Can Breast Implant Replacements Be Done At The Same Time As Subcostal Rib Protrusion Reduction?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Do you perform anterior rib-10 / costal margin reduction? I have a lifelong prominence of the anterior costal margin (rib #10) directly under the breast fold. This sticks out even when I’m lying flat, and it’s not related to posture or abdominal tone. I am NOT interested in waist-narrowing procedures or removal/remodeling of ribs 11 and 12 from the back. I am looking exclusively for surgeons who treat Isolated anterior rib-10 / costal margin protrusion via an anterior or inframammary approach with cartilage contouring, reduction, or reshaping. Ideally combined with a breast implant revision.Thank you very much

A: I have performed many subcostal rib resections  for varying amounts of flare and protrusions all of which are cartilaginous in nature. Such rib protrusions are highly variable and could involve  any number pf subcostal ribs from 7 through 10. At the inframammary fold level that is closer to rib 6 or 7. But regardless of the rib number(s) a preoperative 3D CT scan is needed to fully understand the number of ribs involved, the exact shape of the protrusion and how best to treat it. (Shaving, resection or bending)

I can not say whether such costal rib reductions could be done through an inframamary incision (usually unlikely). But the first place to start fro an assessment is to see pictures of the protrusion both erect and laying down.

But regardless of whether a subcostal rib protrusion can be reduced through an inframamary incision or not breast implant replacements can be performed at the same time.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon