Can you get ab etching with a tummy tuck?

Dear Ms Jones,   Front and side view pictures would have been very helpful.  Tummy tuck is a procedure that will change your body dramatically : flat stomach, tight  abdominal skin, good posture, narrow waists and elevated pubic skin. Many of my patients who had tummy tuck lost a significant amount of weight due to the abdominal muscles tightening that reduces the amount of food that they eat and the sense of hunger.  Once you realize all the above mentioned changes in your body, you might give up the idea of etching. However, if after all you are still interested in that procedure, you can have it done 6-8 weeks after the tummy tuck, once all the swelling is gone.   Combining the 2 procedures at the same time is not safe, because of possible  damage to the blood supply to the skin flap which might end up with skin loss or wound healing problems.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent, attractive and natural looking. Also, check the 'realself' reviews for positive experience reports.                Best of luck,                                    Dr Widder

Yes, it is possible to combine abdominal etching with a tummy tuck, and this combination is often performed to achieve comprehensive aesthetic results in the abdominal area. Both procedures serve distinct purposes, and when combined, they can address both excess fat and skin laxity while enhancing the appearance of the abdominal muscles.

Here's how the combination of abdominal etching and a tummy tuck works:

Abdominal Etching:

Purpose: Abdominal etching is a form of liposuction that selectively removes excess fat to emphasize the natural contours of the abdominal muscles, creating the appearance of a more sculpted and defined midsection.
Target Area: It is focused on the removal of fat deposits around the abdominal muscles, particularly the rectus abdominis.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty):

Purpose: A tummy tuck addresses excess skin, fat, and muscle laxity in the abdominal area.
Skin and Muscle Tightening: The procedure involves the removal of excess skin, tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles (muscle plication), and repositioning of the belly button to create a smoother and firmer abdominal contour.
Combined Approach:

Enhanced Definition: By combining abdominal etching with a tummy tuck, the surgeon can optimize both the definition of the abdominal muscles and the overall contour of the midsection.
Customization: The surgeon can tailor the procedure to the individual's aesthetic goals, addressing excess fat, skin laxity, and muscle definition in a comprehensive manner.
Candidate Considerations:

Patient Selection: The combined approach may be suitable for individuals who have both excess fat deposits and skin laxity in the abdominal area.
Realistic Expectations: Patients should have realistic expectations about the outcomes, understanding that the goal is to achieve a more sculpted and rejuvenated abdominal appearance.
Recovery:

Combined Recovery: The recovery process will involve elements of both procedures, and patients will need to follow post-operative care instructions provided by their surgeon.
While the combination of abdominal etching and a tummy tuck can be effective for achieving enhanced abdominal aesthetics, the decision to undergo these procedures together should be made after a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. The surgeon will assess your individual anatomy, discuss your goals, and provide recommendations based on your unique case.

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.Its best to do this after a tummy tuck

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

Abdominal etching is a form of liposuction that removes minimal fat that is preventing you from having the appearance of a six-pack. It is only for people with a low body fat percentage - usually weightlifters and models. As a result, if you’re considering a tummy tuck, it may not be suitable for you. It wouldn’t be effectively performed during a tummy tuck.

It is not advisable to have ab etching done at the time of your tummy tuck/Abdominoplasty. It can result in significant complications. I would wait at least three – six months after your operation to lead everything heal and the swelling subside before you consider having that done.It is imperative that you seek the advice of a plastic
surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has
extensive experience in tummy tuck / abdominoplasty.



I wish you the best.



Dr. Gabbay.

Ab etching is not performed during a tummy tuck. During a tummy tuck some contouring is done and patients are usually really satisfied with the results. If you still would like to have ab etching done it is advised you wait 3-6 months after the tummy tuck. Combining both procedures at the same time could cause complications.

Abdominal etching is not part of a tummy tuck and is not indicated at the same time for a variety of reasons. Besides it will likely have limited effectiveness in most patients that undergo a tummy tuck, it can also cause healing problems with the tummy tuck incision. You should heal from the tummy tuck and consider it six months later...if you are a good candidate for it.

Rather than comment on what procedure you want, you should focus in on where you are at this point(what don't you like), the results you want to achieve(what you want to look like) and how to get there. A certain amount of contouring is done with a tummy tuck and some manipulations can be added to give some additional contours. (additional internal stitches, selective liposuction and fat grafting) Some etching and sculpting can be done with the tummy tuck but only in the hands of a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in body contouring. If the Dr does not have the experience then significant complications can occur. This may not give the full effect but should get you along the road to the results that you want to achieve. 

You have to let your abdomen heal after doing a tummy tuck. This usually takes a minimum of 3 months. Following this, you can get abdominal etching. This is best done using vaser lipo, PowerX, and plasma. 

Thank you for your question, Tummy Tuck is itself a very satisfying procedure, You get a smoother Firmer and flatter abdomen. You can get abdominal etching done after 3-4 months post Tummy tuck, if you really want enhanced muscular outlines on abdomen. Good Luck!