ABDOMINAL ETCHING
VASER

Even with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and dedicated time in the gym, biological fat distribution around the core can be incredibly stubborn and a major source of body dysphoria. Abdominal etching is an advanced, highly specialized body contouring procedure that uses state-of-the-art VASER ultrasound technology to literally sculpt the abdomen. By selectively removing targeted fat deposits around your existing muscles, Dr. Claudia Kim can perfectly carve out a defined, athletic appearance that beautifully aligns your physical body with your true gender identity.

Unlike traditional Liposuction, which simply removes bulk fat, VASER is a "high-definition" tool. It uses gentle ultrasound energy to melt and liquefy the fat before it is removed. This allows Dr. Claudia Kim to sculpt with extreme precision, creating sharp, realistic muscle definition while significantly reducing trauma, bruising, and swelling in the surrounding tissues.

Because gender expression is deeply personal, Dr. Claudia Kim tailors the VASER etching process entirely to your specific aesthetic goals:

• For Transmasculine & Non-Binary Individuals: The goal is often to create the classic, chiseled appearance of a "six-pack." Dr. Claudia Kim aggressively etches the vertical and horizontal lines of the rectus abdominis muscles, creating a rugged, highly defined, and traditionally masculine core.

• For Transfeminine Individuals: The procedure is softened to create a toned, athletic, yet distinctly feminine contour. Instead of a hard six-pack, Dr. Claudia Kim typically focuses on gently highlighting the vertical center line (linea alba) and the soft outer curves of the abdomen for a smooth, "fitness model" appearance.

Ideal candidates are transgender, non-binary, or gender-expansive individuals who are already close to their ideal, stable body weight but want to achieve a highly sculpted core that diet and HRT cannot provide alone. You should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for how this surgery will enhance your natural musculature.

No. Dr. Claudia Kim makes incredibly tiny, discreet incisions (usually hidden in the belly button or the natural creases of the groin) to insert the VASER probe. These tiny marks typically fade to virtually invisible over time.

Recovery typically involves moderate swelling, bruising, and soreness. You will be required to wear a specialized surgical compression garment for a few weeks to help "shrink-wrap" your skin down to the newly etched muscle grooves. Initial results are visible within just a few weeks, but your final, "washboard" results will become fully apparent in 3 to 6 months as all residual swelling completely resolves. The results are permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight!

Yes, and this is an incredibly popular choice! To achieve the ultimate masculine torso transformation in a single recovery period, Dr. Claudia Kim frequently performs high-definition abdominal etching alongside Chest Masculinization (Top Surgery).

Absolutely. Because VASER technology gently melts the fat, the removed fat cells are highly viable for a Fat Transfer (fat grafting). Many patients choose to transfer this harvested fat into their chest/pecs, shoulders, hips, or buttocks to further masculinize or feminize their overall silhouette during the same operation.

At New Look New Life, we deeply respect that your transition is a sacred, intimate journey. We recognize that public before-and-after photos of bodies can sometimes feel dysphoric or objectifying to our trans patients. To protect the dignity, consent, and privacy of our community, we choose not to post these galleries publicly. However, Dr. Claudia Kim is always happy to review her stunning VASER results with you privately and respectfully during your consultation.

Yes. We strongly believe that life-saving, gender-affirming care should be accessible. We offer highly flexible medical financing options through CareCredit®, Alphaeon Credit, Cherry, and PatientFi. You can visit our Pricing page to learn how you can easily break your surgical cost down into manageable monthly payments.

Your true self is waiting to be seen. You can conveniently Book Now directly through our website, or call our welcoming New York concierge team at (212)-830-6830 to schedule your private, judgment-free consultation with Dr. Claudia Kim!