Rib
Remodeling

What Is Rib Remodeling?

Rib remodeling, also known as waist narrowing surgery, Rib Sculpt, RibXCar, and “Wasp Waist” or “Barbie Waist” surgery, is a specialized cosmetic procedure that reshapes the lower ribcage to create a more dramatic waist-to-hip ratio. During this surgery, portions of the floating ribs — typically the 11th and 12th ribs, which aren’t attached to the sternum — are carefully repositioned to reduce the circumference of your waistline.

Unlike traditional liposuction or tummy tucks that address soft tissue, rib remodeling targets the skeletal structure itself. This approach allows for more dramatic and permanent results in patients with a wide ribcage that prevents them from achieving their desired hourglass shape.

During rib remodeling, no ribs are removed, which reduces the risks of the surgery as well as the possibility of post-op complications. 

At PURE Plastic Surgery, double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Earle brings years of expertise in advanced body sculpting techniques to this complex procedure, ensuring both safety and stunning results that complement your natural proportions.

Benefits of Rib Remodeling

Rib remodeling at PURE Plastic Surgery offers transformative results by addressing structural limitations that diet and exercise simply cannot overcome, offering a permanent solution for achieving your ideal silhouette. Key benefits of rib remodeling include:

• Create a dramatically narrower waistline and an enhanced hourglass figure
• Achieve permanent, skeletal-based results unaffected by weight fluctuations
• Improve overall body proportions and visual balance
• Enhance confidence in form-fitting clothing and swimwear
• Complement results from other body contouring procedures
• Eliminate frustration from the genetic limitations of ribcage width
• No rib removal— the rib structure is reshaped rather than taken out
• Faster recovery compared to techniques that involve rib removal
• Natural, proportionate results that refine the waist
• Hospital-grade safety supported by clear surgical protocols

Dr. Earle will carefully assess your anatomy and aesthetic goals to determine if rib remodeling aligns with your vision. At PURE, we're committed to helping you achieve the sculpted silhouette or “Barbie Waist” you've always wanted through safe, advanced surgical techniques tailored to your unique needs and body proportions.

Ideal Candidates for Rib Remodeling

The best candidates for rib remodeling surgery are individuals who feel frustrated by a naturally wide ribcage that makes it difficult or impossible to achieve a narrow waist despite maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle. This procedure is also frequently sought by transgender women looking to create more feminine body proportions.

Ideal patients should be in excellent overall health with realistic expectations about the procedure's outcomes. Since this surgery involves skeletal modification, candidates must be committed to following post-op care instructions precisely to ensure proper healing.

Candidates should consider whether they:

• Have completed their family planning, as pregnancy may affect their results
• Maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle
• Understand the recovery process and can commit to the necessary healing time
• Have a healthy BMI
• Have good bone health without underlying rib or respiratory conditions
• Are seeking permanent waist refinement rather than temporary contouring methods
• Have realistic expectations about how much their waistline can be refined based on anatomy

You should wait to have surgery or consider a different option if you are currently trying to lose weight, have any health conditions that could get in the way of healing, or your expectations are too extreme.

During your in-person or virtual consultation at PURE Plastic Surgery, our team will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals and determine if rib remodeling aligns with your aesthetic vision.

How Does Rib Remodeling Work?

Rib remodeling is performed under general anesthesia at PURE's state-of-the-art, Joint Commission-accredited surgical facility. During the process, you can expect the following:

Step One: Planning

Before surgery begins, we evaluate your ribcage shape, waist width, and overall proportions to determine how much refinement is possible. This planning stage helps us identify the exact areas where contouring will create the most noticeable change.

Step Two: Microincisions

During the procedure, your surgeon makes small, strategically placed incisions with an 18g needle along the back or sides of the torso to access the ribs. These incisions are even smaller than those used for liposuction and are more like an entry point than a traditional incision.

Step Three: Sculpt and Reshape

A partial medical-grade fracture is created in the lower floating ribs using a specialized device called a Piezotome, allowing them to be repositioned to reduce the circumference of the waistline. The procedure takes about an hour to complete and is performed using ultrasound guidance for enhanced safety and precision. The ribs are never removed, and no large scars remain. The incisions are about the same size as those used for liposuction (2-3 millimeters). 

Step Four: Close and Recover

After the ribs are repositioned, the incisions are closed, and you will be placed into a compression garment and corset to reduce swelling and support the healing process.