Abdominal etching in London
Abdominal etching is a type of HD lipo which used for the abdomen to create a more defined rectus abdominis muscle. Have you been working out to get a six pack on your abdomen, but haven’t quite been able to move the last layer of stubborn fat? If this sounds like you, you may be interested in abdominal etching. With modern surgical techniques, it is now possible to obtain six pack abs through HD lipo techniques.
What is PAL High Definition?
PAL High Definition is an advanced surgical technique used by Mr Omar Tillo and Mr Alok Misra who both trained at the PAL masters academy in Barcelona. Studying techniques to define abdominal musculature, pectoral muscles and the upper arms to achieve a sculpted and more defined figure. Unlike older methods of traditional liposuction, this technique removes small quantities of fat following the natural muscular structure of your body to reveal a more defined physique.
PAL High Definition Lipo requires not only specialised training, but also specialised equipment to ensure a fast recovery and minimise post-surgical downtime for each patient. We exclusively use the Microaire PAL system.
The MicroAire PAL System assists your surgeon by adding a gentle movement to the liposuction cannula, which helps loosen unwanted fat and provides your surgeon with optimal precision and control throughout the procedure. Improved control allows for more precise removal of small volumes of fat with less force, therefore leading to less bruising and trauma to the patient.
High definition liposuction
The ultimate abdominal definition is the visible outline of the underlying abdominal muscles. Known as the six-pack look, it is actually caused by the enlargement of the rectus muscles, the lack of fat between the skin and the muscles, and the outward appearance of the inscriptions of the rectus muscle (which actually creates the lines of the six-pack as the muscle protrudes between them).
It usually takes a great amount of exercise and dieting to create this much sought-after look and, for many people, this look is never obtainable as it is just difficult to thin the fat out to reveal the inscriptions. Some patients can achieve this look through a surgical procedure.
Ideal candidates for abdominal etching
To qualify for abdominal etching you will already need to be fit and healthy with a low body fat percentage. This procedure is recommended by plastic surgeons for candidates with less than 2 cm of fat that can be pinched. The plastic surgeon measures the fat content before deciding whether you are a candidate for the procedure. Doctors stress that this is not a debulking procedure but a sculpting one. This technique is best suited to patients who exercise regularly but have a stubborn layer of fat preventing their abdominal muscles from showing through.
What if I don’t qualify for abdominal etching surgery?
The reason for being rejected for abs surgery is typically that you are carrying too much fat or don’t have strong enough muscular development in your abdomen. Fortunately, this can be rectified using natural methods.
The key to developing a toned stomach naturally is to lose fat and develop abs using effective workout routines. This whole process is improved by eating the right foods to encourage this development.
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Abdominal etching surgical techniques
Abdominal etching involves removing pockets of unwanted fat from the abdomen. This is done by using the liposuction technique known as PAL lipo. Small cannulas are used to remove the excess fat, revealing the defined muscles underneath. This method only removes the fatty tissue, with connective tissues, nerves and blood vessels being preserved. This liposuction method encourages smooth contours and faster healing.
Abdominal etching usually takes around two hours to complete. You will be able to return home the same day, once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off.
Recovery after abdominal etching
Following the abdominal etching, you will need to wear a garment for the first two weeks.
Expect some swelling and bruising for the first few days and pain medication can be taken to ease it. Avoid putting too much pressure on the abdominal area and lifting heavy objects for at least two weeks to ensure a speedy recovery. Typically, the results are visible within six weeks of your abdominal etching surgery.
Before and after
Courtesy of MicroAire – Dr Ahmed Saad
Case 1:
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Case 3 (62 year old male):
Female HD lipo:
What To Expect
The consultation
When you have a consultation with your surgeon, a number of measurements are taken of the body areas where fat is to be removed and an assessment will be made of the soft tissue quality. Those who have good skin elasticity then you will be a good candidate for liposuction. Your surgeon has is skilled in all types of liposuction including power assisted liposuction and the most appropriate choice will be made based on your physical examination. The surgeon will also give information on the location of the small incisions for the abdominal etching procedure.
High-resolution photos will be taken and your surgeon may also use computer digital imaging. Your surgeon will take time to discuss the important risks and potential complications of abdominal etching surgery and what you can expect in the postoperative period.
The surgeon will also take a full medical history which includes previous operations, current list of medicines taken and any potential allergies. This information will be used to decide on your fitness for the liposuction procedure. If you are deemed to be a suitable candidate for 6 pack ab surgery then we would recommend to spend a period of time to reflect on all the information given. We always recommend a minimum of a '2 week cool off period' for to weigh up your options.
All our prospective patients are more than welcome to have as many follow-up consultations after their initial consultation to make sure you are fully empowered with all the information to make an informed decision for proceeding with abdominal etching surgery at Centre for Surgery.
Before your procedure
Once you have decided that abdominal etching is right for you, our preoperative assessment team will be in contact to prepare you for surgery.
The following are recommended actions to take:
- For 6 weeks beforehand, it is highly recommended to stop smoking as active smoking is associated with a number of risks including delayed wound healing which could result in wound infection.
- You should also avoid aspirin and all medicines containing aspirin for at least one week prior to the ab etching procedure.
- For 6 hours before the liposuction procedure, you should refrain from eating any food or any type of drink apart from sips of clear fluid (water and tea/coffee without added milk) which is allowed for up to 2 hours before the procedure.
On the day of your procedure
Please aim to arrive for your abdominal etching procedure at the confirmed time. One of our nursing team will admit you for the procedure and will carry out a number of tasks including checking your blood pressure and other vital signs including pulse and temperature and then getting you changed into single-use clinic wear. The anaesthetist will then come in to assess you to make sure you are fit for TIVA anaesthetic and will also prescribe a number of pre-medications which are given by your nurse to help your recovery after the liposuction procedure. You will then be seen by your surgeon who will confirm the procedure to undertaken and you will sign the informed consent form. Skin marking and photos may be taken at this point.
Ab etching is a very commonly performed procedure at Centre for Surgery and is carried out under TIVA general anaesthesia as a day case. HD Liposuction of smaller areas can be carried out under local anaesthetic. The procedure takes approximately 1-3 hours to carry out. During liposuction surgery, your surgeon will make small incisions in the marked body areas The fat tissue is surgically removed using specialised cannulas to contour the marked body areas before closing the skin with dissolvable sutures.
Once you have woken up from the TIVA anaesthetic, our nurses will closely monitor you for 1-3 hours afterwards to make sure you make a full recovery. You will be given a fruit juice drink or a hot drink as you prefer to build up your energy levels. Once you are assessed as fit for discharge, you will require a responsible adult escort to take you home in a car or taxi and to look after you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery.
After your procedure
After your procedure, our dedicated postoperative support team are available round the clock to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Our team will call you regularly for the first 2 weeks after your procedure to make sure your pain levels are well controlled and your healing is progressing as normal.
The recovery after liposuction is usually very straightforward with minimal discomfort that can be effectively controlled with tablet painkillers and the majority of our patients are very comfortable by the end of week 1. Your doctor may recommend a period of approximately one week off work. You should minimise any excessive physical activity for the first 2 weeks after surgery to help with the healing of the incisions and reduce swelling.
You will be required to wear a supportive compression garment for a full 6 weeks to make sure healing is optimal, and also so that scars heal with best results.
You will attend for a postoperative check up with one of our nursing team at 7-10 days to review your surgical wound sites and ensure proper healing is taking place. Recommendations on treatments for scar healing may be given for optimal cosmesis. At 6 weeks you should begin to see your final results and you will see your surgeon for a comprehensive review and make sure your results are in line with your expectations.