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What are the pros and cons of rib removal surgery?

zara7867Jun 3, 2019
I'm thinking of getting a rib removal surgery because my waist is a little on the bigger side. my measurements are 40-31-40. I'm just thinking how many ribs would I need to remove to make my waist 24 inches? i am currently 31. and also what is the price?

Answers (1)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Mar 14, 2022
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David E. Morales, MD

There are many rumors about rib removal to reduce your waistline.  In general not true.   If you consider where your waistline is, it sits much lower than the bottom edge of your ribs.  The lower ribs protect your liver on the the right and the spleen on the left.  Rib...

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Tim Neavin, MD

It is rather difficult to tell based on your photo. I would advise you to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed examination to discuss all possible treatment options and what your expectations are. 

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Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD

The last anatomic obstruction to horizontal waistline reduction is rib removal. If ever other soft tissue reduction has been done (liposuction and oblique abdominal fascial plication if so indicated), then subtotal rib removals (10,11,12) with latissimus dorsi muscle wedge resection will pr...

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