The “dad bod” look is long gone, as plastic surgeons say more men are aiming for a “six-pack” with the help of a surgical procedure called high-definition liposuction.
According to members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), this type of “abdominal etching” technique is becoming increasingly popular among men who can't get rid of stubborn belly fat with exercise alone.
This procedure aims to remove stubborn fat in the same way as traditional liposuction, but it also creates more defined abdominal muscles, giving the impression of a “chiselled” midsection.
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What is high definition liposuction?
Joseph Hadeed, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Hadeed Plastic Surgery Clinic in Beverly Hills, California and Miami, Florida, explained the procedure in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“It's like creating a six-pack or a 'V-line' and giving you a more athletic, toned physique that traditional liposuction can't achieve,” he said.
Plastic surgeons say more men are seeking to achieve a “six-pack” with the help of a surgical procedure called high-definition liposuction. (iStock)
Traditional liposuction focuses on removing fat, volume and bulk, but doesn't address the details of the “underlying anatomy,” surgeons say.
High-definition liposuction results in more detailed results, says Hadeed.
“We're going to remove a little more fat from the vertical line above the belly button and also remove some fat from the horizontal line above the belly button,” he said.
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“We also remove a little more fat from these areas to create the illusion and appearance of six-pack abs.”
In some cases, the surgeon adds, the fat may be redistributed to other areas to make the abdomen appear larger and more muscular.
Increasing trend
According to ASPS members, the number of men undergoing liposuction surgery is on the rise.
“We've definitely seen an increase in requests for high-definition liposuction from men,” Jubin Gabbay, MD, member of ASPS and medical director of Gabbay Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California, told Fox News Digital.
“It's like creating a six-pack or a 'V-line' and giving you a more athletic, toned figure that traditional liposuction can't achieve,” one plastic surgeon said. (iStock)
“They come to us with a specific request for clear, sculpted contours.”
Finney George, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and partner at New York Plastic Surgical Group, a division of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, has also noticed an increase in male patients wanting to improve their muscle contours.
“It is becoming more socially acceptable for men to have plastic surgery.”
“There is definitely a growing desire among men. [for] “There's a need for alternative ways to achieve an athletic physique for two main reasons,” George told Fox News Digital.
“Firstly, it is becoming more socially acceptable for men to undergo cosmetic surgery. Secondly, many have already tried and failed with conventional diet and exercise,” she added.
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High-definition liposuction isn't the only procedure that's growing in popularity among men.
Since 2019, the total number of cosmetic surgery procedures for men has increased by 207%, according to the 2022 ASPS report.
One reason may be that men are seeking a more youthful appearance to “maintain their career vitality”, according to the report.
Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons say this type of “abdominal etching” technique is becoming increasingly popular among men who can't get rid of stubborn belly fat with exercise alone. (iStock)
Social Media The ASPS also noted that there has been an open dialogue among influencers and male celebrities about male cosmetic surgery, making it more acceptable for men to undergo the procedure.
“The disease has actually been common in Brazil and South America for quite some time now and has slowly made its way to the United States,” Hadeed told Fox News Digital.
What you need to know before having surgery
Hadeed says people considering high-definition liposuction should think carefully about why they are doing it.
“Do it for yourself, not because you're being pressured by a spouse or partner,” he advised.
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Hadeed said that if someone is looking for “perfect six-pack abs,” surgeons will typically look at a person's lifestyle behaviors, such as diet and exercise.
For example, if you're sedentary and eat fast food every day, “this might not be the diet for you,” the doctor says.
Experts advised that it is important to check the credentials of the plastic surgeon performing the procedure and make sure he is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. (iStock)
Hadeed warned that patients should have realistic expectations of what they can achieve, rather than striving to look like a particular fitness model or social media influencer.
In some situations, “you just need to lower your expectations a little bit and say, 'I can't make you look like that muscular guy, but I can make you look like a more polished version of yourself,'” he says.
“Having elective surgery is a very serious decision and one that should not be taken lightly.”
Hadeed said significant weight gain or loss after surgery can affect the results and require revision or correction, which is why he tests his patients to identify their lifestyle habits and see if they can maintain the results.
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Gavai also stressed the importance of following proper treatment to maintain the effects of the surgery.
“I think this treatment is certainly effective in helping many people get six-pack abs, but it takes effort and maintenance to maintain it,” he told Fox News Digital.
Experts stressed the importance of following proper treatment to maintain the effects of the surgery. (iStock)
“After surgery, it's important to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and avoid significant weight fluctuations,” he continued.
“Unintentional weight gain after high-definition surgery can exaggerate the appearance of a six-pack and make it look unnatural.”
Potential risks
Hadeed, who also chairs ASPS's patient safety committee, said it's important that patients understand the risks involved with the procedure.
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“Having elective surgery is a very serious decision and one that should not be taken lightly,” he said.
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Hadeed agreed that the surgery is generally safe, but does carry risks.
“In particular, skin necrosis, where parts of the skin die, can occur,” he warned. “Fat necrosis, where parts of the remaining fat tissue die, can also occur.”
“After surgery, it's important to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and avoid major fluctuations in weight,” the doctor advised. (iStock)
Other potential complications include blood clots and intestinal perforation.
It's also important to research the credentials of the plastic surgeon performing the procedure and make sure they're certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Hadeed said.
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The doctor warned, “There are many doctors who perform this type of surgery who are not plastic surgeons.”
