculpted stomach muscles are clear and defined. Abdominal etching will have you longing for summer and swimsuit days just so you can show off your six-pack abs.
How long does abdominal etching last? Are abdominal etching surgery results permanent?
You’ll be happy to learn that the results from HD liposuction last for a very long time. In fact, they’re practically permanent. The fat cells that your surgeon removes from the abdominal area during HD liposuction won’t return.
If you maintain a healthy weight, you’ll enjoy the results from your HD lipo for years. On the other hand, it’s important to remember that if you gain weight, your other fat cells can increase. This weight gain can result in fat pockets that resist diet and exercise.
How much does abdominal etching cost?
At VIDA Wellness and Beauty Center in Tijuana, the cost of the abdominal etching procedure averages $3,800 USD. You can always call us at (619)610-1667 to get a personalized quote for abdominal etching surgery and arrange a free virtual consultation with one of our board-certified cosmetic surgeons.
Dr. Alejandro Quiroz
Dr. Quiroz is our board-certified Chief Plastic Surgeon at VIDA Clinic in Tijuana. He specializes in Facial Rejuvenation, Neck lift, Buttock Augmentation, Breast Augmentation, Body Contouring and more. He is member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, San Diego Plastic Surgery Society, the Mexican Society of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and the Mexican Council of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, to mention a few.