The majority of men who undergo abdominal etching (six-pack surgery) are not celebrities or those in the media. They are everyday men from diverse backgrounds.
February 14, 2025
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Despite the popularity of "dad bods" in recent years, more men around the world, including Singapore, are choosing to forego beer bellies in favour of a cosmetic procedure known as abdominal etching. This procedure allows men (and women) to achieve six-pack abs without lifting a finger.
Shortcuts to a six-pack abs appearance
Abdomen tattoo
Did you see that intriguing video on Instagram about the young man who got a hyper-realistic six-pack tattoo to create the illusion of a muscular stomach? "It's been one of my most unusual requests. [...] He always wanted a muscular stomach, but he didn't want to go to the gym or follow a diet," explained Gunther, the tattoo artist who runs Color Realism Tattoos in the UK.
Muscle Suits
This isn't the first time someone has come up with a creative solution for achieving a beach body instantly.
In 2021, Taobao offered hope to couch potatoes during the COVID-19 period by selling realistic silicon muscular body suits that create the illusion of being ripped without lifting a finger or taking a step towards the gym. The upper body muscle suit with arm attachments can be customised to match your skin tone and even include chest hair, along with prominent veins, realistic blood vessels, and a defined collarbone!
Abdominal etching (six-pack surgery)
Abdominal etching, commonly known as six-pack surgery, 4D Liposuction, or Hi-Definition Lipo, is designed for men and women who are seeking to enhance the appearance of their abdominal muscles despite regular weightlifting and a calorie-deficit diet. This approach combines fat reduction with aesthetic sculpting, resulting in a visually appealing and athletic physique.
Abdominal etching (six-pack surgery) selectively removes fat while preserving some fat layers to accentuate the underlying muscle definition, creating a more prominent and sculpted appearance. The liposuction doctor will utilise Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance to break down and liquefy the fat and eliminate it via suction. This approach is gentler on the body, minimising damage to the surrounding tissues.
The vibration from the ultrasound waves also stimulates the body's creation of new collagen that will lead to skin retraction on the treated area, resulting in natural, satisfying results.
Why is abdominal etching (six-pack surgery) getting more popular in Singapore?
According to Dr Ivan Puah, an MOH-accredited liposuction doctor and Medical Director of Amaris B. Clinic, the ratio of female to male patients at his clinic in Singapore has shifted from 70:30 to 45:55 since the clinic opened its doors in 2004.
Dr Puah shared that the terms "beauty" and "vanity" do not carry the same meaning for men. Male vanity is synonymous with concepts of masculinity, power and strength. Men are not just seeking improvements to their physical appearance; they are also aiming to project an image that aligns with their modern masculine identity.
Read more about Abdominal etching (Six-pack surgery)
- Build Your Perfect Body with 4D Lipo (Hi-Definition Lipo)
- 4D Liposuction Singapore | Vaser Hi-def Lipo Athletic Look
- Do Women Really Like Muscular Men?
- Athleisure Wear: How This Trend Is Shaping Body Confidence
- Beer belly | How male abdomen lipo is more than fat removal
Who is getting 6-pack surgeries in Singapore?
The majority of men who undergo abdominal etching, commonly known as six-pack surgery, are not celebrities or individuals in the media and entertainment industries; instead, they are everyday men from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life.
Despite countless crunches and the strict calorie-deficit diet, many struggle to reveal the six-pack beneath their abdominal layers.
Suitable candidates for abdominal etching (6-pack surgery) in Singapore
For optimal results in achieving a defined abdominal appearance through six-pack surgery, it is essential to determine if you are a suitable candidate. A good candidate typically should be healthy, have no underlying medical condition, and have a naturally toned physique that already suggests the presence of a six-pack, which can be further enhanced with abdominal etching.
However, certain body conditions may complicate or interfere with the effectiveness of this procedure. For instance, individuals with gynecomastia — a condition characterised by enlarged breast tissue in men, those with a beer belly or significant excess fat around the arms might not be the best candidates, as the proportion and appearance may seem unnatural or odd.
Despite these concerns, achieving your dream athletic body is not impossible. Dr Ivan Puah will work closely with each patient to assess their unique body concerns and goals. During the consultation, he will engage in an in-depth discussion to understand your aspirations and any specific issues you might face, such as stubborn fat areas or skin laxity.
Six-pack surgery should only be performed by qualified professionals. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Puah, an MOH-accredited liposuction doctor with over 20 years of experience.
FAQ on Abdominal etching (six-pack surgery)
Is six-pack surgery safe?
Are there any side effects or risks to six-pack surgery? A 2019 paper in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery assessed the results and complications of high-definition liposculpture in 417 patients and found that while "non-serious complications were frequent, most complications were local and safely treated without affecting surgical outcome."
Do you use implants to add the 6-pack bumps?
The procedure focuses on the removal of excess fat from specific areas of the body. As a result, there is no need for implants.
How much does ab etching cost?
The cost of abdominal etching (six-pack surgery) varies among different practices in Singapore. It depends on your clinical and skin condition, the complexity of the surgery, the doctor’s experience, and your body goals.
How long does abdominal etching last?
You should notice an immediate change in the treated area after your surgery. However, expect some tissue swelling within a couple of weeks, which will gradually subside and improve over time. Typically, the results of abdominal etching (six-pack surgery) may take 3 - 6 months to show.
Does ab etching look natural?
Abdominal etching can yield natural-looking results when performed properly. Select an MOH-accredited liposuction doctor with extensive liposuction and body sculpting experience, who is trained in carrying out high-definition lipo, to ensure high patient satisfaction.
Does ab etching leave scars?
All surgical procedures leave behind scars, but the scars, if any, from abdominal etching (six-pack surgery) are well concealed for example, in and around the navel area. The incisions are short and tiny, usually less than 5mm. Adhere to the doctor's post-op recovery advice to ensure your wounds from the incision sites heal well.
How long does Abdominal etching (Six-pack surgery) last?
To ensure that the results from six-pack surgery are long-lasting, patients are advised to continue maintaining an active lifestyle; watch their weight and dieting habits.
