Abdominal Etching: Is It For You?

Cost of Abdominal Etching

Abdominal etching is a cosmetic procedure that is considered elective. That is, health insurance does not cover it. Therefore, you should anticipate paying for this plastic surgery procedure out of pocket, including any anesthetic required. 

During an office consultation, your cosmetic surgeon should be able to provide a detailed breakdown of these expenditures. According to anecdotal estimates, these expenses can range between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the supplier and area. 

When calculating the expense of abdominal etching, keep in mind how much time you’ll need off work to heal. The typical time required for recovery is between 10 days to 2 weeks. 

However, if you work in a field that involves constant movement or if your recovery is more challenging than average, it is not uncommon to require additional time off.

How does it actually work?

While abdominal etching is comparable to traditional liposuction, there is one significant difference. The fat deposits that cover your abdominal muscles are meticulously removed from your body, typically through small incisions around your belly button. 

When performed correctly, this method can help to deepen the natural grooves in your body and make your ab muscles much more noticeable. 

To further narrow your waistline, excess fat may be removed from the sides covering your oblique abdominal muscles. Once the swelling has subsided, and the area has healed, you should notice a more toned midsection.

Procedure for Abdominal Etching

On average, your abdomen etching treatment will take about an hour.

1. Your doctor will mark the areas that will be sculpted and enhanced while you are standing. This may give the impression that your abs are being drawn on. Once both of you are comfortable with the desired outcome, you can lie down and prepare for plastic surgery. 
2. After that, a foam dressing that matches the drawing on your body will be applied. You will be sedated with either general or local anesthetic, depending on your request and the recommendation of your doctor. 
3. Your stomach skin will be numbed as the doctor makes incisions called “ports” to access and remove the fat deposits. This procedure will be carried out with the use of a scalpel and a cannula pump. The ports will remain open until the procedure is complete, allowing fat, fluid, and blood to be drained from your body. 
4. Following that, your incisions are closed and dressed. Next, a compression garment is placed around your stomach to aid in the healing process. The foam dressing applied prior to surgery remains in place beneath the compression garment. 
5. After the fat is removed and the anesthesia wears off, you must wear the compression garment until your doctor gives you the green light to remove it, which is usually four to six weeks.

Ab etching is a procedure that focuses exclusively on the waistline and stomach. This type of liposuction has the greatest effect on the rectus abdominis and obliques.

Risks and Side Effects to Look Out For

Abdominal etching is a relatively safe cosmetic procedure. However, this does not negate the possibility of risks and side effects. 

Following a liposuction procedure such as abdominal etching, the following are common adverse effects:

• damage to the nerves and blood vessels 
• discoloration of the skin 
• abrasions on the skin or an uneven healing 
• headaches or anesthesia bruising

Additionally, you may see pus or discharge emanating from the operation site. Consult your doctor if the pus is greenish or yellow in color. 

Fever in the days following abdominal etching may potentially be an indication of infection. Inform your doctor of these side effects and seek emergency medical attention immediately if you suspect an infection.

How to prepare for the whole procedure?

The method of preparing for abdominal etching is similar to that of preparing for traditional liposuction. The procedure begins with a thorough consultation with a professional and board-certified cosmetic surgeon. You’ll discuss your expectations for the procedure, as well as any special considerations related to your body type and health concerns. 

You must abstain from aspirin, herbal supplements, and any prescription that can thin your blood and raise your risk of bleeding for two weeks prior to the surgery. Your doctor should be informed of any prescription medications you are currently taking prior to the surgery. Additionally, you may be encouraged to quit smoking if you presently do. 

Prior to the procedure, you must arrange transportation to and from the location where it will be performed. Although the discomfort and swelling are mild, you will still be unable to drive yourself home.

Difference Between Abdominal Etching VS. Traditional Liposuction

Abdominal etching is fairly comparable to traditional liposuction in terms of preparing for the surgery, recuperation period, and operation needs. 

The outcome of abdominal etching is more noticeable than traditional liposuction. Additionally, it may be more expensive and inconvenient to locate a surgeon trained in this process. 

Abdominal etching is a type of advanced or three-dimensional liposuction, which implies that the outcomes are exceedingly precise and target specific parts of the body. 

Liposuction performed traditionally is not as precise. This does mean, however, that if your abdominal etching does not heal well or if your body recovers in a way that your doctor did not predict, you are more likely to require corrective surgery. 

Only three guys required corrective surgery in a survey of 512 males who had abdominal etching surgeries.

The Bottomline

If you’re considering abdominal etching, the first step is to consult with a professional and board-certified cosmetic surgeon to see whether you’re a perfect candidate. 

You may wish to bring a list of specific questions to an in-office consultation, including recovery time, cost, and what to expect from your outcomes.