Hi-Def Abdominal Etching at Imagen
For many, it’s almost impossible to achieve six-pack definition in the abdomen. Whether it’s genetics or aging, even those with a great fitness and diet regimen often need help to shed those last stubborn pockets of fat. Imagen Body Sculpting is the only clinic in the state that offers the revolutionary six-pack HD Liposuction procedure. Through the combination of SmartLipo or ultrasonic Vaser liposuction and muscle etching, Dr. Frank Soto is able to reveal desirable definition from the surrounding tissues much like a sculptor chisels his masterpiece from stone.
The success of this cosmetic surgery is dependent on extensive training in the surgical technique combined with an artful eye and an intricate knowledge of human anatomy. Dr. Frank Soto has been trained in 4D Hi-Definition Liposculpture by the inventor of the procedure and is one of a handful of surgeons in the country now performing this sophisticated technique
What is 4D Hi-Def Lipo (Six-pack Lipo)?
4D Hi-Def Lipo is Imagen’s premier liposuction procedure. Dr. Frank Soto is one of only a handful of surgeons in the US who have been trained by the inventor of the technique, Dr Alfredo Hoyos – a true visionary in plastic surgery. What differentiates 4D Hi-Def AKA six-pack lipo from traditional liposuction is the degree to which your muscles are enhanced during the procedure.
Dr. Frank begins by marking the underlying musculature. The treated areas are then numbed with tumescent fluid through tiny incisions and then treated with SmartLipo or Vaser Lipo, which uses ultrasound energy to melt the unwanted areas of fat. The fat removal is performed with small cannulas and then the tissues are smoothed and tightened with Renuvion. Finally, using absolute precision with different liposuction techniques, Dr. Frank uses the markings as a guide to selectively complete the fat removal to reveal and define your six-pack abs!
The entire procedure is done as an outpatient under local anesthesia with oral sedation, so you don’t have any of the risks associated with general anesthesia.
What is the Difference Between Lipo and Lipo HD?
While Lipo focuses on reducing areas of stubborn fat, most patients who qualify for HD Lipo are already in pretty good shape. The HD Lipo starts by removing some of the unwanted fat between the skin and the muscles (subcutaneous fat), but then goes a step further and removes fat from the spaces between the muscle bellies. With time, this area develops scar tissue which produces retraction of the skin toward the muscle insertions, improving the definition of the natural muscles in the treated areas.
How Long Does a Hi Def Lipo Procedure Take?
Because of the intricate nature of defining the abdominal muscles, Hi Def Lipo will typically take quite a bit longer than our other lipo procedures. An HD Lipo case will typically be in the office (including pre and post op time) for 6-8 hours.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Hi-Definition Lipo?
4D Hi-Definition LipoSculpture is more about revealing muscle tone and less about removing fat. The best candidates for Hi-Def Lipo don’t smoke, are in good health, have good underlying musculature, and lead a healthy lifestyle. To maintain a naturally defined abdomen, you would be required to keep a body fat content of less than 10%. While athletes often achieve this level while they are training intensely, the diet required for maintenance is very restrictive and patients often don’t want to continue such careful dieting year round. Hi Def Lipo is typically reserved for those patients who have shown that they will follow post op instructions and maintain their results through proper diet and exercise. They generally don’t have excess skin laxity, these patients may be referred for a tummy tuck. HD Lipo patients typically have a BMI of 25 or less.
Is High Definition Liposuction Just for Men?
Both men and women can benefit from the enhanced definition obtained through 4D High Definition Liposuction. Some men choose to include the chest in their procedure for a more athletic appearance, while women like to add liposuction of the love handles to achieve a tapered waist with a more defined abdomen.
The beautiful thing about 4D Hi-Def Lipo is you can discuss your desired “look” with Dr. Frank. Whether you desire intense six-pack abs or a more subtle enhancement, Imagen can customize your procedure to achieve your desired result.
What are the Risks of Hi-Def Lipo?
Because your plastic surgeon will be creating six-pack abs by revealing and enhancing muscle in your abdomen, you want to make sure you are choosing a provider who is highly skilled and well versed in vaser technology and the surgical liposuction technique to create the six-pack physique you desire. The most common side effects of Hi-Def Lipo are bruising and swelling. These effects will typically last for several weeks, though you will have some mild swelling for several months after the procedure. The most common complication of HD lipo is called a seroma. This is a fluid collection in the area of aggressive liposuction. If you develop a seroma, it will need to be drained. This is a simple procedure that is performed at your follow up appointments. It will not require any downtime, but you will need to return to the office for close follow up. Lymphatic massage may help reduce the risk of seroma formation.
Benefits of Hi-Definition Liposuction Procedure
Six-pack abs are usually the result of a true athlete, strict diet, and targeted consistent exercise. But in reality, a well-defined six-pack is hard to achieve and even harder to maintain especially as you age. By using liposuction around your ab muscles, your plastic surgeon can strategically accentuate your natural muscles under the fat deposits. Like a sculptor with stone, Dr. Frank uses a cannula to extract excess fat from the area. This can include the abdomen and obliques sometimes hiding under the “love handles”.
Combining HD Lipo with Liposculpting
Some patients may be great candidates for HD Lipo and still have problem areas in other parts of their bodies. We can combine HD Lipo with standard liposculpting for the neck, upper arms or thighs so that you just have one recovery period.
Combining HD Lipo with Fat Transfer
Many of our HD Liposuction patients will combine their abdominal etching with fat transfer. Both men and women desire augmentation in certain areas. Some of the most popular areas for men to transfer fat include the calves and upper pecs. Women often opt to add a gluteal fat transfer (BBL or Brazilian Butt Lift) to their HD Lipo procedure.
How Long is the Recovery After High Definition Liposuction?
Following Vaser Hi-Def Liposuction treatment at Imagen, most patients can resume work and daily activities as soon as they are comfortable (recovery time is typically just a couple of days).
You can return to some exercise (low impact, don’t push yourself) as long as you feel well enough to do so. Most patients are walking on a treadmill or outdoors within the first day or two. Strenuous activities and exercise may be resumed after the first few weeks pending doctor approval. Patients should expect some mild bruising, swelling, and other discomforts in the areas of the body that were treated immediately after the procedure. Swelling typically peaks at about a week after the procedure and small areas of swelling may last for several months. Compression garments are required after surgery to help with recovery and downtime.
How is HD Lipo Recovery Different from Lipo Recovery?
Both procedures have minimal downtime and patients are typically back to work in a few days. Exercise can be resumed shortly after the procedure in both cases. Hi Def Lipo does have a slightly higher risk of seromas than other types of lipo.
When will Results be Visible?
The results from “six-pack” lipo are often visible immediately after surgery but continue to improve as swelling and bruising subside. Patients usually see results 8 weeks after surgery. Swelling will continue to decrease, and skin will continue to tighten up to 6 months after your liposuction procedure.
The results of Hi-Def Liposuction and body contouring can be permanent as long as patients maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. If substantial weight is gained after this procedure, results may be altered.
What Happens if I Gain Weight After 4D Hi-Def Liposculpture?
When we gain or lose weight, our fat cells expand or shrink. By removing fat cells through liposuction, the expanding or shrinking can only occur in whatever fat cells are still leftover in the treatment areas. Some patients who have gained significant weight after Hi-Definition Liposuction see what we call the “ninja turtle” effect. Because the liposuction removes fat from the subcutaneous areas, the abdominal etching will remain. If you gain significant weight, you may store it in your visceral fat (below the muscles), which can make your belly appear large and rounded. Fortunately, if you work at weight loss, you can realize your HD Lipo results again.
How Much is 4D HD Lipo?
Because of the extensive training involved and the additional time and effort put in by the surgeon, HD Lipo is a premium service. It is a higher price point than our standard liposuction procedures. 4D Hi-Definition Liposuction is priced by area and number of areas. Patients can expect to pay anywhere from $7k – $15k for Hi-Def Lipo of the abdomen and/or love handles.
All of our liposuction procedures here at Imagen include Renuvion/JPlasma for skin tightening which assists in the overall appearance of lipo procedure.
Imagen offers a range of plans to help finance your surgical procedure including our no-credit-check, no-interest Lipo Layaway.
Schedule Your Consultation for HD Lipo
If you are interested in learning more about Hi Def Liposuction, Abdominal Etching, Skin Tightening or other cosmetic procedures, please call us at 402-347-4433 to schedule a free consultation. After a brief exam, our team will discuss your goals and the expectations for your results as well as cost and financing. If you are not in Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs or the surrounding metro, we do offer virtual consultations as well!