Rib Removal for Waistline Narrowing

Q: Dr. Eppley, The reason I am considering rib removal is I do not have a defined waist or a flat stomach. I do exercise and have worked out like a beast in the past and am still unable to obtain the results I want. I had three children. The only way I can get a super flat stomach is to almost weigh like 100-112 lbs. I’m 5″8  so it’s not ideal because I lose my butt and my breasts are smaller when I lose that much weight. I have small hips which also adds to the look of no waist line. I don’t want the scars a tummy tuck gives you and I think rib removal and some liposuction might work. I’m not overweight so I do not know if liposuction is an option either. Attached is a recent photo . The second photo is almost two years old which is me at 110-112 lbs and still no defined waist and my belly pooch is still there.

A: Thank you for sending your pictures. I can see why you seek this procedure as there is not much more you can do in making your waistline more narrow other than removing the last anatomic barrier. (rib removal) Every posterior rib removal surgery includes aggressive liposuction of the flanks as well as wedge removal of the LD muscle which collectively results in 1″ to 3″ average horizontal waistline reduction. So both by pictures and description you are a good candidate for rib removal for maximal walstline reduction.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana