March 2020
This study surveyed 718 participants to assess perceptions of ideal abdominal contours and interest in nonsurgical methods.
Why this matters
This study surveyed 718 participants to assess perceptions of ideal abdominal contours and interest in nonsurgical methods. This work contributes to evidence-based plastic and reconstructive surgery — helping clinicians interpret outcomes, refine technique, and counsel patients with clearer data.
Author
Plastic and reconstructive surgery resident at Emory University (UCLA BS, USC MD) with an h-index of 21 and peer-reviewed work spanning aesthetic surgery, reconstruction, medical devices, and AI in medicine.
Abstract
This study surveyed 718 participants to assess perceptions of ideal abdominal contours and interest in nonsurgical methods. The results showed that 100% of participants considered a six-pack as the ideal abdominal muscle count. The top two aesthetic features were symmetry (61.06 ± 1.87) and natural feel (60.72 ± 1.75). Participants who exercised more than twice a week were significantly more interested in nonsurgical procedures (P = 0.007). The study concluded that ideal abs are symmetric, natural, and consist of six muscles, with fitness enthusiasts and millennials more likely to prefer nonsurgical methods.