Abdominal Etching in McLean and Northern Virginia

A flat, lean stomach can be difficult to achieve, even with consistent exercise and a healthy, well-balanced diet. If you are tired of putting in the hours at the gym without achieving the results you desire, ab etching, also known as ab sculpting, may be a great option for you. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi offers ab etching at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery to those who wish to attain a defined six-pack. This surgical procedure utilizes innovative liposuction techniques to safely and effectively remove stubborn pockets of fat from the midsection of the body to enhance the definition of the abdominal muscles. If you would like to learn more about ab etching, call our office in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., or Beverly Hills, CA today.

The benefits of abdominal etching include:

• Dramatic results when diet and exercise haven't worked
• Faster recovery time, 5 – 7 days for normal activities, three weeks to continue exercise routines
• Little to no scarring
• Improved overall aesthetic appeal
• Increased confidence

During your initial consultation, Dr. Mesbahi will evaluate your body to decide if you are a good candidate for ab etching. To be a good candidate for ab etching surgery, you should be within a normal weight range with isolated pockets of fat in your stomach. You have a low body fat percentage (ideally under 20%) and also have tried to define your middle through a healthy, high-protein diet, regular exercise, and abdominal strength training. Due to genetics, hormones, or pregnancy, you might naturally be unable to attain washboard abs.

Dr. Mesbahi performs ab etching as an outpatient surgery in a licensed surgical facility with general anesthesia. Throughout the 1 – 2-hour procedure, Dr. Mesbahi will create one or more small incisions so he can insert a thin tube (cannula) to suction small pockets of fat. Dr. Mesbahi generally uses liposculpture methods to loosen and remove fat but might also use Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) to achieve a more dramatic etching. Dr. Mesbahi will etch the outline of the rectus muscle and the midline linea alba. To reveal a six-pack, he may also define the transverse inscriptions and horizontal lines. When the fat is removed and the stomach muscles are fully defined, Dr. Mesbahi will close the incisions using stitches.

Following the procedure, you will be fitted with a compression garment to reduce swelling and bruising, which should dissipate after a few weeks. You will feel mild pain, but you may be able to return to work in 5 – 7 days and get back to working out in three weeks. Dr. Mesbahi does his best to place the smallest incisions in your stomach's natural creases, which means the scars are hard to see when completely healed. Dr. Mesbahi or a member of our staff will go over scar care instructions that will help your incisions heal nicely.

Is ab etching painful?
Since general anesthesia is used during the procedure, patients do not feel any pain. Once your procedure is complete, you may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, but these symptoms are normal and will dissipate as you heal. These symptoms can also be eased with over-the-counter pain medication. If you notice any abnormal pain or lasting symptoms, be sure to call our office. 

How long will my results last?
Ab etching can last many years as long as you maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan. Any sudden or excessive weight gain can negatively impact your results. If additional weight gain occurs, a second surgery may be performed to restore your outcomes. However, we suggest that you maintain a lifestyle that is sustainable long term for the best results. 

Can I combine abdominal etching with other procedures?
Yes. Many of our patients incorporate other body sculpting procedures with their ab etching treatment. During your initial consultation, talk to Dr. Meshabi about all of your cosmetic goals so he can build a custom body sculpting plan that suits your needs. At Mesbahi Plastic Surgery, we offer a wide variety of lift procedures for the arms, buttocks, stomach, and thighs. 

No matter how much you work on your abs, you may not be able to attain washboard abs naturally. Abdominal sculpting at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery liposuctions the stubborn fat from your stomach and defines the muscle lines so that you will see a six-pack. If you've tried exercise and diet but are still struggling to have visible muscles, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Mesbahi at our office in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., or Beverly Hills, CA to learn more about ab etching.