What Are The Expected Outcomes in Rib Removal and Clavicle Reduction Surgeries?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in Rib Removal and Clavicle Reduction surgeries. I had a few questions :

– what is the expected reduction in waist size for rib removal (width and circumference)?

– does you have experience with comparing outcomes between the two procedures?

A: In answer to your questions:

1) Rib removal patients report an average of 1 to 3 inches in circumferential waistline reduction. (by the patient’s own measurements) I focus more on the improvement in shape or how it looks.

2) Clavicle reduction is very different and is a completely predictable operation in terms of outcome because the amount of clavicle bone removed correlates 1:1 with the visible reduction in shoulder width. Thus if 2.5cms of bone is removed per side than the shoulder width reduction is 1 inch per side.

The difference is that the clavicle bone is linear in orientation and the reduction is completely dependent on the bone length removed. Conversely, the lower ribs are oblique in orientation and the length of bone removed does not correlate to the horizontal waistline reduction directly. In addition waistline shape/circumference is controlled by more than the just bone with a substantial contribution of soft tissues as well.

Dr. Barry Eppley’

Indianapolis, Indiana