Dr. Mentz presents newest techniques for Abdominal Etching and review of 512 Ab Etch patients 

Abdominal etching[1] was introduced in 1993 by the lead author as a liposuction technique used to improve the abdominal contour of the abdomen in male body builders. Since then, this procedure has gained popularity in the U.S. and is now commonly used in some form for male torso contouring. This presentation reviews the original technique and many refinements that have been added through 15 years of experience with this process. Of the over 1600 male liposuctions we have performed, we will examine the results of 512 male patients in the last four years, some of whom chose to have some form of abdominal etching in combination with other cosmetic procedures, and others who elected to have only abdominal etching. Abdominal etching enhances muscle contour through graduated liposuction of fat at specific levels and in specific areas, enhancing the natural landmarks. Simply, more fat is left over the muscle belly and less fat over the tendonous portions, thus enhancing natural contours. Refinements in technique have improved results and safety. Patients with adequately developed musculature chose full abdominal etching to enhance their “six pack,” i.e. etching of the linea alba, linea semilunaris, and transverse inscriptions. Patients with softer contours and less generous musculature chose modified etching, introduced in 1995 [2], which only contours the linea alba and semilunaris. Improvements in technique have included modifications in preoperative markings, strategies for reduced number of incisions, power assisted liposuction for more aggressive etching, options for canula choices, postoperative bandages and garments, early and frequent massage, and appropriate patient selection. Improvements in safety include preoperative warming garments, incremental compression garments, preoperative IV hydration, and postoperative blood thinners.

The 512 patients were treated over a four-year and three-month period. The age of patients ranged from 18 to 71 years, with the average age being 39 years. Total fat removed ranged from 100 cc’s to 10,200cc’s, and averaged 3325cc’s of supranatant fat. Infranatant fluid averaged 1671cc’s. Tumescent fluid given ranged from 300 cc’s to 15,700 cc’s, with an average of 4681 cc’s. Of the 512 men liposuctioned, 160 received full abdominal etching; 352 received modified etching; 273 men also had chest liposuction or pectoral etching[3] with or without puncture glandular removal[4]; and 119 had other cosmetic procedures concomitant with some form of abdominal etching. Complication rates were low with no infections, and only three contour defects required revisions. After 15 years of utilization and more that 1600 male contouring cases, we feel that the procedure is well-established and useful for enhancing male torso contours with a very limited rate of complications. Improvements in our technique have resulted in improved results, providing a more natural and athletic contour.