Low body fat percentage and fit and unsure if I’m an eligible candidate? (Photo)

Question

I’ve always been on the smaller side weighing 39 kg and 154 cm and I’m also very active doing Pilates and weightlifting and daily walking but I can never get more ab definition than I currently have. I’ve seen some people with similar BF% able to do like a mini ab etching to draw out namely their oblique lines and I’d like to do the same if possible but because of my metabolism and skinny stature I’m not sure if it’s even recommended or achievable.

Jerimiah Mason, MD · Answer

If you are looking to define your abdominal muscles more, abdominal etching is certainly a reasonable option for you.  You wouldn't need much, and if you do too much it tends to look a little masculine, but some mild etching would look great on you.

Oliver Chang, MD · Answer

Just based off your photos, you are in great shape. Ab etching can help define some of the more feminine lateral rectus lines (ask your surgeon about skin tightening energy sources to help tighten the skin as you get the lipo etch). Keep up the Pilates, daily walks, and weight lifting (esp in the core) to help continue the muscle definition.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

HI Bunniecat.  Thank you for your question regarding low body fat percentage and fit and unsure if you are an eligible candidate for VASER liposuction.  Thank you for your history and your pictures.  First, we should analyze your pictures to determine the best procedures.  Your pictures show a very slender body with not much adipose or fat.  Even though you do not have much body fat, most plastic surgeons would agree that you are still a candidate for VASER ab etching liposuction.  Before you decide to undergo ab etching, you need to decide how defined you want your abdomen.  Do you want one, two, or three of the vertical lines, namely the linea alba and the semi-lunaris lines?  Do you want the horizontal transcriptions? These are the horizontal lines that define the rectus abdminis muscles.  Once you decide what lines you want to show or have defined, notify your plastic surgeon.  
The VASER procedure is usually completed in about two to three hours. Usually, the VASER HI DEF  ab etching is performed under general anesthesia, but it can be performed under IV sedation.  General anesthesia is better than IV sedation with local anesthesia because more fat can be removed safely. Also, VASER HI DEF liposuction under general anesthesia is less painful than IV sedation.  Plan for a seven to ten-day recovery.  
I hope that I have answered your question regarding ab etching.  Since VASER HI DEF liposuction is a specialized procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in VASER HI DEF liposuction.   Do your research.   Look at their website.  Look at their reviews on RealSelf.  If you cannot find an experienced, VASER HI DEF liposuction plastic surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD. ( Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a good candidate for “an-etching” or high-def liposuction. This will be able to achieve your stated goals.

Raja Mohan, MD · Answer

It looks like you are a candidate but I recommend an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who can provide recommendations.

Low body fat percentage and fit and unsure if I’m an eligible candidate? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: An Etching

Answer: An Etching

Answer: Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon

Answer: Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Abdominal Etching

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Low body fat percentage and fit and unsure if I’m an eligible candidate? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: An Etching

Answer: An Etching

Answer: Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon

Answer: Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Abdominal Etching

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.