Should I have abdominal etching 2 years before I plan on having kids? (photo)

Question

I would like to get a BBL with abdominal etching for a very defined stomach. I heard it is permanent, does this mean i'll look like I have abs while pregnant? I head that the way it is done is by thinning out the skin - does this mean i'd be more prone to stretch marks if I was pregnant after doing ab etching surgery? How would the results differ than regular liposuction? Would having liposuction help me bounce back to my pre-baby body faster? Thank you for your input.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding having abdominal etching or VASER hi-def before pregnancy.  During abdominal etching or VASER hi-def abdominal liposuction, abdominal fat is removed, revealing the underlying abdominal muscles.  During VASER hi-def liposuction, not only is fat removed, but the fat around the muscle is chiseled and removed in such a way to maximally expose the underlying muscles.  Typically, this is done with a VASER liposuction cannula. With the VASER, the fat is melted and the skin is heated to contract the skin maximally.  Postoperative garments are essential to maximize your results.  In regards to your specific question, the removed fat is permanent since the fat cell is completely removed.  You probably will have some defined abs during your pregnancy, but there's no guarantee.  You are correct in that VASER hi-def for abdominal etching is in the skin over the areas of muscle accentuation.  However, I have not seen these areas more prone to stretch marks, either with weight gain or pregnancy.  Therefore, I do not think VASER hi-def for abdominal etching increases your chances of developing stretch marks in those areas. VASER hi-def for abdominal etching is different from regular liposuction. During regular liposuction, fat is just removed.  With abdominal etching, fat is removed to expose the underlying muscles.  During traditional liposuction, most people do not want the underlying muscles exposed.  Having liposuction before your pregnancy would theoretically allow you to bounce back to your pre-baby body faster.  Thank you for your excellent questions regarding abdominal etching and VASER hi-def abdominal procedures.  When considering abdominal etching or VASER hi-def, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these procedures.  Good luck.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

We typically recommend waiting until after pregnancy as you need to lose weight first before undergoing any cosmetic procedure to get the best outcome. For best results, it is recommended to be at your ideal or stable weight before getting a sculpting liposuction procedure. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, rather it is for sculpting and defining and removing problem areas that cannot be removed with weight loss and diet / exercise alone. With skin laxity, a tummy tuck or lifting procedure could be performed at the same time. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a bariatric doctor or dietitian. Best, Dr. Emer

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo! I suggest you have your procedures done after you are done having kids for the longest lasting results.  Best of luck!Dhaval Patel
Double Board Certified 
Plastic Surgeon 
Chicago
Hoffman Estates
Oakbrook
Orland Park

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello doublebubblesI would advice you go for an in-patient consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to gve you the best advice. #results #female

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well..based on the information and the photo provided, my recommendation is that you have children first and then reevaluate if you apply so that after the pregnancies are very inflamed can increase weight and not after the reevaluation may change a procedure.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

You certainly can have kids after abdominal etching.   I have had patients who have done this without problem.   As I tell all of my patients...  When you get pregnant, keep your weight under control... 15-20lbs weight gain.  25 lbs max.   otherwise, you will stretch everywhere.   And, yes, you will still have a 6-pack even while pregnant.

Carlos Lopez Collado, MD · Answer

Hello, thanks for your question and provided info! I don't recommended before having kids, because you can gain weight and the results may disappear completely, and very fast. It will be better for you to plan your pregnancy and then have your surgery. Good luck with your baby and your future surgery !! I'm sure You will have very good results!

Javier Soto, MD · Answer

Abdominal etching is one of the most famous procedures of the moment, and it consists in taking the excess of fat tissue in your abdominal wall so that your abdominal muscles stand out. We have experienced that patients that get high definition liposuction maintain a better aesthetic look of their abdomen after pregnancy than those who have not had a body contour procedure before their pregnancy. We believe it’s due to the tension given to the skin from the scar tissue after such a procedure. There is also no evidence at all that abdominal etching gives a sort of predisposition for stretch marks. Please remember that the long term results also depend on your way of life, meaning eating habits and exercise. If you decide to get this procedure done always remember to look for a well trained specialist. Best Regards,
Javier Soto, M.D.
Plastic & Reconstrutive Surgeon

Abhishek Vijayakumar, MCh · Answer

Hello, Thanks for your query. Its better to finish having kids , as pregnancy the hormonal influences may change the pattern of fat distribution in body and assessment after you loose your pregnancy weight would be better at deciding the kind of treatment.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

2 years before planning to get pregnant can be appropriate for abdominal etching using vaser technology as long as you control weight gain during pregnancy. You will still maintain results once you return to pre-pregnancy weight. A Skype interview with vaser specialist will be able to provide you with a more accurate recommendation.

Should I have abdominal etching 2 years before I plan on having kids? (photo)

Answers (11)

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