In conversation with Dr Parag Telang, the actor enquired, “Aisa procedure nahi hota jisse abs bann jayein?”
Dr Telang replied, “We do it. It takes only, you can say, 45 minutes to make abs.” When Chhavi asked if they were created with makeup out of curiosity, the doctor said, “Makeup se toh 5 minute mein bann jayenge, but with the surgery, see, all of us have the muscle, which has these abs. But they are not visible because they are covered by a layer of fat. So this procedure is called high definition contouring. In high definition contiuring, fat is selectively taken out of the abs, so that the muscle inside stands out.”
He added that it is a “minor” surgical procedure, reiterating that it takes only 45 minutes to complete. Dr Telang revealed that many of his clients are fitness enthusiasts. “You will not believe I have so many patients jo khud gym trainers hai, and they train with the who’s who. Upar ke do abs aate hain, neeche wale nahi aate (The upper two abs are visible, but the lower ones don’t show). So if you see someone with all six packs, you’ll know.”
While many people dedicate months or even years to sculpting their abs through diet and exercise, advancements in cosmetic surgery now offer a much quicker alternative. But does this procedure truly mimic naturally developed abs, and what should one consider before opting for it?
How surgical ab etching (or high-definition contouring) works
Dr Gunasekar Vuppalapati, senior reconstructive, aesthetic plastic surgeon at GVG Invivo Hospitals, tells indianexpress.com, “Abdominal etching is a specialised form of high-definition liposuction that enhances the definition of the abdominal muscles by selectively removing fat along the natural muscle lines to enhance the six-pack abs. Unlike traditional liposuction, which focuses on overall fat reduction, ab etching is a precision-based technique that sculpts the fat over the muscles of the abdomen, especially the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles, to create a more chiselled and athletic appearance in appropriately suitable and selected cases.”
During the procedure, he says, small keyhole incisions are made, and a thin cannula is used to remove fat in a way that highlights the underlying musculature. “The goal is to accentuate the natural muscle structure rather than simply reducing fat.”
Potential risks, side effects, or long-term complications
According to Dr Vuppalapati, ab etching carries certain risks like any surgical procedure. “Common side effects include swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort, which usually subside within a few weeks. However, in some cases, patients may experience asymmetry, contour irregularities, or uneven fat removal, which can affect the final appearance,” he states.
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The doctor adds that long-term complications, though rare, may include scarring, prolonged numbness, or fibrosis (the formation of excess connective tissue). Additionally, if a patient gains significant weight after the procedure, the results can be altered as fat distribution changes. A consistent fitness routine and stable weight management are recommended to maintain the sculpted look.
Can surgically defined abs look and function like naturally developed abdominal muscles?
Surgically created 3D Hi-Def abs can mimic the appearance of naturally developed abs, but there are differences. “While the contouring technique enhances muscle definition, it does not increase actual muscle mass or strength. Whereas the 4D Hi-Def can actually increase the muscle compartment mass but not the strength. This means that the aesthetic outcome is similar to someone with a low body fat percentage and well-defined muscles, but the functionality remains the same as before surgery,” explains Dr Vuppalapati.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.