Am I a good candidate for abdominal etching? (photos)

Question

I’m 30 years old weighing 62kg and very active (weight lifting) I had my breast implants removed 6 months ago and fat transfer to breasts using tickle Lipo. I am looking into a second stage fat transfer as my breasts are tiny. I’m wondering am I a good candidate for abdominal etching (lines). My stomach feels squishy and I have been told that I have very fibrous fat which is difficult to remove. I’m wanting to create a more feminine and athletic shape to my body! How can I achieve this? Thanks

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your question,

Determining whether you are a good candidate for abdominal etching involves assessing several factors related to your overall health, fitness level, and expectations.  
You should be in good general health with no serious medical conditions that could impair healing. A stable weight is important; significant weight fluctuations can affect the results.

Good skin elasticity is crucial for achieving optimal results. This helps the skin retract and adhere to the new contours after the procedure. A commitment to maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen is essential to sustain the results.

the best way to determine if you are a good candidate for abdominal etching is through a thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual anatomy and goals, helping you make an informed decision.

Sincerely, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

"Thank you for sharing your pictures and question. Given your active lifestyle and goals, abdominal etching could potentially help you achieve a more defined, athletic appearance. However, the fact that you've had prior liposuction (tickle lipo) may complicate things. You may have reduced fat stores to harvest for a fat transfer to the breast. Plus, previous liposuction can cause internal scar tissue, which can potentially affect the outcome of abdominal etching. As such, a face-to-face consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential.

"

"

Tania Najar, MD · Answer

I would like to know if you have had a previous pregnancy, if not, liposuction with abdominal definition using VASER technology may be your best option, it will help us eliminate fibrosis and to be able to remove more fat with less bleeding.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Good426378, 
Thank you for your questions regarding whether you are a good candidate for abdominal etching. Based on your history and your pictures, I think you would be a good candidate for abdominal etching. Abdominal etching is also called VASER high-definition liposuction or body contouring.  Typically, I perform abdominal etching or VASER hi-definition abs under general anesthesia. Your abdominal contouring can be taken to the extremes. You could sculpt the three vertical lines to include the two semi lunaris lines as well as the linea alba. The semi-lunaris lines are the lines on the sides of the rectus muscle. What does linea alba lime is thr vertical line in the middle of the rectus muscle. In addition, you could also go for the horizontal transcriptions which of the horizontal lines defining the six pack muscles. You do not necessarily have to have these horizontal lines defined, but it would give you the most athletic abdomen.  Also, the fat that is harvested from the abdomen can be used for fat transfer to the breasts.  Good luck!! Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric  Plastic Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery,  and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Luis Eduardo Guerrero, MD · Answer

Hello! Thanks for your question, if you have a previous lipo is more difficult to etch your abdomen, but always is possible, for etching we depend on the fat amount and the skin quality of each patient. I can use ultrasonic lipo for improve the etching and give more retraction to skin. This surgery is accomplished under general anesthesia, and you should stay one night at hospital, and using some special foams for improve the etching process and a compression garment as well. 
The surgical time is around 2.5 hrs. Recovery time 1 week for back to your daily activities. 3 weeks for back to gym. 
I hope this info is helpful for you. Don't hesitate to reach me if you have more questions.

Raja Mohan, MD · Answer

It seems like you are good candidate for high definition liposuction but I recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon.

Sean Satey, MD, FACS · Answer

Great questions. The short answer is abdominal etching via VASER assisted liposculpting of the abdomen and flanks with Renuvion J plasma vs BodyTite skin tightening. This will bring your underlying abdominal muscles to life and show case your inscriptions (four/six pack muscles) and your vertical lines (linea alba and semilunaris lines). VASER will allow for removal of far more fat (especially fibrous fat, and break down scar tissue from previous lipo). This will also allow for more available fat for either a transfer to the breasts or buttocks. . Best, Dr Satey, Beverly Hills, Ca.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

BASED ON YOUR PICTURES WE RECOMMEND USING IMPLANTS BECAUSE YOU DO NOT APPEAR TO HAVE MUCH FAT TO INJECT INTO YOUR BREASTS

Omer Sagir, MD · Answer

Hello dear, 
Thank you for the photos and detailed information. 
Your weight and shape look like it would be okay to perform abdominal etching but before making any serious decisions you will need to have an online consultation with the doctor of your choice. The quality and texture of your natural fat has a great importance for this kind of surgeries. That's why it is crucial to get as much as information about the subject before having the operation. A clear and honest conversation with the doctor is key to successful results!
Be safe, be happy.