Abdominal Etching

Abdominal etching, or liposculpture, is a cosmetic procedure in which fat is strategically removed from the abdomen to create “abs” and a toned midsection. With the use of VASER liposuction, surgeons can remove small and specific pockets of tissue from the abdomen to flatten it and accentuate its outline.

As a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with many years of experience, Dr. Gordon Andan outlines each patient’s body contour with precision. With the help of advanced liposculpture using VASER Hi-Def, he skillfully removes fat with safe and moderately invasive techniques. New York Surgical Arts has two locations in New York City and Long Island to accommodate our patients in the area with all their body contouring needs.

Before and After Photos

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Take the first steps toward your dream body today by scheduling a private consultation with Dr. Andan. Call (516) 746-0155 or fill out our convenient contact form to get started.

What is Abdominal Etching?

Dr. Andan uses liposuction to remove stubborn fat collections that interfere with the outline of the abdomen to create perfectly defined abs. Abdominal etching targets specific and well-known subcutaneous planes of tissue to remove fat and improve the overall abdominal contour of a patient. It sketches out the lines that crisscross along the abdomen to help patients achieve “overnight abs” and a more defined midsection. To achieve this, Dr. Andan uses VASER Hi-Definition liposuction to keep the procedure safe and precise.

VASER Hi-Def Liposuction

VASER is a specific type of liposuction that combines the power of ultrasonic energy and suction to target and break up stubborn and hard-to-reach fat cells. The ultrasound agitates and dislodges the targeted fat cells after a special hollow needle (cannula) is inserted just beneath the surface of the skin. ⁽¹⁾

Liposculpture removes fat from the superficial layers of the body with the help of tumescent fluid. Dr. Andan targets the tiny pockets of fat that surround the abdominal musculature and removes them carefully to sculpt the area and bring the muscle outline to the forefront. VASER Hi-Def liposuction implements a 3D approach to highlight the muscles and create an aesthetically pleasing abdomen for both male and female patients. ⁽²⁾ Dr. Andan uses his extensive knowledge of human anatomy to create extremely precise outlines along the middle and sides of the abdomen.

It can be difficult to achieve the body you desire, even with a rigorous exercise routine. Abdominal etching allows Dr. Andan to create a sculpted physique by meticulously outlining the muscles and abdominal lines that already exist within your build.

Benefits of Abdominal Etching

There are many benefits of abdominal etching including:

Dr. Andan performs each abdominal etching procedure with great precision to create optimal contours for his patients. His attention to detail allows him to produce results that look natural and are long-lasting.

Am I a Good Candidate for Abdominal Etching?

Abdominal etching is the preferred technique for patients who are at a healthy weight with small amounts of excess fat that do not budge with diet and exercise alone. They may have small amounts of belly fat that collect near their ab muscles and the desire to reduce them. They must be in good overall health with no underlying medical conditions that negatively impact healing. It is important to have reasonable expectations and cosmetic desires before receiving this procedure. They must also be a non-smoker or willing to quit before their surgery to ensure a quick and smooth recovery. 

If a patient has a large amount of excess fat around the abdomen, they may be a better candidate for standard abdominal liposuction.

Personal Consultation at New York Surgical Arts

Dr. Andan will meet with you for a private consultation to talk about abdominal etching. During this meeting, he will examine your midsection and determine if VASER Hi-Def is right for you. He will also ask you about your medical history, lifestyle choices, and current daily routine. If you are committed to maintaining healthy habits and concentrated nutrition, he will then explain the procedure at length. He will take the time to understand your situation to create a procedure plan that best fits your needs and cosmetic goals. Dr. Andan will also inquire about your current medications and supplements to assess the state of your health. He may also take this time to describe all necessary medication alterations.

You will arrive at the appointment with a detailed outline of your medical history and allergies to better prepare Dr. Andan for your surgery. Once all of your questions are answered, a member of the New York Surgical Arts staff will assist you in scheduling your abdominal etching procedure and follow-up appointments. 

Preparation

Abdominal etching is a moderately invasive surgical procedure that requires some preparation to ensure a smooth process from start to finish. Dr. Andan provides a detailed schedule during your consultation. 

In the meantime, please refrain from:

Prepare the following:

Abdominal Etching Procedure

Dr. Andan starts the procedure by marking the abdomen to plan his approach. He then administers the proper anesthetic to keep you comfortable and applies a localized numbing agent to the abdomen. He then infiltrates the treatment area with tumescent fluid, containing lidocaine to help separate the fat cells from the surrounding tissues. This step also protects important blood vessels and nerves within the area and makes the liposuction procedure safer and less difficult. 

Once the tumescent fluid is applied, Dr. Andan uses the VASER Hi-Def probe to emulsify the fat in specific spaces surrounding the musculature. He then removes the liquified fat with suction cannulas to outline the ab muscles. The incisions are very small and do not need stitches, so he finishes the surgery by bandaging the small openings and wrapping the abdomen with a compression garment. Abdominal etching typically takes 1 to 3 hours to complete depending on the patient.

Recovery

You will wear your compression garment for 4 to 6 weeks to reduce swelling and preserve your results. You may return to work around the start of the second postoperative week. Dr. Andan encourages you to take short and gentle walks to keep your blood flowing and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Please take any prescribed medications as instructed to keep you comfortable throughout your recovery.

Results of Abdominal Etching

Most patients can observe and appreciate their desired results after 2 to 5 months of recovery. As swelling subsides and the skin’s elasticity returns, the abdomen tightens and the abs become more visible with time. Patients notice a more toned, slimmer, and outlined midsection. To maintain these results, please implement and keep a healthy exercise routine and nutritious diet.

This procedure typically allows patients to better uphold health regimens because of newfound body confidence and self-assurance. Toning and bringing attention toward the midsection can impart the necessary steps toward keeping a healthier and well-maintained physique.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Fat Transfer

After fat is removed safely during liposuction, it can also be utilized elsewhere instead of being discarded. Dr. Andan performs fat transfer, or fat grafting, to remove unwanted fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, and arms and place it in the breasts or buttocks to further improve body contour. Popularized by the Brazilian Butt Lift, this procedure both slims areas of the body and adds contour to others in the same procedure.

After performing liposuction, he cleans the removed fat cells through centrifugation. The tissue is quickly spun to separate the healthy fat cells from the surrounding blood and debris, and then Dr. Andan places it in syringes. He reinjects the healthy tissue into another part of the body to add volume and shape. 

To learn more about Dr. Andan and his daily practice at New York Surgical Arts, read our blog for articles focused on all types of cosmetic surgery.

Cost of Abdominal Etching in New York City

Dr. Andan explains the estimated cost for abdominal etching during your private consultation at New York Surgical Arts. Since each procedure plan is customized to the individual, your total price may differ from other patients. To schedule your appointment with us, call (516) 746-0155 or fill out our online form today. We look forward to hearing from you.

FAQ

References

1. HOYOS A, MILLARD J. VASER-assisted high-definition liposculpture. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2007;27(6):594-604. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asj.2007.08.007
2. Agochukwu-Nwubah N, Mentz HA. Abdominal Etching: Past and Present. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2019;39(12):1368-1377. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjz153