Drake’s just showed off his shredded abs on Instagram and fans are doing more than just double-tapping. Across social media, some are speculating that the rapper may have undergone abdominal etching, a cosmetic procedure designed to give the illusion of a sculpted six-pack. Some are even calling it the “male BBL.”
To be clear, Drake has not confirmed having any cosmetic surgery and the speculation is just that, speculation. But the interest in his abs has brought attention to ab sculpting procedure itself.
Instagram blogger @SurgeonMade_Curves created a post about Drake’s new look stating the rapper is no stranger to plastic surgery and going as far as guessing his surgeon and procedure. “It’s looking like high definition Lipo with ab etching,” they wrote. And it wouldn’t be a stretch—according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 21,000 men opted for liposuction in 2024 in pursuit of more sculpted abs and defined waistlines.
So, What Exactly is Abdominal Etching?
Houston plastic surgeon Henry Mentz, MD says abdominal etching is a type of high-definition liposuction that carves out the natural lines of the abdominal muscles. “Unlike traditional liposuction, which focuses on removing bulk, abdominal etching is about sculpting,” says Dr. Mentz. “We carefully remove select areas of fat around the muscle lines to enhance natural definition and create a more athletic, six-pack appearance.”
The procedure involves first thinning the abdominal fat pad using a small tube called a cannula. Then, using precise markings made before surgery, the surgeon removes fat along the natural borders of the rectus muscles and the linea alba (the vertical line down the center of the abs) to define those contours.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
“This technique is ideal for men who are already fit but want that extra level of refinement that’s difficult to achieve through diet and exercise alone. In many cases, we also enhance the pectoral area to further balance and masculinize the upper body,” adds Dr. Mentz.
Is it Only for Men?
Not at all. While abdominal etching is gaining popularity among men, especially those seeking a sharper, more athletic look, it’s also performed on women looking for enhanced abdominal definition or more sculpted waistlines.
How Long Do Results Last?
As with any liposuction-based procedure, results can be long-lasting with a healthy lifestyle. But gaining weight or significant shifts in body composition could soften the definition. It’s best for patients who already maintain a relatively fit physique but want a more defined appearance.
Whether or not Drake has ever had abdominal etching is beside the point, the buzz alone has put the niche-but-growing procedure back in the spotlight. And like the “male BBL” nickname suggests, it reflects a broader shift: more men are entering the aesthetic space not just for subtle tweaks, but for body transformations that show.
