Can I Get My Protruding Subcostal Ribs Removed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, , I have a very protruding rib cage while at the same time being pretty thin. Can this be reduced by rib removal/shaving safely? Does the rib cartilage regrow? Will there be life long limitations on exercising etc?

A: The question is not whether the prominent subcostal ribs can be safely reduced but whether the scar tradeoff to do is a worthy tradeoff. Unlike lower rib removal where the scars are in a more favorable location subcostal rib removal places the incision in a very visible area right over the subcostal margin. So I would be cautious about that scar location as it is not in a natural relaxed skin tension line and the scar may not do well.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon