Here is a clue to the workflow from the great meats meiers. The tutorial needs to be updated for zbr 3 but you can get the idea.
Alpha mask, delete hidden, store morph target, inflate, create diff.
http://www.computerarts.co.uk/tutorials/3d__and__animation/the_wire_technique
The technique shown here is possible to replicate, but it’s Gutalin’s incredible artistry that is much more difficult to copy.