Every body is unique—and for some, even with consistent diet and exercise, achieving a sharply defined six-pack can feel just out of reach. Ab etching is a precision-based liposculpture procedure that enhances the appearance of the abdominal muscles by removing stubborn fat and creating more visible definition. Our expert Plastic Surgeons in Fort Lauderdale, FL are here to help.
This advanced body contouring treatment is ideal for patients who are already close to their goal weight but want to amplify the look of their natural muscle tone. It’s not about changing who you are—it’s about revealing the work you’ve already put in with more confidence and clarity.
Using high-definition liposuction techniques, our surgeons meticulously sculpt the abdomen to highlight the vertical and horizontal lines of the rectus muscles—resulting in a more athletic, chiseled appearance. Whether your goal is subtle contouring or a bold six-pack, ab etching is tailored to your physique and aesthetic goals for results that look natural and refined.
At the South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we know that aesthetics aren’t one-size-fits-all—and that goes for ab definition, too. Whether you’re looking to enhance natural muscle tone or finally reveal the core you’ve been working hard to build, your ab etching procedure is customized to fit your body and goals.
Our expert surgeons use advanced high-definition liposuction techniques to strategically remove fat and sculpt around your existing abdominal muscles. The result? A leaner, more defined midsection that complements your overall physique—without overcorrecting or looking unnatural.
Most of our male patients report a noticeable boost in confidence after surgery. Shirts fit better, workouts feel more rewarding, and they finally feel like their reflection matches the effort they’ve put into their fitness. Whether you’re going for a classic V-shape or a sharper, athletic contour, your treatment plan is designed to enhance—not invent—your definition.
While high-definition procedures are trending among male patients, many women are also embracing the power of precise body contouring to enhance their natural curves. For women who are already active but struggling with areas that resist diet and exercise—like the lower abdomen, waist, or inner thighs—techniques like high-definition liposuction can offer transformative results without compromising softness or femininity.
Ab etching surgery at the South Florida Center starts at $3,999 (anesthesia and surgeon fees not included). Final cost will vary based on your specific goals and whether you’re combining procedures like Liposuction 360 or gynecomastia correction.
To make your transformation more accessible, we offer flexible financing options through trusted third-party providers. Our team is here to support you from start to finish—no pressure, just results.
Ab etching is a high-precision liposculpture technique that enhances the natural contours of your abdominal muscles by removing excess fat from specific areas—like between and around the abs—to reveal a more defined, chiseled appearance.
At the South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we use small, discreet incisions (typically around 3–5 mm in length) to access and sculpt the underlying fat layer. These incisions are strategically placed in natural creases of the skin—such as the belly button, along the waistband, or near the groin—to minimize visibility once healed.
A tumescent solution is first injected to reduce bleeding and make fat removal smoother.
Using high-definition liposuction, a small cannula is inserted through the tiny incisions to precisely remove fat in a way that outlines the natural muscle borders (typically the rectus abdominis and obliques).
In some cases, additional contouring is done around the flanks or lower abdomen to refine the entire midsection and amplify definition.
Because the focus is on enhancing your body’s natural muscle tone, this is not a “fake six-pack” procedure—it’s a refinement of what’s already there. The key is subtlety, symmetry, and smart placement. During your consultation, your surgeon will map out the ideal incision points and sculpting zones to ensure the most natural-looking and balanced results—with minimal scarring and maximum definition.
While both procedures remove excess fat and sculpt the body, ab etching is a much more targeted and detailed technique—designed specifically to create visible muscle definition in the abdominal area. Here’s how they compare:
Ab etching highlights your natural anatomy by creating visible grooves between your abdominal muscles — delivering a sculpted, athletic look that can be difficult to achieve with exercise alone.
This procedure helps define your waistline, flatten your midsection, and accentuate your V-line — all while preserving a natural appearance that suits your body’s structure.
You might already hit the gym hard, but stubborn belly fat can hide your abs. Ab etching gives your hard-earned muscle definition the visibility it deserves.
Whether at the beach or in the mirror, a leaner, more defined abdomen can boost body confidence and make you feel more comfortable in your skin — and in your clothes.
Unlike crash diets or temporary fixes, ab etching is a surgical solution that creates long-lasting definition — especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle and regular training.
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Fill out our virtual consult form online, so that we can get some more information about you and what you specific needs. Be sure to include any concerns and questions that you have for our staff or surgeons. There is also an option to attach photos for the surgeon to review when evaluating your case.
In most cases, you’ll receive a proposal within 24 hours of submitting a request via email from your assigned patient care consultant. This will show a breakdown of pricing, what’s included, and next steps to move forward with the surgery. You’ll also be able to contact your consultant moving forward with any questions or concerns about your surgery.
In order to move forward with your surgery, the surgeon must evaluate your body and your specific goals. Patients can either submit photos including multiple angles (front, back, and both profiles) along with comments about their goals and concerns, or can schedule a video call at their convenience to virtually meet with the surgeon. We offer virtual consultations with Dr. Robert Cucin, Dr. John Pinnella, Dr. Brandon Elnekaveh, and Dr. Rohan Policherla. We also offer in-person consultations with a $500 deposit that goes towards the overall cost of your surgery.
After your consultation, whether by submitting photos, video call, or in-person, the surgeon will create a surgical plan and approve you as a candidate for surgery. The surgeon might also suggest another procedure. Your patient care consultant will reach out to you to confirm the surgeon’s approval and answer any remaining questions you may have.
Once you are ready to move forward, you can leave a $500 deposit using a credit card, cash, or one of our trusted financing partners. This deposit goes towards the overall cost of your surgery. Deposits are non-refundable, but remain as a center credit for a period of one year.
After you leave your deposit, you are ready to schedule your surgery. Our scheduling supervisor will reach out to you and choose dates for your pre-operative and surgical appointments that work for you. If you’re not ready to schedule right away, just let us know when to reach out and we will be happy to follow up at a later time.
Get a free ab etching consultation. Enter your information below and one of our coordinators will reach out to begin your consultation process.
30 - 1 Day Before Surgery
You’ll meet with your surgical team to finalize your customized plan. During this time, we’ll take pre-operative photos, complete necessary lab work, and review your medical history. Your care team will guide you through everything you need to know — so you feel fully prepped and confident heading into surgery.
Surgery Day
Ab etching can be done under general or local anesthesia and takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the complexity of your case. Using advanced liposuction techniques, your surgeon will strategically remove fat around your abdominal muscles to enhance natural definition and create a more sculpted look. You’ll return home the same day wearing a compression garment to support healing and minimize swelling.
1 Day Post Op
Expect to rest and limit movement. Soreness, bruising, and swelling are normal. You’ll continue wearing your compression garment full-time to promote proper contouring and support the etched muscle lines.
1 Week Post Op
At your follow-up visit, your surgeon will check your incisions and ensure your recovery is progressing as expected. While you may feel more mobile, it’s important to avoid exercise, heavy lifting, or any core engagement at this stage.
1 Month Post Op
Most patients can return to daily routines and begin low-impact exercise. Swelling will start to subside, and your abdominal contour will become more visible. You may still be asked to wear your garment part-time depending on your surgeon’s recommendations.
2 - 12 Months Post Op
Your final results will begin to take shape as residual swelling fades. The muscle definition created by ab etching becomes more prominent, and you’ll notice a leaner, sharper look. Most patients feel fully healed by month three, with continued refinement over time.
Verified
I cannot say enough great things about Dr. Brandon and the incredible results he delivered with my ab etching procedure at South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery. From the very first consultation, Dr. Brandon made me feel comfortable and confident in my decision. He took the time to explain the entire process, answered all of my questions thoroughly, and truly listened to my goals. The procedure itself went smoothly, and I was impressed with how professional and attentive the entire staff was throughout the experience. Dr. Brandon’s skill and precision are unmatched – the results far exceeded my expectations. My abs have never looked more defined and natural, and the contours are exactly what I was hoping for. Recovery was quicker than I anticipated, and the follow-up care was outstanding. Dr. Brandon checked in to ensure everything was healing well, and I felt supported every step of the way. If you’re considering ab etching or any cosmetic procedure, I highly recommend Dr. Brandon. He is a true artist in his field, and I am beyond thrilled with the results. Thank you, Dr. Brandon, for giving me the confidence.
Abdominal Etching
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Abdominal Etching
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Abdominal Etching
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Abdominal Etching
South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery has been around for over 20 years. We have two Florida Health Department Certified Office Based Surgery locations in Fort Lauderdale and Miami and a number of board certified plastic surgeons on our staff who specialize in a variety of procedures. We have been recognized by Boca Magazine’s Top Doctors, Fort Lauderdale Magazine’s Top Docs, RealSelf and have over 500 5-Star reviews.
Awards and recognition
Ab etching is a specialized body contouring procedure that uses precision liposuction to enhance the natural contours of your abdominal muscles. Instead of removing fat evenly, the surgeon selectively removes fat around muscle lines to create a toned, athletic appearance. The goal is to highlight the abs you already have, not create muscles that aren’t there. Results appear more natural when fat removal follows your anatomy.
The best candidates for ab etching are individuals who are already close to their ideal weight and maintain an active lifestyle. You should have good core muscle development but struggle with stubborn fat that hides definition. This procedure is not designed for weight loss. Good skin elasticity is also important for optimal results.
Traditional liposuction focuses on reducing fat volume, while ab etching focuses on sculpting and definition. With abdominal etching, fat is removed strategically along natural muscle lines to enhance visibility and contour. This technique requires a higher level of precision and planning than standard liposuction. The result is a more athletic and contoured midsection.
Most ab etching procedures take between one and a half to two and a half hours. The length of surgery depends on your anatomy, how many muscle groups are being sculpted, and whether other areas are treated at the same time. Combining procedures may extend surgical time slightly. Your surgeon will review this during the consultation.
Ab etching is typically performed under general anesthesia to keep you comfortable and still during the detailed sculpting process. General anesthesia allows for greater precision and a smoother experience overall. Your anesthesia plan is determined based on safety, comfort, and the extent of treatment. Recovery begins immediately after surgery.
Swelling and bruising are expected during the first one to two weeks following abdominal etching surgery. You’ll wear a compression garment to help control swelling and support healing. Light activities usually resume after about one week, while more intense exercise is typically allowed after four to six weeks. Final results continue to refine as swelling subsides.
Ab etching uses very small incisions that are placed in discreet areas such as natural skin creases. Over time, these scars fade significantly and are often barely noticeable. Proper scar care and following post-op instructions help optimize healing. Most patients are very satisfied with scar placement.
Early improvements are visible once initial swelling begins to subside, usually within a few weeks. However, true definition develops gradually as healing continues. Final results typically become apparent around three to six months after surgery. Continued fitness and healthy habits enhance long-term definition.
The fat removed during ab etching does not come back. That said, remaining fat cells can still expand with weight gain. Maintaining a stable weight, consistent exercise routine, and healthy diet is essential to preserving results. Think of ab etching as a long-term enhancement, not a shortcut.
Yes, ab etching is commonly combined with body contouring procedures for more comprehensive results. Popular combinations include Liposuction 360, high-definition liposculpting, or gynecomastia surgery. Combining procedures can enhance overall proportions and reduce total downtime. Your surgeon will guide you on safe options.
You won’t feel pain during surgery due to anesthesia. Afterward, patients typically report soreness, tightness, or pressure rather than sharp pain. Discomfort is well-managed with prescribed medication and gradually improves over the first week. Most patients describe recovery as manageable.
Pricing for ab etching varies depending on your anatomy, treatment extent, and whether other areas are included. Because ab etching is highly customized, a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon in Fort Lauderdale is the best way to determine cost. Financing options are available to help make treatment more accessible. Your care plan will be fully outlined before surgery.
Yes — when performed correctly, ab etching enhances your natural muscle structure without appearing artificial. The goal is subtle definition, not exaggerated lines. Results are tailored to your body type, gender, and aesthetic goals. Natural-looking outcomes depend heavily on technique and anatomy.
As with any surgery, risks may include swelling, bruising, infection, irregular contour, or asymmetry. These risks are minimized with careful surgical planning and proper aftercare. Choosing a qualified, experienced surgical team is essential. Most patients heal smoothly without complications.
Absolutely. Ab etching is not limited to men and can be customized to create a softer, athletic contour for women. Female ab etching focuses on definition without harsh muscle grooves. Results are tailored to natural female anatomy. Many women choose abdominal etching to enhance fitness results.
Ab etching focuses primarily on sculpting the abdominal muscles, while high-definition liposuction treats multiple areas to enhance overall muscular definition. High-def lipo may include the chest, arms, and flanks in addition to the abdomen. Ab etching is often a component of high-definition body contouring. Your goals determine which approach is best.
You don’t need perfectly visible abs, but you should have underlying muscle development. Ab etching enhances what’s already there rather than creating muscle definition from scratch. Patients without muscle tone may be better candidates for traditional liposuction or lifestyle changes first. Muscle presence is key.
Significant weight gain can soften definition and reduce visibility of ab etching results. However, because fat cells are permanently removed, changes tend to be more gradual and evenly distributed. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve long-term outcomes. Healthy habits make a major difference.
Ab etching does not tighten muscles or repair muscle separation. Its purpose is fat sculpting, not muscle correction. If muscle laxity or diastasis recti is present, a tummy tuck may be more appropriate. Your surgeon will assess core structure during consultation.
Ab etching is best suited for patients with good skin elasticity. If loose or sagging skin is present, liposuction alone may not deliver optimal results. In these cases, your surgeon may recommend combining ab etching with a tummy tuck or skin-tightening treatment. A consultation with cosmetic surgeons in Fort Lauderdale helps determine the right approach.
At the South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, our Abdominal Etching procedure is performed by a team of experienced plastic surgeons, including Dr. Brandon who is known for his meticulous technique and commitment to delivering natural, balanced results.
Dr. Brandon brings a refined approach to breast contouring, focusing on enhancing each patient’s natural shape while restoring balanced proportions and body confidence.
Our team performs Ab Etching surgeries at our modern Fort Lauderdale facility, serving patients locally from Miami, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach, as well as clients who travel from across the U.S. and internationally seeking high-quality aesthetic care in South Florida.
915 Middle River Dr. #213
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Phone: (954) 565-7575
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