High-Definition
Liposuction for Men
in Novi, Michigan

Ab Silhouetch℠ — Ab Etching

At Illuum Cosmetic Surgery, we offer an advanced male ab-etching procedure called Ab Silhouetch℠. This is a new surgical technique that provides high-definition lipo for men. Millions of men across America face the reality that their midsections are not as well-defined as they could be. The good news is that you can blast away that layer of fat and reveal your underlying anatomy of more sculpted, toned abdominal muscles. The secret? Ab Silhouetch℠, this signature technique of high-definition liposuction with abdominal etching for men by Dr. Gregory Lakin, our board-certified plastic surgeon. This cutting-edge liposuction procedure offers a minimally invasive way to permanently remove fat from your body while illuminating your abdominal muscle groups. The result is a more toned and strong physique with defined abs.
Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gregory Lakin, is known for producing precise and impressive results using advanced body contouring procedures. Using a minimally invasive Ab Silhouetch℠ approach, he permanently removes targeted fat while defining the natural muscle lines of the abdomen. This cutting-edge liposuction procedure offers a minimally invasive way to permanently remove fat from your body while illuminating your abdominal muscle groups. The result is a more toned and strong physique with defined abs.

All About Ab Silhouetch℠, the Abdominal Etching Procedure for Men

At Illuum Cosmetic Surgery, we offer Ab Silhouetch℠, a new surgical procedure and technique that provides high-definition lipo for men. We aim to help patients remove excess fat, define muscle, and create a toned, rock-hard core. But how does this outpatient procedure work? What muscles can you reveal with this innovative technique?

What Is Ab Silhouetch℠?

Ab Silhouetch℠ is a minimally invasive surgical technique for men designed to help remove the fat hiding six-pack abs. It uses high-definition liposuction to target belly fat that lies over and between the abdominal muscles. This cutting-edge, high-definition liposuction technique, developed and performed by our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gregory Lakin, targets the belly fat that lies over and between the abdominal muscles to reveal the abs’ natural definition. Specifically, it allows us to reveal the patient’s six-pack abs, including:

  • Obliques
  • Rectus abdominis muscles
  • Serratus muscles
  • Semilunaris muscle lines

How Does Ab Silhouetch℠ Work?

Ab Silhouetch℠ is a minimally invasive surgical technique designed to help remove the fat hiding your six-pack abs. It uses high-definition liposuction to target men’s belly fat that lies over and between their abdominal muscles.
The ab etching procedure is customized to each patient, ensuring that you get the perfect results for your unique needs, goals, and physique. The fat loss is permanent.
Unlike traditional liposuction surgery, Ab Silhouetch has minimal downtime. You can return to work within a few days, confident with your athletic, toned body. Best of all, Ab Silhouetch℠ with ab etching can be combined with other high-definition liposuction procedures to help sculpt and tone your entire body.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

During the initial consultation, Dr. Lakin assesses the patient’s abdominal structure and discusses with them the way they want to look. Then, he decides if Ab Silhouetch℠ is a suitable procedure by looking at how fat is spread across the patient’s body, how firm their muscles are, and whether or not their skin has lots of elasticity.
Next, he may take pre-op photos so that an effective treatment plan can be devised and results compared afterward. Besides, our surgeon provides a quote estimate for the whole procedure. Additionally, Dr. Lakin will assess a patient’s medical records and suggest any required lab tests to confirm their fitness for surgery.

Ab Silhouetch℠ Procedure Explained

Skin Marking and Anesthesia
On the day of surgery, Dr. Lakin marks out the natural curves of the abdominal muscle groups, such as the rectus abdominus, obliques, and serratus lines. After marking, general anesthesia or IV sedation is administered by the anesthesiologist so patients are as comfortable as possible throughout surgery.
Our surgeon uses a minimally invasive method in which he creates remote stealth small incisions and puts a thin tube into place. This tube is used to take out only certain amounts of fat that sit between the abdomen muscles. This procedure, known as hi-def liposuction, allows him to shape the body so well that muscle lines become visible and look like those of an athlete. At the same time, Dr. Lakin can maintain a patient’s body’s natural balance and ensure all parts match up nicely with each other.
Once the sculpting is finished, the tiny liposuction holes  are left open without drainage tubes to allow the fluid to drain out, and a compression garment with custom foam padding is put on. This helps to reduce swelling and helps your skin take on its new shape. Depending on how many areas of liposuction are included, the whole procedure usually takes between one and three hours.

Before and After Gallery

Which Other Procedures Can You Combine with Ab Etching for Men?

You may want to look beyond your abs and achieve an athletic and toned body. We offer additional cosmetic procedures to complement our ab etching procedure to sculpt your entire body.
What’s a strong, sculpted abdomen without defined pectoral muscles to complement it? We carefully remove fat and then etch the patient’s muscles to create a strongly defined, masculine physique that speaks of confidence and strength. 
Patients can define and contour the musculature of their arms through high-definition liposuction with arm etching, including the front and back of the deltoid, as well as the triceps and biceps.
We offer patients the chance to get the defined, strong back they’ve always wanted with high-definition liposuction and etching. From highlighting the erector spinae to the upper and lower trapezius and latissimus dorsi muscles, it’s all about sculpting and etching.
We use our Silhouetch℠ etching and liposuction technique to remove fat from the patient’s thighs and calves to contour the natural muscle curves, iliotibial line, vastus lateralis, and sartorius lines.
Many men get Brazilian butt lifts, and our BBL Silhouetch℠ technique ensures that we define those targeted areas while transferring fat to their buttocks.
Some patients need a bit more volume for their arms or pec muscles. Fat transfer from other areas of the body allows us to sculpt their pecs and arms to create an undeniably male physique and augment their natural musculature.
360-degree liposuction removes excess midsection fat with the Ab Silhouetch℠ technique to define and accentuate the natural muscle contours, resulting in a toned and athletic appearance. 

Ab Silhouetch℠ aka HD liposuction vs traditional liposuction

While ab etching and liposuction are similar, they are not identical. Conventional liposuction focuses on removing fat from various problem areas, whereas ab etching targets localized fat around, over, and between the abdominal muscles to create a chiseled, masculine appearance. Similarly, while HD (high-definition) liposuction and traditional liposuction share many characteristics, the key difference lies in the results: conventional lipo removes excess fat, but HD lipo not only eliminates fat—it also enhances and defines the underlying musculature to sculpt a more athletic and contoured physique.

What Is the Recovery Process After Ab Etching?

Unlike a tummy tuck, ab etching is a minimally invasive procedure, but it does require at least some downtime. After the surgery, you’ll be sent home with compression garments on the treated areas. You will need to take at least a couple of days off work, as well. During the first few days, you should limit your activities. However, most patients can return to normal routines within a few days/weeks. You can resume working out within four to six weeks in most cases.
Swelling, bruising, and tightness may occur during the early stages of recovery, but these usually fade after two or three weeks. For best results, it is important to wear a compression garment at all times for an initial period (usually a few weeks) and to come along to all follow-up appointments. After the operation, Dr. Lakin will provide advice that is tailored to each patient’s needs. This will help to minimize any discomfort and preserve the newly sculpted look of the abdominal muscles.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Silhouetch℠, the Abdominal Etching Surgery? 

The ideal candidate for Silhouetch℠ high-definition lipo is in good health and is no more than 20% away from their ideal target weight. Good physical fitness is a plus, as it provides more defined results. Skin with good elasticity will also help showcase your musculature better. Your medical history and any medications, such as blood thinning medications you are currently taking, will need a further in-depth review by our surgeon and medical team. Good candidates often share certain characteristics, such as these:
For optimal outcomes, it is recommended that males stay within 20 percent of their desired weight range. When they are near their fitness objectives, liposuction can better accentuate muscle outlines, leading to greater success overall.
Patients who already have a regular exercise regimen typically have stronger deep muscles. This makes it easier to see a well-defined muscle definition that looks good for longer periods.
Maintaining an even skin tone and good elasticity allows for smooth skin retraction over newly sculpted areas. This can enhance the final result of the procedure.
Patients must be in good overall health and not have any conditions that might impede healing or raise the risks of surgery.
In order for our surgical team to assess safety and reduce risk during the procedure, candidates must reveal all medications they are currently using. This is particularly important for blood thinners.
This treatment is not designed for losing weight. It is for sculpting the body. Patients need to realize its limits and what it can achieve.

Do You Need to Work Out Abdominal Muscles Before Surgery?

No, patients do not need to work out before they undergo ab etching. However, it’s important to understand that high-definition liposuction highlights existing muscles, rather than creating new ones. Consistent and quality exercise and workouts will ensure the best results possible.
Please note that ab etching is not a weight loss procedure but rather a body contouring procedure.

How Long Does Abdominal Etching Last?

Worried that your ab etching will eventually fade? We understand. No one wants to see their new physique disappear. The good news is that ab etching is a permanent procedure. The fat cells removed during high-definition abdominal liposuction will not return. That means you get long-lasting results.
However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle afterward is important to optimize the results and help prevent pre-existing fat cells in other areas from growing. We especially want to prevent deep belly fat (called visceral fat) from growing. The area in which that fat develops is not treatable by liposuction, but only by diet and exercise. Therefore, we highly recommend that patients follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen after having ab etching surgeries. We can provide them with advice and guidance on creating a diet and workout strategy to begin after the procedure.

Benefits of Ab Silhouetch℠ Surgery

Highlighting Natural Abdominal Muscles

Ab Silhouetch℠ removes fat to uncover six-pack abs and create a more athletic midsection – a technique that reveals abdominal musculature. It’s ideal for men who exercise often yet can’t achieve visible abs due to stubborn fat.
In contrast to regular liposuction, Ab Silhouetch℠ conforms to your unique anatomy. It outlines distinct muscle areas—like the obliques, rectus abdominis, and serratus—depending on your individual body shape and objectives for a naturally sculpted look.
Fat cells eliminated during treatment will not regenerate in the targeted areas, offering enduring results provided the patient stays at a healthy weight. This means Ab Silhouetch℠ could provide a long-lasting answer to body shaping—and one that does not need topping up.
Utilizing cutting-edge high-definition liposuction methods, this procedure produces much smaller incisions, causes minimal damage to nearby tissues, and allows for quicker recovery than standard surgery.
Many men who have had Ab Silhouetch℠ report feeling better when they are shirtless, wearing clothes that fit well, or showing off their bodies during sports activities. Because a more balanced figure is provided by these chiseled abdominal muscles, the patient’s self-respect and sense of well-being get a boost.

Cost of Abdominal High-Definition Liposuction in Novi, Michigan

The average cost of male ab etching in Novi, MI, typically ranges from $7,000 to $20,000. It varies from patient to patient. This price typically encompasses the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, operating facility fees, pre-and post-operative treatment, and compression garments. Many factors go into determining the cost of abdominal etching liposuction, including the degree of etching, the number of areas to be treated, body mass index (BMI), and if multiple body contour procedures, such as chest or flank liposuction, are performed in conjunction with this advanced ab etching treatment. Patients wishing to pursue this cutting-edge ab etching treatment should make an appointment with Dr. Lakin to obtain a personal estimate and discuss their desired aesthetic result.

Why Choose Illuum Cosmetic Surgery for Ab Etching?

At Illuum Cosmetic Surgery, we are focused on precision body shaping in men with our signature Ab Silhouetch℠ technique. With board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Lakin at the forefront, we provide state-of-the-art, high-definition liposuction with an individualized approach coupled with a strong commitment to aesthetic perfection and patient care. Each Silhouetch℠ surgery is specifically designed to emphasize each patient’s individual belly anatomy and achieve long-lasting, well-defined results. Throughout consultation, surgery, and recovery, we deliver individualized guidance and care to make a patient’s transformation seamless, effective, and confidence-inducing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ab Silhouetch℠ Abdominal Etching Procedure

How does high-def lipo work?

Unlike traditional liposuction, high-def lipo removes fat cells while highlighting and contouring the patient’s muscles. It can be combined with fat relocation to help improve mass and enhance musculature as well.
Yes! Silhouetch℠, the abdominal etching procedure, permanently removes the excess fat cells in the target area. It ensures your results are long-lasting, and diet and exercise will be necessary.
While ab etching and liposuction are similar, they are not identical. Conventional liposuction removes fat from many different problem areas. Ab etching, on the other hand, removes localized fat from over, around, and between abdominal muscles to help you achieve a chiseled, masculine physique.
Yes, liposuction can work on men’s belly fat. Depending on the amount of belly fat, you may need to consider weight loss before undergoing ab etching.
HD liposuction and regular liposuction share many similar characteristics. However, conventional lipo procedures only remove excess fat. HD lipo, on the other hand, removes excess fat and accentuates underlying muscles, allowing you to create a sculpted look.
Yes, ab etching is a body contouring procedure. It completely destroys fat cells in the body, which can never return. This procedure allows you to augment and accentuate individual abdominal muscles, as well as the musculature in your arms, legs, and back.
If you have yet to achieve a visible six-pack or create a strong, well-defined midsection. If you had six-pack abs or an eight-pack in your youth but age has covered those muscles with a layer of excess fat. Whatever the case is, the Ab Silhouetch℠ surgery will help improve your midsection by removing unwanted fat to achieve the defined look you deserve.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Whether you’re looking for Dr. Lakin’s expert insight or already know exactly what you’re looking for, scheduling a consultation is the obvious and easy next step. Sit down with one of Michigan’s premier plastic surgeons and start your journey into illuminating the best version of yourself.
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Katie Wells BSN, RN

Nurse Injector

She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University and worked as an operating room nurse at Michigan Medicine for 2 years before transitioning to aesthetics. She
received her certification as a Nurse Injector, and attended further training and certification through Allergan Medical Institute. She absolutely loves being a Nurse Injector and is very passionate about
combining medicine and the creativity and artistry of aesthetics in her practice. It is extremely important to her to remain educated and up to date with the newest and best treatments and injection techniques. Her goal as an Injector is that when you sit in her chair that you feel comfortable, fully educated on your procedure, and confident and happy in your results when we are done. She loves forming connections with her patients and feels truly honored to be a part of your journey to becoming your most confident self, inside and out! She is a great listener and looks forward to creating an individualized plan to meet each of her patient’s unique goals and desires. Some of her favorite treatments include lip filler, Botox, and midface/cheek filler (but there is so much more!). When she is not injecting, you can find her trying new recipes, spending time with family, working out, gardening, or taking a long walk with her dog.

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Heidi Winkler BSN, RN

Director of Nursing & Surgical Services Leadership

Heidi’s goal is to ensure every patient has a positive experience and is satisfied with the high quality of service provided by our clinical staff. Her passion as a caregiver is to impact each person’s life in a positive way.

Tonya Gilbert BSN, RN

PACU Nurse

Tonya has been a registered nurse for 15 years. She earned her BSN at the University of Michigan. Go Blue!

She started her career as a trauma RN in Detroit. She has been working as a recovery RN for the past 8 years. She loves being part of a team that makes a difference in people’s lives. 

Her passions include lounging with her fur babies, family, and friends, traveling, crunching, and recycling. 

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