Abdominal etching: differential liposuction to detail abdominal musculature.

Male athletes seeking improvement in the detail of their abdominal musculature have traditionally utilized vigorous exercise and a tightly controlled diet. Abdominal etching is a technique devised to enhance the appearance of the abdominal musculature by removing fat with liposuction at variable levels. The abdominal musculature is topographically visualized as the linea alba, linea semilunaris, and the transverse tendinous intersections within the rectus abdominous muscle. These landmarks are enhanced with localized superficial liposuction to deepen the natural grooves or furrows in these areas. We have performed abdominal etching on eight male patients with good to excellent results and minimal risks.