Ab etching is a form of targeted liposuction designed to enhance abdominal muscles, making them more pronounced. This cosmetic procedure has gained popularity in recent years, especially among men. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for the treatment, experts say.
Dr. Giselle Prado-Wright, a cosmetic surgeon and co-owner of Exert BodySculpt in Villas, Florida, noted that more men are seeking cosmetic procedures like ab etching, as well as treatments like penis fillers and hair restoration. Ab etching targets the abdominal area, removing fat to create a more defined six-pack look. For individuals with deeper fat layers, the procedure helps shape the fat to enhance muscle visibility.
The procedure is most commonly requested by men in their 30s to 50s, particularly those who have gained fat in their midsection as they age. While traditional methods to achieve defined abs involve a strict regimen of diet, cardio, and strength training, ab etching offers a more immediate solution.
How Ab Etching Works
Ab etching was introduced in the early 1990s by Dr. Henry Mentz, a Houston-based plastic surgeon. However, it took several years for the technique to gain popularity. By the early 2000s, other surgeons had refined and enhanced the procedure. Dr. Alfredo Hoyos, a Colombian surgeon, became famous for his high-definition liposculpture, which focuses on highlighting muscles rather than just removing fat.
In recent years, ab etching has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for men, particularly during the pandemic plastic surgery boom. Dr. Prado-Wright believes that the increased time spent on social media during lockdowns led many men to become more focused on achieving a six-pack.
Though Dr. Prado-Wright occasionally recommends the procedure for lean, toned women, it is primarily men who seek out ab etching. Many of these men may not be the ideal candidates for the procedure, but the desire for visible abs remains strong.
Challenges and Recovery
Ab etching is a more complex and painful procedure than traditional liposuction. While regular liposuction involves removing fat to improve body contours, ab etching specifically targets the abdominal muscles, which are more sensitive. As a result, it is one of the more painful liposuction procedures.
Recovery involves wearing a compression garment for up to six weeks and avoiding strenuous physical activity for at least two to three weeks. For the best results, patients must also maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. Dr. Prado-Wright suggests that those who commit to this lifestyle will likely see long-lasting results.
Cost of Ab Etching
The cost of ab etching can be significant. Dr. Prado-Wright charges between $7,000 and $9,000 for the procedure, though in major cities like New York, it can reach up to $13,000.
The best candidates for ab etching are individuals who are already close to achieving defined abs naturally. Men in their 50s with bodybuilding backgrounds and a tendency to store fat in their midsection may benefit from the procedure. For those who don’t exercise regularly or experience frequent weight fluctuations, however, the procedure may not be as effective.
Ab Etching and Other Male Cosmetic Procedures
Ab etching is part of a larger trend of increasing cosmetic procedures among men. In addition to liposuction, treatments like gynecomastia surgery (breast reduction) and penis fillers have become increasingly popular in recent years. Dr. Prado-Wright mentioned that many men bring photos of procedures done by other surgeons, hoping to replicate results. However, she sometimes has to steer clients away from unrealistic expectations.
“Some men think that because their friend had it, it will look great,” she said. “But it doesn’t always turn out that way.”
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