Abdominal Etching

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Courtesy of MicroAire – Dr Ahmed Saad

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