At the recent Aesthetic Meet plastic surgery conference, a surprising new buzzword emerged from behind the scenes: rib remodeling. A once-taboo procedure associated with old Hollywood rumors (yes, Cher’s name came up), this new evolution is reshaping more than just waistlines; it’s stirring up serious debate.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Rafael Couto is a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Juan, PR
- Dr. Olga Bachilo is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston
- Dr. Chet Mays is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Louisville, KY
- Dr. Bradley Bengtson is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Grand Rapids, MI
What exactly is rib remodeling?
According to San Juan, PR plastic surgeon Rafael Couto, MD, rib remodeling is “reshaping the floating ribs.” Instead of removing ribs entirely (a controversial and risky procedure), surgeons are now partially fracturing them.
“That allows the surgeon to bend and reposition the ribs to create a smaller waistline without the risks associated with full rib removal,” Dr. Couto explains. “It’s all about that exaggerated hourglass contour.”
While many patients may not realize what they’re seeing on social media, some of the smallest waists aren’t just the result of corsets and crunches. “It’s still pretty new and definitely controversial,” he adds. “But procedures like this are gaining traction.”
And while it may not yet be common in the U.S., interest is rapidly growing internationally. “Yes, especially in places like South America—Brazil, Mexico,” he adds. “That aesthetic is very popular there.”
Welcome to the ‘Rib Revolution’
Houston plastic surgeon Olga Bachilo, MD, says the industry has started calling it exactly that: the Rib Revolution. “It’s not rib removal, it’s more like rib shaving and controlled fractures. They make a small incision and push the rib inward. It gives a smaller waist. The results are amazing.”
Dr. Bachilo isn’t offering the procedure just yet, but she’s thinking about it. “It’s definitely not a procedure you see at a conference and then go home and start doing. It requires additional training. I’m actually highly considering it. I’d want to learn hands-on before offering it to patients,” she says.
A Niche Add-On
So, who’s actually getting this done? According to Louisville, KY plastic surgeon Chet Mays, MD, it’s not for the average patient. “My patient demographic doesn’t typically request that. I’m already doing very aggressive liposuction and 360-degree contouring around the soft tissue. The rib remodeling is more of an add-on for a very select group.”
He breaks down the difference between techniques, including CT-guided rib reshaping and using compression corsets post-procedure. “In some techniques, they actually move the rib. In others, they just weaken it and then use compression, like a corset, to reshape the waist.”
As for who qualifies? “It’s for those super-fit patients who want just a little more cinching,” Dr. Mays explains. “People who already have a lean build and are looking for extreme definition.”
Not All Surgeons Are on Board
While some doctors are exploring this next frontier, others say they don’t see it fitting into their practice. Grand Rapids, MI plastic surgeon Bradley Bengtson, MD, cautions against pushing the boundaries of what’s considered aesthetic. “One of my professors used to say, ‘You can cut someone’s head off and sew it back on, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.’ I think that applies here.”
He views rib remodeling as part of a broader shift toward extreme body modification—one that may not align with long-term safety or natural-looking outcomes. “I remember when there was talk about shortening feet just to fit better in designer shoes. That, to me, is fringe.”
“I’m all about restoring natural, anatomical proportions,” he adds.
Whether this procedure becomes the next big thing or fades into the background, one thing’s for sure: if waistlines suddenly start looking impossibly cinched, we’ll know why.
