Am I An Ideal Candidate For Ab Etching?
During your consultation for ab etching in Atlanta, Dr. Killingsworth and his plastic surgery team will evaluate the treatment area, your medical history, as well as your aesthetic goals to determine if you are an ideal candidate. Candidates for abdominal etching should be in good general health and a non-smoker. Additionally, patients should maintain realistic expectations surrounding the results of their procedure.
Ab etching is ideal for patients who have tried to define the midsection through healthy diet and exercise, but struggle to see definition despite their best efforts. Ab etching can strategically remove fat deposits to accentuate the abdominal muscles and provide patients with a sculpted appearance. Patients who undergo ab etching should be within a few pounds of their ideal weight. It is important to remember that although ab etching can remove fat deposits, it is not a weight loss procedure.
What Should I Expect During Ab Etching?
During the ab etching procedure, small incisions will be made around the abdomen to allow access to the “six-pack.” A small cannula will be inserted through these incisions along the natural contours of the abdominal muscles. Ab etching is most commonly performed under general anesthesia to ensure that patients remain safe and comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Then, a wetting solution will be injected under the skin. This solution consists of saltwater, a medication that helps decrease bleeding and bruising, as well as a local anesthetic.
A small cannula will then be inserted beneath the skin. Your surgeon will gently move the cannula back and forth, dislodging the fat cells and suctioning them out. Once the desired amount of fat is removed, the incisions can be closed. In some cases, the fat is repositioned, rather than removed entirely, to help create more definition. Although procedure times will vary based on a variety of factors, the typical abdominal etching procedure usually takes about an hour to complete.
What Should I Expect After Ab Etching?
After ab etching, patients may experience mild discomfort, bruising, or swelling. However, these symptoms are normal and should subside in the days following the procedure. Patients will need to arrange for a ride home. Most patients are able to return to work in a few days and can resume normal activities in a few weeks.
Before sending you home, Dr. Killingsworth and his staff will provide detailed aftercare instructions. It is important that patients follow these instructions with care to minimize the recovery period and maximize their results. Compression garments should be worn as directed to allow for optimal results and aid in recovery. We encourage patients to call our office if they have any questions or concerns throughout their recovery period. Our staff is on hand to answer any questions you may have.