When you get Abdominal Etching, can you wear a board at 4 weeks without the foam?

Question

I had abdominal etching 3 and half weeks ago and I was wondering if I can take off my foam and start wearing the foams under my garment. Thank you.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Change$sexyme, Thank you for your question regarding when can you wear an abdominal board after abdominal etching and whether you can wear an ab board 4 weeks after ab etching without foam.   Usually, abdominal etching is performed with an instrument called the VASER. The VASER uses ultrasonic energy to melt fat, sculpt underlying muscles, and shrink wrap the skin overlying the muscle. The VASER will result in an area of high muscle definition with a well-defined athletic and muscular area. Typically, the VASER HI-DEF technique is applied to the abdomen, resulting in abdominal etching or six pack abs. The VASER HI- DEF technique can also be applied to the biceps, triceps, deltoids and even the gastrocnemius (calf) muscles.  The VASER technique help to accentuate underlying muscle by removing fat. Since the VASER is a high-energy procedure, it requires time to heal. Most of the swelling will be gone at approximately two weeks.  90 to 95% of the swelling should be gone at eight weeks.  
Plastic surgeons have different opinions regarding postoperative compression. Most plastic surgeons use a compression garment to minimize swelling. Most plastic surgeons do use foam for approximately two weeks. However, most plastic surgeons would NOT suggest using a ab board. An ab board may flatten your results. If you apply the board to the muscle, it will flatten the newly sculpted muscles.  This is not the result you’re looking for. The VASER sculpted muscles display their results due to the three-dimensionality of the muscles. If you use an ab board to flatten the muscle, the three-dimensionality will disappear. You should not apply the ab board to the muscles.  If you are going to apply an ab board to the abdomen, please only apply the board to the flat areas of the lower abdomen, under the belly button to the pubic region. However, most plastic surgeons would not suggest you apply an ab board to any areas where muscle had been sculpted. I hope these comments help to answer your questions regarding if you can wear an ab board 4 weeks after abdominal etching.   Good luck! Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I suggest you follow all of your plastic surgeons specific post op instructions to ensure you get the best results.  Best of luck!Dhaval Patel
Double Board Certified 
Plastic Surgeon
Hoffman Estates
Oakbrook
Orland Park
Chicago

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello change4sexymeI would advice you visit or contact your surgeon for all post-op instructions.....

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Hello,Some surgeons think it's okay at 3 weeks, but I recommend checking with your surgeon since everyone approaches this a little differently.All the best,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Marc Schneider, MD · Answer

My recommendation since you went to a surgeon whom you trust, is to follow that physicians postoperative instructions to the T.  Call their office and ask them and if the staff does not give you an answer that seems appropriate, ask for a followup appt with the doc so you can discuss it with them.

When you get Abdominal Etching, can you wear a board at 4 weeks without the foam?

Answers (8)

Answer: Ab etching compression

Answer: Ab etching compression

Answer: Postop instructions

Answer: Postop instructions

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When you get Abdominal Etching, can you wear a board at 4 weeks without the foam?

Answers (8)

Answer: Ab etching compression

Answer: Ab etching compression

Answer: Postop instructions

Answer: Postop instructions

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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.