No matter how well your diet or exercise regimen, some folks just can't seem to get the toned abs of their dreams.

According to new research published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a technique called abdominal etching can help create the often desired "six-pack abs" for males and three vertical lines for females.

The procedure, said lead researcher Tarik Husain of the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, involves "power-assisted" targeted liposuction as "a novel method of sculpting an ideal abdomen." He said the technique is both safe and effective.

Researchers tested the procedure in a study of 26 men and 24 women (average age of 36), all of whom were in good shape, ate well and exercised regularly, but had "certain resistant areas of fat" that hindered them from achieving the ab definition they wanted.

According to the findings, none of the 50 patients experienced major complications following the abdominal etching procedure, though minor complications did occur in 22% of patients. These issues involved over-etching that improved overtime, and some patients (10%) developed seromas, or fluid collections, which were managed.

Overall, 98% of patients said they were satisfied with the results, despite a 27-month postoperative follow-up involving wearing foam dressings for weeks. And they've maintained their results for up to six years, the study said. "The patients exemplify that the procedure can be performed with optimal aesthetic results, and minimal postoperative complications," Husain said, noting that maintaining long-term results from the procedure requires extensive postoperative management, nutrition and training.