What Are Your Rib Remodeling Options?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am curious about what you offer when it comes to rib remodeling. I am a transgender person looking to not just narrow my ribs at the waist but further up to my 7th rib if possible .i am also wondering if the precedure that he preforms to do this will also reduce the projection of my ribs at the front. Aka rib flair. Many thanks.

A:I have done rib removal/remodeling up to rib number eight but not rib number 7. Ribs 10 through 12 are treated I sub total removal. Conversely due to their different anatomy ribs nine and eight are treated by and ostectomy with plate fixation to reduce their arc. I don’t see any benefit to treating ribr number 7 is that is almost at the breast level.

The anterior subcostal ribs when treated for excessive flare are usually treated by two point cartilage weakening with postoperative garment compression/remodeling.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon