Aesthetic & Cosmetic Surgery in New York
Abdominal Etching
Body contouring by Dr. Elliot Heller, MD, and Dr. Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS, dual board-certified plastic surgeon and Castle Connolly Top Doctor.
Allure Plastic Surgery
You work out. You eat right. And yet the sculpted, chiseled abdominal look stays out of reach.
Dr. Elliot Heller, MD, founder of Allure Plastic Surgery with more than 20 years of practice, performs abdominal etching here.
Diet and exercise are not always enough. A thin, stubborn layer of fat can cover the abdominal muscles no matter how healthy you are. Abdominal etching addresses exactly that.
Our surgeons
Dr. Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS
Dr. Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS is a dual board-certified plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. He has practiced breast, body and reconstructive surgery for more than 30 years and is one of the surgeons at Allure Plastic Surgery.
Before & After
These are actual patients of Allure Plastic Surgery. See the full gallery for more.
Overview
Abdominal Etching in Staten Island, NYC
Our certified plastic surgeons can use liposuction to carefully and strategically remove fat from the stomach area, accentuating the muscles and creating the "six-pack" look that so many men, and even women, value so highly.
If you live in New York, Manhattan, Staten Island or any nearby community and you want to learn more about abdominal etching, please call Allure Plastic Surgery today at (866) 477-2023 for a consultation.
Is It Right For You
Is Abdominal Etching Right For Me?
If situps, crunches, leg raises, protein shakes, and clean eating haven't given you the six pack you want, abdominal etching may be the next step. Here is what the procedure involves and what it can do.
The procedure offers several specific benefits:
- Faster post-surgical healing compared to other body contouring procedures
- More defined abdominal muscles
- Minimal scarring since muscle definition is achieved in areas of incisions
- Quick procedure with little downtime
- Reduced risk of complications compared to other options
How It Works
How Abdominal Etching Works
Typically, abdominal etching is performed using one of two major techniques, either liposuction or liposculpture. Given its use during other procedures, liposuction is easily the most popular form of plastic surgery today. During this procedure, the surgeon will remove fat through using a cannula that suctions the fat from the body without actually having to cut it away.
Small incisions are made at the treatment site. Your suregon uses the cannula to remove the targeted fat, which is first prepared with a fluid called tumescent and then drawn into containers. The technique exposes the muscle beneath the fat, so what remains can be shaped.
Liposculpture is a minimally invasive form of liposuction pioneered in the 20th century. The surgeon shapes and sculpts the fat the way a sculptor works. Because some areas need more fat removed than others, fat is taken in layers.
During liposculpture, some surgeons use a vibrating device for softer, more even fat removal. They may also use third generation ultrasound therapy or a laser beam to soften and dissolve the fat.
The depth of the fat determines which technique the surgeon uses, which in turn affects your results and skin quality once you have healed.
★★★★★
Abdominal etching with Dr. Heller gave me definition I could never get at the gym. It looks natural and athletic, not fake. Really glad I went to him.Tony D., Google Review
At Allure
Abdominal Etching at Allure Plastic Surgery
Since our plastic surgeons use SmartLipo®, an innovative version of the liposuction procedure that uses lasers to liquefy fat cells before they are removed, any trauma to the surrounding tissue is greatly reduced and recovery time can be much shorter as well.
Give yourself enough time to recover. Most patients return to work within 24 to 48 hours of the procedure. Expect some bruising and swelling right after, which usually fades within a week.
Recovery
Your Recovery Period
To keep swelling down, your surgeon will recommend a velcro compression garment around your waist for about two weeks after the procedure.
You can return to work in about a week, but avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for the first week or two. At your consultation and after surgery, your surgeon will advise you on how to keep the fat from coming back, including a guide to follow.
Because the excess fat is removed and the remaining tissue is sculpted, results are typically visible within six months to a year. They last as long as you stay in shape.
Our plastic surgeons will describe your recovery timeline and expected results in more detail in person, but it's important to be patient after your procedure. If you're a resident of Manhattan or any other nearby community and you think abdominal etching might be right for you, please call Allure Plastic Surgery today at (866) 477-2023 for a consultation.
Flexible Financing
Pay Over Time with Cherry, Affirm, or CareCredit
We work with Cherry, Affirm, and CareCredit so you can spread the cost of your procedure into manageable monthly payments. Approval usually takes minutes, and there is no penalty for paying off early.
Begin
Ready to talk about your goals?
Meet our team for a consultation in Manhattan, Staten Island, or Edison, NJ.
FAQ
Common Questions About Abdominal Etching
How much does abdominal etching cost?
It depends on the extent of the etching and the anesthesia your plan requires. You get an exact itemized figure at your consultation, and financing through Affirm, Cherry and CareCredit is available.
What is abdominal etching?
A body-contouring procedure that removes the thin, stubborn layer of fat sitting over the abdominal muscles, so the definition that is already there becomes visible. It is for patients who train and eat well and still cannot reach a sculpted look, because the fat covering the muscle does not respond to situps, crunches or clean eating.
Do I need to already have abdominal muscle?
Yes, and this is the part worth understanding before you book. Etching reveals the muscle underneath rather than creating it. Your surgeon assesses your muscle definition and the thickness of the fat layer at the consultation and will tell you honestly if the result you want is not achievable from where you are.
What are the advantages over other body contouring procedures?
Faster post-surgical healing compared with other body contouring procedures, minimal scarring because the definition is achieved in the areas of the incisions, and a reduced risk of complications compared with larger options.
Is abdominal etching a weight-loss procedure?
No. It is for patients who are already at or near their goal weight and are dealing with a thin covering layer that will not shift. Losing significant weight after the procedure changes the result, so the timing is worth discussing.
Who performs the procedure?
Dr. Elliot Heller, MD, founder and lead surgeon at Allure Plastic Surgery, with 20 years of practice and more than 10,000 procedures. Surgery takes place in our AAAHC-accredited facility.
Who do I call if something worries me after my abdominal etching?
Every surgical patient leaves with Dr. Heller's personal cell phone number. If anything concerns you after your abdominal etching, swelling, a dressing, a medication question, you call him and he answers it himself. Follow-up visits are booked before you leave, and our nurse practitioners handle your pre- and post-operative care in the office.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your individual needs.