Would rib removal and liposuction correct my asymmetry from scoliosis? (Photo)

Question

I have very bad frontal assymetry due to scoliosis that I can't stand, it bothers me a lot and makes clothes fit me poorly, is there anyway this could be corrected? I was thinking rib removal on my right side and fat transfer into one hip to even things out?

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

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.

Jan Hochtritt, BSc, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for this interesting question. A rib removal is a complex surgery with severe possible complications and should not be considered first choice. Fat grafting should give you a good correction of the asymmetry. In any case it is very important for you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon for recommendations based on a thorough physical examination. Have a wonderful rest of the day and greetings from the beautiful island of Jamaica.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello! I would never recommend rib removal. There is a large risk associated with that. There may be camouflage procedures. I'm assuming you are not a candidate for spinal procedure. You should see a board certified plastic surgeon to check on your options.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  In order to fully assess your asymmetry, it would also be important to view your hips in this picture.  Liposuction and fat grafting can help improve asymmetry in some patients.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

It is hard to tell from this one picture the exact location/magnitude of the asymmetry. That is key in determining if ribs 11 and 12 are a major contributing source of the asymmetry. With scoliosis there is definitely going to be lower ribcage asymmetry and this is very common. An x-ray would really be needed to determine where the ends of ribs 11 and 12 sticks out.

John P. Stratis, MD · Answer

Thank you for you interesting question and photos.The short answer is "yes" BUT removal of a rib is no small procedure. I have tackled this problem with liposuction and fat grafting alone with fairly good success. I would certainly advise doing that before proceeding to rib removal.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question, Abby133t.
Based on your photo, your scoliosis appears to be mild and I’m not sure that it would warrant surgery. Scoliosis surgery is usually an option for severe scoliosis where there is severe asymmetry that compromises internal organs and disrupts breathing.
As for liposuction, I haven’t really heard of it being used in aid of scoliosis, but it can definitely be used to provide a more even contour to your waist.
However, the best person to ask about this is your orthopedic surgeon since scoliosis is a medical condition that’s already outside the bounds of plastic surgery.
Best of luck!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Based on your picture alone it appears your breast or asymmetrical but your body does not look particularly asymmetrical.
Everybody is asymmetrical by definition.
We have two lung lobe's on one side and three on the other.
The liver is on one side and the spleen is on the other.
Everybody's body and face is asymmetrical. Asymmetry is more ofthen an obsession than a deterant of beauty. Rib removal is best left in the Bible. 
You could have breast symmetry surgery.
Do not get ribs removed.
You don't have enough subcutaneous fat to warrant liposuction as a realistic option for symmetry surgery.
Liposuction with or without fat grafting will lead you with a new form of asymmetry. Should you choose this you will have different thicknesses of fat on each side of your body which will also make you look and feel asymmetrical. In my opinion and much more unnatural form of asymmetry.
In my personal opinion consider no surgery.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom M.D.

Would rib removal and liposuction correct my asymmetry from scoliosis? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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