How plastic surgeons are helping patients get six-pack abs

No matter how well your diet or exercise regimen, some folks just can’t seem to get the toned abs of their dreams.

According to new research published this month in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a technique called abdominal etching can help create the often desired “six-pack abs” for males and three vertical lines for females.

The procedure, according to lead researcher Tarik M. Husain of the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, involves “power-assisted” targeted liposuction as “a novel method of sculpting an ideal abdomen.”

Researchers tested the procedure in a study of 26 men and 24 women (average age of 36 years), all of whom were in good shape, ate well and exercised regularly, but had “certain resistant areas of fat.”

According to the findings, none of the 50 patients experienced major complications following the abdominal etching procedure, though 22 per cent did have minor complications, including over-etching that improved overtime, and some patients (10 per cent) developed seromas, or fluid collections, which were quickly managed.

Overall, 98 per cent of patients said they were satisfied with the results, despite a 27-month postoperative followup involving wearing foam dressings for weeks. And Results of abdominal etching have been maintained for up to six years, according to the study.

Husain said abdominal etching requires extensive postoperative management, plus nutrition and training to maintain long-term results.