What is rib remodeling, and is it right for you?

The plastic surgery specialty is known for leading innovations in medicine. Now, there's a new, safer way to cinch your waist – rib remodeling.

This procedure is a low-risk, highly successful method that surgeons can use to help patients achieve the waistline of their dreams. It is ideal for patients who want to better define their waist and are on the hunt for something truly amazing to help create a svelte, contoured figure with little downtime or scarring.

But what exactly is rib remodeling and how does it work? What are the results that you can expect following this type of procedure? Is rib remodeling safe? To gather more insights, we spoke with ASPS Member Surgeons Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS, and Andre Marshall, MD, MPH.

The growing popularity of rib remodeling

Rib remodeling is quickly becoming fashionable in the United States and around the world because of the amazing results that can be achieved instantaneously following the procedure.

"Right now, the procedure is very popular and one of the most requested procedures," said Dr. Marshall. "In the last year, the popularity has risen immensely."

It first became well-known abroad, and now rib remodeling has finally found its way to American shores.

"This procedure is new to the U.S.," said Dr. Hadeed. "As recently as summer of 2024, most patients had never heard of it. However, in recent months, the demand has certainly increased as more and more patients are finding out about the procedure. In fact, a lot of patients start by searching for rib removal and are surprised to find out that there is a more innovative and safer way to contour the waistline."

Many patients seek the procedure to give them sexy corset curves permanently without the hassle of restrictive shapewear.

"Most patients coming in know exactly what they want and are specifically asking for rib remodeling," said Dr. Hadeed. "Some patients want to do a combination of rib remodeling and liposuction to achieve even more dramatic results."

It's not just women seeking an hourglass figure who are interested in learning more.

"It is overwhelmingly women who are interested in this procedure, although we have had a few male patients inquire as well," said Dr. Hadeed.

Men are also looking to tailor their torsos.

"Mostly women and transgender patients seek out this procedure," said Dr. Marshall. "We have had a few males interested mainly to achieve a narrow waist with a V-shaped back."

The best candidates for the procedure are patients who have an active lifestyle, are younger than 45 and have a BMI less than 30.

The basics of rib remodeling procedures

Adjusting your ribs may sound intense and painful, but it is a relatively simple surgery with little scarring.

"The procedure is performed by making two small incisions on the lower back," said Dr. Hadeed. "A partial fracture is created in the lower three ribs, which are then repositioned to reduce the waistline."

Rib remodeling provides a personalized, natural result with a rapid recovery.

"The procedure is performed with the patient completely asleep under general anesthesia in just under an hour," said Dr. Marshall. "An ultrasound is used to identify the ribs and the underlying lung anatomy. The ribs are accessed with a small needle to inject numbing medication, then using an instrument called a piezotome, the ribs are scored or cut on the surface. Using manual pressure a controlled monocortical fracture is performed. There are no large scars and the ribs are never removed."

The results of rib remodeling are instantaneous, with patients showing a notable waist reduction immediately following the procedure.

"Most patients can expect between a two-to-four-inch reduction in the waistline, and the results can be even more dramatic when combined with liposuction," said Dr. Hadeed.

This result can be increased by following the corset protocol after surgery, which requires patients to continuously wear a corset-like surgical garment following the procedure.

"Postoperatively patients will wear a corset to help stabilize and bring in the torso until new bone forms at the site of the rib fracture," said Dr. Marshall. "The corset should be worn for three months postop. If patients are diligent about wearing the corset around the clock 24/7, most will see on average a three-to-four inch reduction in their waist with rib remodeling."

One of the chief criticisms of rib remodeling is the potential risks it can have. They can include chronic pain, unsightly scars, an unnatural or sunken appearance and the loss of the protective function the ribs provide. However, it's important to remember that many of these "known" risks are, in fact, associated with rib removal procedures rather than remodeling. Rib remodeling is considered to be low risk when performed correctly by an experienced surgeon because the incisions are smaller and the last three ribs are repositioned rather than removed, so the ribcage maintains its protective function.

"All procedures have a risk of complications," said Dr. Marshall. "Fortunately, with rib remodeling in trained hands, the risks are very low. Since the ribs are in close proximity to the lungs, there is a risk of pneumothorax (air around the lungs) as a result of injury to the lungs themselves. This is rare and has never happened to any of my patients, but the risk is still there. Other risks, albeit rare, are long-term pain from nerve irritation or failure of the bony cortex of the rib to heal after the procedure."

Advice for patients interested in rib remodeling

It's critical to find a surgeon who is experienced and educated in rib remodeling.

"For patients interested make sure you go to a surgeon who has been properly trained," said Dr. Marshall. "I myself took a weeklong course in Brazil where I learned not just the procedure but specific anatomical pearls and limitations. In addition, I learned how to do the procedure with five different techniques. I also learned how to manage certain complications should they arise. Having the procedure done by someone who wasn't properly trained is always a red flag for patients."

One of the best ways to discover the expertise of a potential surgeon is to ask to see their before and after photos for rib remodeling procedures.

"Patients should make sure the surgeon has plenty of before and after photos," said Dr. Marshall. "Lack of photos will usually indicate lack of experience with the procedure."

As previously mentioned, patients are required to wear a corset for three months following any rib remodeling procedure as part of the recovery process. This is essential to experience the best results from the procedure.

"The results are instantaneous, and additional reduction can be achieved by tightening the corset in the early postoperative period," said Dr. Hadeed.

Wearing a surgical garment is a must for patients who want rib remodeling.

"The last piece of advice would be to make sure you are committed to wearing a corset for three months," said Dr. Marshall. "If you're not willing to wear the corset, you will not see any change."

For patients who are looking for that coveted "snatched" waist or simply interested in a more contoured figure, rib remodeling may be an option. This innovative, trending procedure can reposition the three lower ribs in order to create a slimmer waistline. Following the operation, patients are required to wear a corset for three months and can expect to see amazing, instantaneous results with a reduction in the waist.

If you are interested in rib remodeling, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is an ASPS member and who is trained in the procedure to see if it's right for you.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.