Ab Etching NYC: Abdominal Etching in New York

HISTORY OF AB ETCHING

For people who’ve tried unsuccessfully for years to achieve six-pack abs with diet and exercise, the idea of abdominal etching may be very appealing.

Abdominal etching first gained popularity in the 1990s. Since then, new technologies have allowed cosmetic surgeons to carry out this type of liposuction with results that are more consistent and predictable. But results do vary widely, and not everyone reports being satisfied with their results.

AB ETCHING NYC: WHO IS THE  IDEAL CANDIDATE?

As with any surgical procedure, abdominal etching carries a risk of complications. The ideal candidate for abdominal etching is a healthy person who doesn’t smoke, has no life threatening health conditions, and doesn’t have obesity.

Abdominal etching works best for people who are less than 30 percent over their ideal body weight, with healthy muscle and skin tone. Your age and your skin’s elasticity should also be considered when being realistic about the results of abdominal etching.

People who undergo any type of liposuction must be healthy enough to safely go under anesthesia.

NEW YORK CITY AB ETCHING: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Abdominal etching is considered an elective cosmetic procedure. That meansthat it isn’t covered by health insurance. You should expect to cover the costsof this procedure, including any anesthesia it requires, out of pocket.

Your cosmetic surgeon should be able to provide a clear breakdown of these costs during an office consultation. Anecdotal reports suggest that these costs can range from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on your provider and location.

When tallying how much abdominal etching may cost you, remember to account for how much time you’ll need to take off from work to recover from the procedure. The average recovery time is 10 days to 2 weeks. However, if you work in a job that requires you to be on your feet, or if your recovery is more complicated than average, it isn’t unusual to need extra time off.

How does abdominal etching work?

Abdominal etching works similarly to traditional liposuction, but there’s one important distinction. The fat deposits that cover your abdominal muscles are carefully carved off your body, using small incisions usually based around your belly button.

When done carefully, this technique can deepen the natural grooves in your body and make your ab muscles appear much more prominent.

Fat deposits may also be taken from the sides overlying your oblique abdominal muscles to narrow your midsection. When the swelling subsides and the area heals, you should see a visibly toned midsection.

Their ideal body weight, with healthy muscle and skin tone. Your age and your skin’s elasticity should also be considered when being realistic about the results of abdominal etching. People who undergo any type of liposuction must be healthy enough to safely go under anesthesia.

NYC AB ETCHING PROCEDURE

Your abdominal etching procedure will take about an hour, on average.

1. While you’re standing up, your doctor will mark the areas that are being sculpted and enhanced. This may feel a bit like your abs are being drawn on. Once you’re both satisfied with the intended result, you’ll be ready to lie down and prepare for surgery.

2. A foam dressing that matches the drawing on your body will then be applied to your body. You’ll be put under general or local anesthesia, depending on your preference and your doctor’s recommendation.

3. The skin on your belly will be numb as the doctor makes incisions, called ports, to access and remove the fat deposits. This process will be done using a scalpel and a cannula pump (an instrument that drains fluid or fat deposits). The ports will be open until the end of the surgery to drain fat, fluid, and blood from your body.

4. Your incisions are then closed and dressed. A compression garment is applied to your midsection to ensure that the belly begins to heal. The foam dressing that was applied before surgery stays on under the compression garment.

5. After the fat is removed and the anesthesia wears off, you’ll need to keep the compression garment on until your doctor gives you the go- ahead to remove it, typically 4 to 6 weeks.

Targeted areas for abdominal etching

Abdominal etching only targets your waistline and midsection. The rectus abdominis and obliques are the most affected by this type of liposuction.

Risks and side effects

Abdominal etching is considered a low-risk cosmetic procedure. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a risk of complications and side effects.

Common side effects after a liposuction procedure like abdominal etching include:

• nerve and blood vessel damage
• skin discoloration
• bumpy skin or irregular healing
• swelling
• fluid accumulation
• anesthesia bruising or headaches

You may also notice pus or discharge coming from the site of your procedure.

If the pus is greenish or yellow-tinged, contact your doctor.

Having a fever in the days after an abdominal etching an also be a sign of an infection. Let your doctor know about these side effects, and seek emergency medical care right away if you suspect you have an infection.

What to expect after abdominal etching

As of 2019, there were only three published reports that follow the results of people who had abdominal etching. The sample sizes for these studies were small, but those who participated did report being pleased with the results of the procedure.

In a 2019 study of 50 people who had the procedure, 98 percent of participants were satisfied with the results 27 months after the procedure.

Recovery from abdominal etching takes some time. Immediately after the procedure, you may need to wear a compression garment to make sure that the cosmetic surgeon’s work seals and heals smoothly.

You’ll most likely be able to resume most of your normal activities 2 weeks after abdominal etching.

One study reported that you can resume exercise as quickly as 5 days post-surgery, but that advice may vary according to your specific procedure.

In any case, avoid strenuous exercise until you’re cleared by your doctor. This includes anything that would contract the ab muscles, such as crunches and planks.

After 2 to 5 months, you’ll be able to see the full results of your abdominal etching procedure. As swelling subsides and your skin begins to adhere to its new shape, you should be able to see your abs more visibly and a tighter, more toned-looking midsection.

Abdominal etching claims to produce permanent results, with some caveats. Weight gain and pregnancy can erase the results of this procedure. Also, the natural aging process of your body means that eventually your abs might not be as defined and visible as they are right after the procedure.

NYC AB ETCHING BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES

Here are some photos of people who’ve had abdominal etching from the South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

Preparing for abdominal etching

Preparing for abdominal etching is a similar process to getting ready for traditional liposuction. The first part of the process involves a detailed consultation with a licensed and board-certified cosmetic surgeon. You’ll talk about your expectations for the procedure, as well as any unique caveats for your specific body type and health concerns.

For 2 weeks before the procedure, you’ll need to avoid taking aspirin, herbal supplements, and any medication that can thin your blood and increase your bleeding risk. Your doctor should be aware of any prescription medications that you’re taking before your procedure. You may also be advised to stop smoking if you currently smoke.

Before the procedure, you’ll need to arrange a ride to and from the facility where it’s being performed. The pain and swelling are minimal, but you’ll still not be permitted to drive yourself home.