Can I have abdominal etching if I have some lose skin on my abdomen?

Thanks for your inquiry, but without a picture it is hard to advise.  In general abdominal etching does not work if you have abdominal laxity. 

Abdominal etching is a cosmetic surgical procedure that helps create the appearance of more defined abdominal muscles by removing fat and sculpting the remaining fat to enhance the visibility of the underlying muscle contours. It's typically performed on individuals who have relatively low body fat but want more defined abs.

Having loose skin on the abdomen can impact the suitability and effectiveness of abdominal etching. If there's significant loose skin, it might be better to address that issue first through procedures like a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or skin tightening procedures. These surgeries can remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal area, providing a smoother canvas for abdominal etching if desired afterward.

However, if the loose skin is minimal, a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon would be essential. They can assess your specific situation and advise you on the best course of action. They might recommend a combination of procedures or alternative approaches to help you achieve your desired results effectively and safely. Always discuss your concerns and goals thoroughly with a qualified professional before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.

hello rouxenydollAn in-patient consultation with your plastic surgeon would assist you with making a good decision. #weight #options

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.

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

Performing liposuction and fat transfer after massive weight loss as well as appropriate skin removal requires a great deal of experience.  An examination and a plan should be developed specifically for you.  Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

This is my specialty and it all depends on how much loose skin and the quality of your muscles below.  I suggest only going to an expert for this type of treating.  It requires meticulous skill and someone with multiple devices to give the best results.  You want to see someone whos practice is dedicated to this type of surgery.  Best, Dr. Emer.

In my experience, etching works best when there is not much laxity in the skin.  Photos would be very helpful.  Good luck and be safe.John T. Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yes, you can repeat the procedure of tummy tuck to tighten the muscles and cut the excess skin if you have

It is difficult to comment without photos and examining you but I always recommend to have my patients attempt to achieve their ideal body weight prior to undergoing any body contouring procedures. Especially with etching procedures which contour fairly superficially may lead irregularities that are very difficult to fix so be sure to go to a board certified plastic surgeon for these procedures. 

You have to remember that only VASER liposuction can be used to achieve abdominal etching. Three factors that result in skin tightening include: a) The natural tightening of the skin from the heat produced by the Ultrasound probe; b) The fact that the skin actually recoils into the muscle contours when ALL of the fat is removed; c) use of CHP (J Plasma) skin tightening tool as a supplement to VASER which is done immediately following VASER liposuction during the same surgery.