Abdominal Etching

Abdominal etching is a surgical procedure that takes the patient one step beyond conventional fat removal via liposuction. The intention behind the Abdominal etching procedure is to offer the patient a stomach area that is flatter and tighter, with a stronger level of muscle definition through body contouring. The only purpose behind this procedure is to remove excess skin and fat, which is the detail that sets this cosmetic surgery procedure apart from abdominoplasty.

The ideal candidate for the abdominal etching plastic surgery procedure is someone has underlying muscles that look naturally athletic, because enhancing and accentuating these is the primary goal of the procedure. Body shaping through abdominal etching is ideal for people who are good candidates for liposuction, but that are looking for additional improvements to remove fat deposits that are resistant to exercise and that are localized for easy removal.

Shaping the Body: The Abdominal Etching Procedure

This procedure is performed in an outpatient surgery center or in a normal doctor's office, and only takes about an hour. The most common forms of anaesthesia are local or general, so anaesthesia options should be discussed prior to the operation. The actual procedure involves creating several 1-2 millimetre long incisions in the belly button or along natural abdominal creases so that they will not be visible following the surgery. A hollow tube instrument called a cannula is used to remove excess skin and fat. The procedure is delicate in nature and involves sculpting careful grooves into the layers of fat to create a muscular appearance beneath the skin.

Most patients are able to return to their homes within a couple of hours of the surgery, though results vary greatly depending on personal anatomy factors in each individual patient.

Weathering the Storm: The Recovery Process

All patients leave surgery with an in depth explanation of aftercare requirements so that complication risks can be reduced. The patient will be given a medical compression garment for between three and six weeks, which should be worn unless bathing. Patients are normally asked not to shower for at least 48 hours following the surgical procedure, and pain, bruising and swelling may occur during the fist few days.

The recovery process involves no exercise, and the patient should avoid lifting anything above ten pounds in weight for several weeks. No pressure should be placed on the abdominal area, and wearing loose fitting clothing is recommended. After one to three weeks, most patients can return to their normal activities without complication. The full results of the procedure will not be completely visible until as many as six months following the procedure.

Costs associated with Abdominal Etching

There are three different fees that are included when it comes to the abdominal etching procedure. The first fee is the anaesthesia fee, the second is the facility fee and the third and final fee is the cost of the actual surgery. If you undergo abdominal etching during the liposuction procedure, then only one anaesthesia fee and facility fee need to be paid, but you will still be required to pay surgeon's fees for both operations. The average total fees range from between $3,000 and $10,000, not including the cost of the liposuction procedure. Each treatment is fully customized to meet the needs of the patient, however, so consult a physician for a more accurate quote.

Risks Associated with Abdominal Etching

As with any medical procedure, there are risks involved with this particular type of cosmetic surgery. The most common complications associated with abdominal etching are bleeding, excessive scarring and infection; however, these are infrequent complications. Your cosmetic surgeon or aftercare physician will be able to intervene in situations like these, but they will still prolong the period of recovery. When considering whether or not to undergo any aesthetic surgery, you should discuss possible risks and treatments with your surgeon.

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