Abdominal Etching in Colombia

Abdominal etching is a technique developed in Colombia by Dr. Alfredo Hoyos, based on the concept of light and shadow effects created on the abdomen by removing more fat from specific areas, simulating the appearance of abdominal muscles.

To achieve the abdominal etching effect, we remove a larger amount of fat beneath the skin in the areas corresponding to the lateral edges of the abdominal muscles and the central part of the abdomen. This creates a shadow effect by increasing the skin’s adherence to the lateral regions of the abdominal muscles.

En la siguiente imagen se puede ilustrar este efecto:

Marcacion abdominal
Abdominal Etching

In the previus image, you can see shadows in the central part of the abdomen and along the lateral rectus muscles. These shadows are achieved by using a laser to extract more fat in these areas and adhere the skin to the muscle, creating the abdominal etching effect.

Additionally, liposuction is performed in areas with excess fat while maintaining a sufficiently thick fat layer to preserve the etched effect.

To achieve natural results, it is essential to perform uniform etching at the correct depth while following the anatomical lines of the muscles. As seen in the image, there isn’t a continuous line in the abdomen’s center. Instead, the marked areas are more prominent in the upper two-thirds, resembling natural abdominal etching.

The lateral lines of the abdomen also vary in width, following the contour of the abdominal muscles and ending where the ribs begin, without extending to the chest area.

This technique requires a deep understanding of anatomy, careful preoperative planning with markings done while the patient is standing to map the abdominal projection, and skill to remove the correct amount of fat in precise locations.

Last year, we updated our techniques with training from Dr. Alfredo Hoyos during his Total Definer course.

How Is Abdominal Etching Performed?

The abdominal etching technique is similar to liposculpture. Small 3mm incisions are made near the etching points, as seen in the image above. A saline solution mixed with adrenaline is introduced to reduce bleeding and facilitate fat removal.

Fat is first removed from the areas to be etched using a laser in a deep plane, avoiding superficial fat removal that could create an unnatural appearance or lead to fibrosis. Once the “etched” abdomen appearance is achieved, the remaining fat is removed. This procedure is typically complemented with waist and back liposuction and fat transfer to the buttocks.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Abdominal Etching?

Abdominal etching is not suitable for everyone. Patients with loose skin, with or without stretch marks, benefit more from an abdominoplasty with double muscle sutures.

The key to a successful abdominal etching is having good-quality skin with adequate elasticity to allow better retraction in the etched areas. It is also crucial for the abdominal muscles to have proper tone for the skin to adhere well to them.

Patients with abdominal bulging due to previous pregnancies or obesity are not ideal candidates. For the former, abdominoplasty is the recommended procedure if there is excess skin, while the latter may benefit from a ketogenic adaptation therapy to reduce intra-abdominal fat located between the intestines.

What Is the Recovery Time for Abdominal Etching?

The recovery time for abdominal etching is similar to that of traditional liposculpture or laser liposuction. Most patients feel well the day after surgery, can walk independently, and experience minimal pain or dizziness. This quick recovery is due to the use of low-power laser technology that reduces bleeding and thin cannulas that cause less damage to the skin’s blood vessels.

As with conventional liposculpture, patients must undergo massages for 10 days. We do not use drains in the etching incisions to reduce discomfort and the risk of infection. During these massages, proper lymphatic drainage is performed to help the skin adhere to the abdominal muscles. After 10 days, patients can resume all basic activities, except exercise, which is permitted one month after surgery..

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

The results of abdominal etching are visible immediately after surgery, but the effect may not be as apparent in the following days due to swelling in the abdominal area. During this time, the work of the physiotherapist or massage therapist is crucial to perform lymphatic drainage in the swollen areas. By 15 days post-surgery, the etched results become noticeable, but the final results are achieved three months after the procedure.

How Much Does Abdominal Etching Cost?

The cost of abdominal etching is higher than that of traditional liposculpture due to the additional work required. Each patient presents different levels of difficulty, and the cost depends on the condition of the abdomen, the patient’s weight, and their medical history.

You can request a free quote via WhatsApp.

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