Abdominal Etching®
About Ab Etching
No matter how many crunches, planks, and other core exercises some people perform, they will never be able to get well-defined, washboard abs because of a stubborn layer of fat covering the muscles. This fat is often caused by genetics and is almost impossible to eliminate on your own, which can be frustrating. Abdominal etching (also known as ab etch) at Y Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery uses liposculpture (a more detailed version of surgical liposuction) to remove fat that is resistant to diet and exercise, while emphasizing the lines of the stomach muscles. Abdominal etching by our triple board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Asaf Yalif in Metro Atlanta, GA, is ideal for men and women who are fit and toned overall, but who simply need a little extra help to reveal their six-pack.
Ideal Candidates
Ab etching is best for patients who are close to a six-pack, but have stubborn pockets of fat. The ideal candidate will have:
- Less than 18% total body fat
- Well-toned abdominal muscles
- Tried a healthy diet and exercise
- A healthy, stable weight
What to Expect
Abdominal etching is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in about 1 hour with the patient under local or general anesthesia. The surgeon will clean the abdominal area and outline the muscles to use as guides during the surgery. Small incisions are made in inconspicuous areas, like the navel and the natural skin creases to allow a thin liposuction cannula under the skin. The surgeon will carefully remove stubborn pockets of fat to enhance the muscle lines and to get a smooth contour. The incisions will be closed and the patient will be put in a compression garment to speed their healing process. Patients should only remove the compression garment for bathing and they should limit movement and avoid exercise and lifting anything over 10 pounds until they are cleared by their doctor.
Asaf Yalif M.D., F.A.C.S.
Triple Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Yalif combines the skill of a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with a warm bedside manner that puts patients at ease from the moment they meet him. He leads a small team of dedicated professionals at our boutique practice, where each you'll be treated as a member of the Y Plastic Surgery family. Learn More
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Anticipated Results
After following the surgeon’s recovery instructions, patients should begin to see their final results 6 months after their surgery when the swelling is gone and the body has fully healed. Patient’s should have long-lasting results as long as they maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Natural aging will continue, which may cause loose, sagging skin that can be removed with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).
Get Your Six-Pack
If endless crunches, hours of cardio, and a healthy diet still can’t remove the layer of fat that’s hiding your abdominal muscles and keeping you from having washboard abs, schedule a consultation to learn more about abdominal etching. Ab etching enhances and defines the muscles for a chiseled “six-pack.”