With an increasing number of men undergoing plastic surgery, one procedure in particular has caught our attention. The desire for chiseled abs has led to a surge in the popularity of six-pack surgery. But is this merely a fleeting trend or the beginning of a new standard in male cosmetic enhancement?
What Is Six-Pack Surgery?
Among the various procedures men are exploring, six-pack surgery—also known as liposculpturing—is quickly gaining traction. As male patients search for new ways to achieve high-definition abs, this technique offers a promising route. Liposculpture involves both the removal and contouring of fat, which can be used to enhance body shape or, in this case, to create the illusion of sculpted abdominal muscles.
“This kind of liposculpturing involves performing liposuction to create the appearance of a six-pack abdomen,” explains New York plastic surgeon Norman Rowe, MD. “It requires three to four incisions, each about a quarter-inch in length. Potential complications include swelling and bruising—usually temporary—as well as asymmetry, though the latter is rare when performed by a skilled surgeon.”
“This is different from traditional abdominal liposuction, which merely reveals your natural muscles,” says Tucson, AZ, plastic surgeon Raman C. Mahabir, MD. “Whether you have a six-pack, four-pack, or eight-pack is determined by genetics. This technique sculpts some of the abdominal fat to create that defined appearance.”
Is Six-Pack Surgery a Good Idea?
If you intend to maintain your current weight and want defined abs, six-pack surgery may help you reach that goal.
“Liposculpturing and liposuction appeal to any man aiming to achieve his ideal physique,” says Dr. Rowe. “An excellent candidate is someone who exercises regularly, maintains a stable weight, but struggles to achieve a six-pack on their own.”
However, there are some downsides. Dr. Mahabir points out that the primary issue arises after the procedure. “Your surgeon can’t control how your body gains or loses weight post-surgery, and these changes can affect the sculpted appearance,” he says. “It looks great—as long as you maintain the exact same weight. That’s why I typically don’t recommend it.”
How to Get Your Best Abs
Even if six-pack surgery isn’t right for you, that doesn’t mean surgical enhancement is entirely off the table.
“We offer what’s called a ‘natural six-pack,’” says Dr. Mahabir. This option involves liposuction to remove all fat and reveal the patient’s natural muscle structure. This method avoids the risk of distortion or imbalance if weight fluctuates later.
This approach is especially helpful for people struggling to lose that last bit of fat. It emphasizes enhancing your natural abs rather than artificially shaping new ones from fat.
Dr. Mahabir also notes that with abs liposculpting, “there’s a chance you’ll lose weight after the procedure—and then you’ll have those defined abs sculpted from fat sitting above your natural muscles.” In contrast, traditional liposuction simply unveils your real abdominal structure.
More Men Are Considering Plastic Surgery
Dr. Mahabir says that growing interest in six-pack surgery makes sense, given the overall increase in men seeking cosmetic procedures.
“We’re definitely seeing and scheduling more men for facial rejuvenation,” he says. “There’s been a major push in the media and on social platforms to highlight energetic, youthful-looking men. Think Jeremy Renner or Jon Hamm—men who project strength and confidence. While personality plays a role, a defined jawline and minimal signs of aging also make a big impact.”
Dr. Rowe agrees and notes that the post-pandemic rise in male patients has held steady. “Nationally, men make up about 7.5 percent of a plastic surgeon’s clientele. I’m above that—around 20 percent,” he says. “I saw a clear increase during and after the pandemic, and that trend hasn’t slowed.”
This is notable, especially considering the recent economic downturn. “Despite financial challenges and other external factors, people are still investing in their appearance,” says Dr. Robert Singer, a plastic surgeon in San Diego, CA. “As the job market grows more competitive, men want to look their best. A more energetic, youthful appearance influences how they’re perceived. With continued reliance on Zoom and social media, many are scrutinizing their own faces and noticing things they’d like to improve.”
