Corseting after Rib Removal Surgery

Q: Dr. Eppley, How soon post op can patients return to corseting and does corseting after rib removal surgery increase the permanent waist reduction results. (actually permanent rather than the temporary results achieved from corseting under regular use).

A: Patients resume wearing their corset the day after surgery if that is the most comfortable garment for them to wear. It probably provides the best support due to its snugness and conformity of the garment to your body.

It would be logical to assume that corseting after rib removal further enhances the waistline reduction results as well as creates a permanent change vs the temporary one that corseting does. (although if used daily over many years it has been shown that it does create some permanent waistline changes…but this is for only the most dedicated and motivated of users)

It is actually not uncommon that women that present for rib removal surgery are using a corset beforehand. This is not only a good preoperative test for the surgery but a great postoperative garment afterwards as well. Most patients typically resume weaning their corset days to a week after the procedure.

I would point out, that while wearing a corset is a benefit after surgery, it is not a requirement as it is not what is responsible for the eventual waistline reduction result.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana