What Is The Difference Between Rib Removal vs Rib Fractures For Waistline Narrowing?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hi! I am reaching out regarding your procedure for waist narrowing by rib removal. I understand there is two ways of doing It, one is fully removing the ribs, the other is remodeling them by breaking them in. Which do you do? Also what is the probability of the intercostal nerve damage during surgery with both procedures

A:You are referring to subtotal rib removal of the outer aspects of ribs 10 through 12 with LD muscle reduction (RIB REMOVAL)  versus that osteotomies of the same ribs (RIB FRACTURES) with the need for prolonged corset wear after surgery to allow the ribs to heal in a more inward fashion. I have done both techniques although by far most people come to me for the rib removal method since that is surgically more challenging to do and requires much more experience in rib surgery to successfully perform. One can have a debate about which method is more effective but it’s fair to say removing tissue is going to likely end up with a better result than simply repositioning it. Contrary to the statements of some I do not find out that there are any great differences between them in terms of recovery. When it comes to intercostal nerve damage I have never seen that in either procedure with severasl hundred of ribs treated. But it is a risk and one should not confuse never seen with never could happen.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon