1. Dr. Henry Mentz: Abdominal Etching
Plastic surgeon Dr. Henry Mentz explains the cosmetic procedure known as abdominal etching. This technique was
developed to improve the definition of the abdominal muscles through liposuction at a number of levels in order to
achieve an “etched” appearance.
The first step involves marking the abdominal muscles while the patient flexes the stomach. Next, utilizing a narrow and
hollow tube, the surgeon uses liposuction to thin out and remove some of the abdominal fat pad. This aids in
accentuating the muscles. After the proper amount of fat is removed, the contours are more noticeable, and the
surgeon uses these as a guide to further highlight the abdominal muscles. The procedure takes approximately one
hour, and is done on an outpatient basis so the individual can go home afterward.
Dr. Henry Mentz, a cosmetic surgeon based in Houston, Texas, originally published an article on this abdominal etching
procedure in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in 1993. Dr. Mentz has received international attention for the procedure, and
has presented the technique at conferences in cities throughout the world.