Abdominal Etching- for the Already Thin Person - Laser or Traditional Lipo?

Question

For a patient that is already lean/fit that wants to look more toned and have their natural abs bulge out (NOT have 6/8 fat pads and fake lines made to look like abs). which is the best technology, tumescent liposuction or Laser/ Vaser lipo? To make the natural abs bulge you are removing the most amount of fat (leave in 1/4 inch safety) but taking more fat then doing traditional abdominal etching which leaves round fat pads over the abs, Which technology 1) best results and 2) safest ?

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Most important decision you need to make is the plastic surgeon who does your procedure and not the modality they use.  Having said that, if you have loose skin, combination of ultrasonic and laser will improve the tightening you would get after liposution.  Again the sculting done by the operatoing surgeon is what gives you the final results.  Look for post operative outcomes of the surgeons you meet as potential results you could have.

Christopher T. Chia, MD · Answer

Your question is appreciated because there may be some confusion regarding high definition liposuction and contouring. While etching creates lines to make the transcriptions of the rectus muscles deeper ('six pack') and leaves fat behind for the 'boxes', careful superficial liposuction can achieve excellent and natural looking results while avoiding the somewhat unnatural appearance that can occur with etching. Whether is achieved either with laser, ultrasound or traditional liposuction, the important aspect is the experience of the surgeon. Surgeons with expertise with multiple energy modality platforms can usually offer the most experience because that is the focus of their specialty. I encourage you to find one and get a consultation and good luck.

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 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

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The etching does not have to be performed in the manner you are talking about, and conventional liposuction will yield great results.  Find the plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of liposuction procedures each year.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. In general, laser liposuction will provide you with the best results because of its dual action to remove unwanted fat and tightening of the skin at the same time. There is a new procedure our practice has introduced, the first of its in the US where we do 4-D  laser liposuction to etch and sculpt to create these abs.  Be certain to be under the supervision of a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with expertise in liposuction for an evaluation and  for the safest and most effective treatments.   I hope this helps.

Abdominal Etching- for the Already Thin Person - Laser or Traditional Lipo?

Answers (10)

Answer: Liposuction and Abdominal Definition

Answer: Liposuction and Abdominal Definition

Answer: Traditional vs Laser Liposuction

Answer: Traditional vs Laser Liposuction

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Everything you need to know about Abdominal Etching

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Abdominal Etching- for the Already Thin Person - Laser or Traditional Lipo?

Answers (10)

Answer: Liposuction and Abdominal Definition

Answer: Liposuction and Abdominal Definition

Answer: Traditional vs Laser Liposuction

Answer: Traditional vs Laser Liposuction

Browse related questions

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.