Can The Upper Part Of The Rib Cage Be Reduced?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a question about ribcage reduction. Since I remember I had problem with my very prominent rib cages. I always crouch and if I don’t, everyone will notice this disorder. As a result I always have backache, and one disk has slipped. This prominence is worse at upper part of my breasts, and more in the middle, I don’t care about the prominence at the bottom of my breasts. The prominence cause my breasts to fall down and no bra can lift it easily.

Im just asking if it’s possible to have a surgery in the future to narrow the upper part of my ribs by cutting a portion of the bones?

Thank you so much for this helpful website.

A: While I would have to see pictures of your exact problem to provide an informed answer, your description refers to an upper ribcage issue at the level of the breasts/inframammary crease. This is not typically an area of the ribcage that can be modified…but again without a visual understanding of your ribcage concerns this is just a general statement.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana