Abdominal Etching in Houston, TX

Abdominal etching in Houston, TX is a surgical body contouring procedure that removes extra fat from around the waist, allowing your six-pack to show through. Many people can be fit and even at an ideal weight but still not have noticeable ab muscles and definition in the ab area. This procedure addresses that. 

The procedure is completed during an outpatient procedure. During the surgery, the doctor will use a microcannula to remove excess fat under the skin around the abs. Several tiny incisions are made around the abdomen. These minute incisions help reduce scarring and either remove fat or thin it and rearrange it to improve the contours of the abdominal muscles and the line that runs down the center of the stomach.

For this procedure, the doctor may recommend general anesthesia or a local anesthetic. Surgery duration is usually about an hour, followed by several hours of monitoring before a same-day release to continue recovery.

Following the procedure, be prepared for some swelling and bruising around the incision areas. The doctor will place a compression garment on the abs to be worn for three to six weeks. The first week of recovery requires limited activity, but within a week return to work is often possible.  About three weeks out from surgery, the doctor will likely allow you to begin light exercise. You will start to see results as the swelling goes down, with full effects becoming visible within six months. Scarring is minimal because the incisions are placed strategically to be less obvious. Incision lines will fade with time.

Risks with this procedure are minimal, but a few possible side effects do exist. They include:

• Damage to the nerves and blood vessels
• Discoloration of the skin
• Irregular healing
• Bumpy skin
• Swelling
• Fluid accumulation

However, these risks can be minimized when working with an experienced plastic surgeon.

The ideal candidate for abdominal etching is someone who is in great shape because they have worked at diet and exercise to gain those six-pack abs. They should have less than 30 percent body fat but not be too thin, with healthy skin tone and muscle.  The person who wants to undergo this procedure should be healthy enough to handle general anesthesia if it is recommended. Results will vary by person based on their unique physique and response to the procedure.

Abdominal etching costs will vary, depending on how much work needs to be done. It can vary from around $3,000 to $10,000, based on the person’s goals. You’ll also want to add in the cost for time off from work, which can range from 10 days to two weeks or longer if you are at a job that requires you to be standing, walking, or lifting heavy objects for part or all of the day.

Consider liposuction with Dr. Leo Lapuerta when you want results from abdominal etching. While not as invasive as a tummy tuck or other plastic surgery options, this procedure requires the expertise of someone with many years of experience. Dr. Lapuerta is a triple-board certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years caring for patients.

Schedule a free consultation to find out how ab etching can enhance the way you look and feel about your stomach and your body.