Best Clinic UK - Aesthetics Awards 2024
& Aesthetic Medicine Awards 2024

Surgery For Men

Abdominal Etching

at Cadogan Clinic, London’s Leading Cosmetic Surgery Specialists. 

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Best Clinic London 2024

We were awarded Best Clinic London at the industry-leading 2024 Aesthetics Awards.

CQC ‘Outstanding’

Our Leadership is rated ‘Outstanding’ by the independent healthcare regulator in England.

20 Years of Safety

We’ve enjoyed a spotless safety track record over 20 years at the top of our field.

96% Excellence Rating

We support 30,000 patient appointments each year, 96% of which were rated 5*.

Medically Reviewed 18th December 2024, by Mr. Bryan Mayou (GMC: 1414396) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading plastic surgeons

What is Abdominal Etching?

Abdominal Etching, also known as six pack surgery, or ab sculpting, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that enhances the appearance of the abdominal muscles (or abs), creating an athletic, sculpted six-pack.

Ab Etching involves a specific Liposuction technique known as HD Lipo or 4D Body Contouring. It removes very small, targeted areas of fat around the abdominal muscles to highlight their natural contours. HD Lipo is an extremely precise procedure and requires an experienced surgeon to achieve high-quality results.

Small incisions are made around the abdominal area, and a cannula is inserted to precisely extract the unwanted fat from around the abdominal muscles. This reveals the underlying muscle contour of the six pack clearly through the skin.

Cadogan Clinic is a Liposuction specialist provider based in Chelsea, London. Our founder, Mr Bryan Mayou, introduced Liposuction to the UK, over four decades ago. Since then, he has continued to pioneer the development of new Liposuction and Fat Transfer techniques, including HD Lipo, and Etching. Mr Mayou has also brought together an expert team of Liposuction specialist consultants who focus on achieving the highest-quality surgical outcomes, and utmost patient safety. 

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Which Type of Liposuction is Used for 4D Abdominal Etching?

Abdominal Etching can be carried out using several different Liposuction methods and the results can be further enhanced with other techniques. 

Your surgeon will discuss the most suitable techniques to address your concerns and achieve your desired results during your consultation

Power Assisted Liposuction is a fat removal technique which extracts unwanted fat through a thin cannula. Unlike traditional Liposuction, the cannula is powered, using rapid vibration to break down the fat, making it easier to remove from the body. Power Assisted Liposuction is very precise and requires less physical force from the surgeon, minimising damage to the surrounding tissues. This reduces swelling and bruising leading to shorter recovery times. 

Vaser Liposuction uses ultrasound technology to break down the fat cells before they are extracted. It is another highly precise Liposuction method, and the ultrasound technology can stimulate collagen production in the skin, promoting skin tightening and enhancing the final Abdominal Etching result.

Similar to other Liposuction methods, Laser Liposuction (also known as Smart Lipo) extracts fat from the body, but in this case, laser technology breaks down the fat. Laser Liposuction is also used for precise and targeted areas, making it highly suited to Abdominal Etching. The laser technology also helps to tighten the skin by encouraging collagen production, further defining the abdominal muscles.

BodyTite is a complementary surgical technique to Liposuction but does not involve fat extraction. A small incision is made in the skin, and a Radiofrequency probe is inserted. This effectively tightens the skin through collagen and elastin production, stimulated by a controlled trauma to the skin. As this is a dedicated technique, the skin tightening results are more significant than those possible from combination Liposuction methods. BodyTite is typically combined with Liposuction to enhance the final result and enhances the results of Abdominal Etching by tightening the skin around the abdominal muscles, making the abs more apparent.


Abdominal Etching At a Glance

Surgery Time

1 - 1.5 hours

Time off work

7-10 days

Hospital Stay

Day Case

Shower

After 1 day

Reasonable Mobility

Same Day

Exercise

4-6 weeks

Sexual Activity

4-6 weeks

Sleeping on back

1-2 weeks

Full Recovery

4-6 weeks

Driving

1 week


Abdominal Etching Before and After

During your initial consultation with your surgeon at our award-winning clinic, you will be able to view a selection of Abdominal Etching before and after images. Your surgeon will show you photos of their previous patients who had concerns and desired outcomes similar to your own. This will allow you to see the quality of your surgeon’s work and also the results that are possible for you. Your surgeon will also show you Abdominal Etching before and after images from cases that have utilised different Liposuction methods to help you understand the differences between the available options. Abdominal Etching Before and After photos will help you to make a final decision about your procedure. 

 


Why Do People Have Abdominal Etching?

Abdominal Etching is a highly popular procedure among male patients who wish to enhance and define the appearance of their six-pack muscles. Although individuals may have devoted significant time and effort to sculpting their muscles through diet and exercise, stubborn fat pockets may remain around the abdominal muscles. This can be frustrating and may lessen the other accomplishments of their lifestyle.

Abdominal Etching removes these stubborn fat deposits to reveal the muscle definition underneath. This increases confidence and empowers individuals to find personal fulfilment with their outcomes, both from their dedication to exercise and their surgical journey.

Who Is Suitable for Abdominal Etching?

During your one-to-one consultation at our surgical centre of excellence, your surgeon will assess whether you are suitable for an Abdominal Etching procedure. They will begin by discussing your concerns and reasons for considering an Ab Sculpting surgery. Your surgeon will then examine your abdominal muscles and suggest the most suitable surgical techniques for achieving your desired results. They will also consider your medical history, including your physical and mental health, to ensure you are in suitable condition for a general anaesthetic surgery.

When deciding if you are suitable for Abdominal Etching, your surgeon will consider:

  • Your concerns – Having stubborn fat deposits which are softening the appearance of your abdominal muscles is a typical concern for considering a six pack surgery.
  • Your desired outcomes – It is essential to have realistic expectations for what Ab Sculpting can achieve. Your surgeon will explain the results that are possible for you during your consultation.
  • Your weight – Abdominal Etching is not a weight loss procedure. You should already be your ideal weight and have maintained this for 6-12 months.
  • The amount of abdominal fat you have – Even if you have reached your ideal weight, it is important to understand that if you have a larger amount of abdominal fat, your final results from a six pack operation may be slightly softer than for a patient who is naturally leaner.  
  • Your overall physical and mental health – Your surgeon will consider your blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and height to ensure you are fit and well for surgery. If you have any mental health concerns, this will also be taken into account.

If your surgeon determines that you are a suitable candidate for an Ab Etching procedure, they will finalise your surgical plan and send it to your patient advisor. Your advisor will contact you to discuss your plan, the final surgery price, and surgery dates. You will then have a mandatory two-week cooling-off period. During this time, you can consider your surgical plan and ask any questions. You can also schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon if you wish to speak to them again.

 

Types of Abdominal Fat

Your abdominal fat type is crucial to deciding your suitability for a surgical six pack. Where your abdominal fat is located indicates the type of fat you have.

  • Subcutaneous fat is located underneath the skin and above the underlying muscle.
  • Visceral fat is located underneath the muscle, within the abdominal cavity, surrounding your vital organs.

Visceral fat cannot be extracted with Liposuction, and Abdominal Etching is not possible in these instances. High visceral fat levels are more dangerous to your health and more common in men. Although genetics play a part in how the body stores visceral fat, a diet high in fat, carbohydrates, and alcohol may lead to visceral fat developing.  

Visceral fat shows as an enlarged and rounded abdomen - sometimes known as a beer belly or pot belly. Although this may feel firm, like muscle, it is fat underneath the abdominal muscles.  

Subcutaneous fat can be removed with Liposuction and is suitable for Ab Etching. It feels soft and can be pinched easily from outside the skin. Your surgeon will assess the type of abdominal fat you have during your consultation to ensure you are suitable for a six pack operation. 

 

Words from our clients:


The Cost of Abdominal Etching

Abdominal Etching cost varies depending on your concerns and the techniques required to achieve your desired outcomes

Cadogan Clinic has collaborated with Chrysalis Finance to offer a variety of payment choices for our patients including:
6 months 0% Interest-free - APR
12 - 60 months at 14.9% APR
Flexible Finance

Get in touch with our dedicated surgical patient advisors to discuss six-pack surgery cost, and finance options.

Get in touch 0207 901 8500

Included in this treatment

Up to two 60 minute consultations with a leading specialist plastic surgeon at our award-winning premises in Chelsea

Your procedure carried out at London’s leading specialist cosmetic surgery centre of excellence

24/7 on call nurse assistance

Dedicated Patient Co-ordinator, as a personal point of contact through your journey with Cadogan

A pre-operative medical assessment to ensure you are fit for surgery

Comprehensive post-operative aftercare courtesy of our specialist cosmetic nurses


What are the Benefits of Abdominal Etching?

Despite being a straightforward and minimally invasive procedure, Ab Etching has many benefits and can be transformational for patients.

  • Enhanced abdominal contours – By extracting stubborn pockets of fat from around the abdominal muscles, the contours of the six-pack are defined, creating an athletic appearance.
  • Tightened skin—Techniques such as BodyTite, Laser Liposuction, or Vaser Liposuction can tighten the overlying skin, helping it lie closer to the muscles and further emphasising abdominal definition.
  • Natural, long-lasting results—Cadogan Clinic’s team of expert consultants focus on achieving bespoke, high-quality surgical outcomes for all our patients. Ensuring that your results are flattering to your body and last for many years is a priority for all of our surgeons, ensuring the highest patient satisfaction.
  • Improved confidence – Stubborn fat deposits can be a letdown for patients who have devoted time to achieving their body goals through exercise and diet. HD six pack surgery can restore confidence and empower patients to appreciate their results fully. 

 


Abdominal Etching Surgeons

We have invited a selection of the country's very best consultants to join us at the Cadogan Clinic so that you can be sure that whatever the nature of your treatment, you will be seeing one of the top practitioners in the country.


Frequently Asked Questions

A six-pack refers to the pair of parallel muscles called the rectus abdominis that run vertically down the front of the abdomen. These muscles are intersected by tendons, creating the appearance of six segments. When the rectus abdominis is well developed, and there is little subcutaneous fat overlying the muscle, these segments are apparent through the skin, giving the abdomen an athletic and defined appearance.

Abdominal Etching and Ab Implants are both surgical procedures that enhance the definition of the abdomen. Abdominal Etching uses Liposuction to remove excess, unwanted fat that may be sitting around the already well-developed abdominal muscles. Ab Implants are silicone implants which are placed under the skin and create the appearance of a six-pack. Abdominal Etching results are more natural than Ab Implants and the procedure is much safer. 

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the body, meaning the results are permanent. However, patients must maintain a stable weight through diet and exercise to prevent the remaining fat cells from swelling, which may result in a disproportionate appearance to the body. 


Words from Our Founder

Mr. Bryan Mayou

Since introducing Liposuction to the UK over forty years ago, I have taken significant pride in pioneering new and exciting developments. This has included Abdominal Etching, which uses Liposuction in a precise and detailed way to achieve an enhanced definition of the six pack. It is extremely pleasing to witness the evolution of Liposuction and how these advancements continue to improve patients’ confidence and quality of life.
Mr. Bryan Mayou

A state of the art, award winning clinic.

Founded in 2004 by world renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.

About Us

Best in Class Facilities

All of our treatments take place at our beautiful boutique premises in Chelsea. We have six consulting rooms and five operating rooms, as well as a dedicated pre and post-operative suite, and a full team of specialist nursing staff.

Our Clinic

A Strong Tradition of Innovation

We were founded in 2004 by world renown plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, best known for his pioneering work in the area of liposuction, lasers and microvascular surgery. We continue to collaborate with pioneers in our field.

Our History

At Home in Sloane Street, London

We are proud that our state of the art award-winning clinic is located in one of the best neighbourhoods in the country

Welcome to Sloane Street

Clinics Nationwide

We offer surgical consultations in London, Birmingham, Chelmsford and Bristol, and attract international patients from all corners of the globe such as as the USA, the Middle East and Europe.

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What are the Risks of Abdominal Etching?

Before proceeding with Abdominal Etching, it is vital to be aware of the potential risks and complications that may arise during and after your surgery. Your surgeon will discuss all possible complications with you during your consultation and will assess your personal risk. They may ask you to follow certain steps as you are preparing for surgery to reduce your risk level.

Some potential complications include:

  • Hematoma or Seroma - This is the build-up of blood or fluid beneath the skin and will require treatment from your surgeon
  • Poor wound healing - Healing complications or infection can affect the incision sites
  • Asymmetry - Occasionally, the abdomen may appear uneven
  • Excessive bleeding 
  • Allergic reaction to general anaesthetic
  • Infection at the surgical site
  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in a vein)

All of Cadogan Clinic’s consultant surgeons are highly skilled and have performed six pack surgery numerous times. Any complications that arise are not a reflection of your surgeon’s skill and qualifications.


Surgery For Men

Related Treatments

We believe in the delivery of excellent outcomes and results, and exceptional levels of service. Our outcomes are natural and long-lasting, and we remain the premier choice for cosmetic surgery treatments in the UK.

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