Pregnancy/weight gain after abdominal etching? (photo)

Question

I have been read that abdominal etching results are "permanent" and I am not sure how true that is or if I believe this. Out of curiosity, what happens to abdominal etching results after a pregnancy or weight gain? Is it similar to the results of tummy tucks after pregnancy? Does the etching return on its own?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The lines created with etching are permanent.  if you gain weight, the fat goes around them and can give a distorted apperance.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo! After pregnancy your results will change.  Depends on your pregnancy but you can always have a revision if needed after.  Best of luck!Dhaval Patel
Double Board Certified 
Plastic Surgeon
Hoffman Estates
Oakbrook
Orland Park
Chicago

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Vaser assisted liposuction utilizes ultrasound to emulsify or melt felt prior to removal. It is also used to etch or define the muscles and normal anatomy to enhance the results. I use a specialized technique to remove the deeper fat areas and sculpt the superficial fat, so that one can achieve the goal of having not only a flatter stomach but also a more defined and curvaceous body if wanted. I can use this technique on the arms as well.

I also use the fat removed to graft into the pecs for men or breasts for women as well as into the arms and other areas to further enhance muscle definition.

The best candidates for the procedure already have a good muscular base.The results are permanent in the etched areas

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery and high definition body contouring.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Rigo J. Mendoza, MD · Answer

Hi, and thank you for your question.  Abdominal etching or Hi-Def lipo as some call it is permanent. Obviously, best results will remain as long as you maintain your weight but even with some weight gain, you will still see the definition.

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

Abdominal etching involves the permanent removal of fat cells; once fat cells are removed, they are gone and virtually no more are made. It is recommended that you remain stable at your same weight to keep the best possible results, but if you do gain weight, the fat cells remaining will enlarge and the areas where you had fat removed will not enlarge as much. Pregnancy can stretch or separate the abdominal muscles, but the results will not disappear. Best of luck!Jaime Perez, MDPlastic Surgery Center of Tampa

Sergio Alvarez, MD · Answer

The removal of fat cells is permanent but this does not mean you can't lose your etching or your areas of contour. As there are fat cells still left behind, these will continue to be affected by weight gain and weight loss. As for pregnancy, this effect is not only on fat cells but also on the muscle layers of the abdominal wall. This stretching of the abdominal wall can only be treated by suturing them back together

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.  Like other liposuction procedures, abdominal etching removes fat cells from your abdominal region.  However, not all are removed and fat can still be stored in the remaining cells.  Pregnancy can affect the abdomen in terms of stretching the abdominal wall.  The tummy tuck results are much different than those given by abdominal etching.  All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Sergio Pasquale Maggi, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question.  I often have been asked similar by patients considering this procedure.  I emphasize to all patients that this procedure is permanent and of high patient satisfaction, unless the patient loses their level of fitness, and gains significant weight over time.  In such cases then the result is a mis-match to the intended goal.  Six-packs are not seen in overweight individuals- the result then would not look natural.Best wishes,Dr Sergio Maggidrmaggi.com

Marc Schneider, MD · Answer

Yes the results of etching are permanent.  However, weight gain will distort your contours and shape and losing weight may not completely return you to your postop shape.

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

Your
 abdominal etching results will change after pregnancy or weight gain so
 should not be considered permanent under all circumstances.  Etching 
results before or after pregnancy should not be considered the same as 
an abdominoplasy results. An abdominoplasty would have a much better 
result.  During pregnancy the fascia lining your rectus muscles will be 
stretched out of shape.  The skin and muscle may return to normal 
however the fascia never does.  This will create a separation between 
the muscles called diastasis.  If
 you gain weight the fat left behind in the abdominal wall after etching
 will become out of proportion or larger causing a deformity of the 
abdominal wall.  If the weight is lost then the abdominal wall may or 
may not return to the original etched appearance.You
 should consider a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon prior 
to this or any other cosmetic surgery that you may be thinking about.

Pregnancy/weight gain after abdominal etching? (photo)

Answers (13)

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