Well, we all know that it is next to impossible to get a six-pack in under a day. But with an abdominal etching procedure, which is a surgical cosmetic procedure, you can have your six-pack… well kind of. Those of us who have some chiselled abs (yes, yours truly included) have really worked hard for them and still continue to do so just in case the pretty abs feel neglected and decide to pull a disappearing act.

But somewhere in the plastic and cosmetic surgery world, an abdominal etching procedure gives you some form of a six-pack (minus the Adonis belt of course). The other thing a plastic surgeon can do while at it, is sculpt the abs so well, to make them more prominent. Hula hooping, if done well can also sculpt your core, in addition to many other benefits.

This abdominal etching procedure, also known as abs chiselling, which is considered a minimally invasive procedure, is bound to reveal a more contoured and flat stomach by getting rid of stubborn fatty layers that tend to cover the abdominal muscles.

What is abdominal etching?

I caught up with our leading plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetics surgeon in Dubai who is an expert in this abdominal etching procedure, to try and understand how this high-definition six-pack thing is done.

“Everyone has abdominal muscles although some are not visible because they are covered by a layer of fat. During an abdominal etching procedure, a plastic surgeon uses a marker to outline these abdominal muscles, on where they are supposed to be, and uses this as a guide,” he explains, adding that local anaesthesia is used.

Small incisions are made through the belly button, so as to make the scars less visible (which is a great idea). According to the doctor, a cannula, which is a thin tube, is then inserted through these incisions on the navel, where it suctions out the excess fat (I think I would just call it liposuction) along the muscle lines. “This leaves the abs more defined and muscular, which is expected since that layer of fatty tissue is not there anymore.” The procedure can take up to three hours depending on the amount of fatty tissue to be removed.

Can the procedure be done by anyone?

Although a washboard tummy is something longed for by most people, men and women alike, he says that this abdominal etching procedure is just perfect for a male physique (for those who think it’s worth it). “As for the ladies, you can achieve the washboard abs, but with feminine curves (minus the Adonis belt, like I said before). “

Downtime of abdominal etching procedure

When it comes to recovery after getting your abs, you might want to take it easy in addition to changing a few habits. “This is because, after the procedure, you will be wearing a compression garment throughout except when taking a shower. Exercising or putting unnecessary excess pressure on your tummy is forbidden, not unless you want your recovery to take forever and a day.”

He notes that there will be an amount of swelling and bruising and of course discomfort (I hate it when a doctor says this because it always translates to pain regardless of your pain threshold) but of course, some proper medication will be prescribed to take care of this. As for the full results, it can take up to six months (well I said one day, but you understand) for your peers to notice your new abs.

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“One thing people seem to ignore is that they need to follow a healthy diet if they are to maintain the abs, otherwise, the new look won’t last. So diet is very important.”

Abdominal etching is a procedure that can be done for anyone, although some people would rather get their abs in the gym or kitchen. There are people who, for one reason or another, cannot get their abs any other way other than in a plastic surgeon’s clinic.