Q: What are the pros and cons of rib remodeling?

Pros This procedure can create a dramatic contrast between the size of the waistline and hips, called an hourglass figure or "wasp waist." People with certain medical conditions, such as iliocostalis syndrome or thoracic outlet syndrome , can benefit from rib resection to alleviate their symptoms. Cons If it's performed by an inexperienced surgeon, rib remodeling can carry risks like possibility of perforated internal organs. Seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed dozens of these procedures, if not hundreds. If you have any regrets about this procedure, the surgery cannot be reversed.

Question 1

What is rib remodeling?

Accepted Answer

Rib remodeling surgery contours the ribs to create an hourglass figure, like a Victorian-era corset once did.

It's similar to rib resection, a technique that entails removing part of a rib, but this procedure is more nuanced and comes with fewer safety risks.

It may also be paired with liposuction, a tummy tuck, or other body contouring procedures.

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of rib remodeling?

Accepted Answer

Pros

This procedure can create a dramatic contrast between the size of the waistline and hips, called an hourglass figure or "wasp waist."
People with certain medical conditions, such as iliocostalis syndrome or thoracic outlet syndrome, can benefit from rib resection to alleviate their symptoms.

Cons

If it's performed by an inexperienced surgeon, rib remodeling can carry risks like possibility of perforated internal organs. Seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed dozens of these procedures, if not hundreds.
If you have any regrets about this procedure, the surgery cannot be reversed.

Question 3

Why is rib remodeling becoming more popular?

Accepted Answer

Most people seek out rib remodeling to create a smaller waist.

Transgender women in particular often opt for rib remodeling to create a more traditionally feminine silhouette. In these situations, the procedure is frequently paired with a tummy tuck, Brazilian butt lift, and/or breast augmentation for full body contouring.

Rib remodeling can help people with medical conditions like asymmetry or iliocostalis syndrome, where friction from the lower ribs irritates the soft tissue of the iliac crest.

Cancer, injury, and thoracic outlet syndrome (a disorder that develops when blood vessels or nerves are compressed) are other medical reasons to seek out the procedure.

In some cases, part of a rib bone is removed to be used in a bone graft for reconstructive surgery.

Question 4

How does rib removal remodeling work?

Accepted Answer

Rib remodeling techniques depend on your surgeon's preferences, your anatomy, and whether the surgery is done for medical or cosmetic reasons.

The procedure will usually be performed under general anesthesia, with an overnight hospital stay and an at-home recovery period of several weeks.

The bottom ribs (the 11th and 12th ribs), are commonly called the floating ribs because they don’t attach to the sternum (or breastbone) in the way that the first ribs do. When viewing an x-ray of your upper body, you can see that these bottom ribs don't attach to the front of the ribcage at all—only the back. That makes it less risky to contour these bottom ribs than it would be to remove ribs higher up on the ribcage.

A surgeon can make an incision above the clavicle or under the arm to access the ribs, and then close the incision with sutures or surgical glue.

When it’s done for body modification reasons and there’s a strong desire to avoid scarring, this cosmetic surgery involves making small incisions on both sides of the spine and modifying the rib where it attaches to the back of the ribcage. In some cases, ribs are removed entirely through the incisions. This technique comes with a greater risk of perforating the thorax and internal organs (like a lung), which is why so many plastic surgeons don't perform it.

Related: Why Is Rib Removal Surgery So Controversial?

Question 5

Is rib remodeling painful?

Accepted Answer

You'll be under general anesthesia for the surgery, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.

The ribs are a sensitive area, so there is some pain involved in the recovery. You can expect to have swelling, bruising, and soreness for a few weeks after surgery.

Your surgeon will likely prescribe pain medication for the first several days of your recovery. After that, you can take over-the-counter pain meds to help keep you comfortable.

Question 6

How long does it take to recover from rib remodeling?

Accepted Answer

You'll need at least one week of downtime after surgery. If you have ribs fully removed, take at least two weeks (or up to a month, if your job involves bending and lifting).

You'll be restricted from certain activities during that recovery time while your body heals. You may also need to wear a waist trainer for several weeks.

Question 7

Is rib remodeling safe?

Accepted Answer

Rib remodeling can be done safely, especially with new techniques that don't involve removing ribs entirely.

How safe it is depends on your surgeon’s skill and level of experience. There may be a risk of damage to your organs, including a collapsed lung. Like every surgical procedure, it also carries risks of infection, seroma, or hematoma.