Rib Removal

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in rib removal surgery. I would like to remove as many ribs possible to get a smaller waist. I also wanted to know if I could get the tummy tuck procedure separately with another doctor. I have attached some pictures of my waistline for your review.

A: Thank you for sending your pictures. I really do not see you as a great candidate for rib removal surgery. Tummy tuck surgery with liposuction should be done first to see how much improvement could be done from those more traditional waistline reduction procedures. Only after that has ‘proven’ that inadequate waistline reduction can not be obtained would rib removal be considered. Right now your waistline tissues are toot thick to justify a rib removal procedure.

Rib removal surgery is most effective is patients that are fairly lean and need a structural waistline change to help make more of a difference. It should be considered a last stage procedure to help achieve a waistline reduction that could not be obtained by more conventional waistline reshaping procedures. (liposuction, tummy tuck) While effective, such waistline surgery is for the most motivated of patients who can aesthetically tolerate a small scar on their backs.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana