Will Rib Removal Give Me A Better Figure?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in rib removal surgery. I have a very boxy figure and I am a model. I am looking to get more of an hour glass figure and gain more confidence in my appearance. As of now I refuse to take photos straight on because they make me look wide, but I strongly believe having those ribs removed will assist me in achieving those goals. Right now my measurements are 34C bust and then my hips are 38″ at the smallest point of my midsection I am 26″, and when my personal trainer measures me at my “real waist” it is 33″ I am 5’9 and 133lbs. I would really like to have a better figure, but with wide hips and my ribs I feel like it is difficult without the surgery. What is your professional opinion?

A: I think you who feel and know your own body better than anyone has the best perspective on what may be of benefit to an improved body shape. the question is not whether rib removal will be effective but exactly what ribs are best to remove. I would doubt that 11 and 12 are the ones as they lie too posterior and do not really wrap round the torso. Thus their removal would have no benefit to bring in the sides of the torso. More likely it is ribs 8,9 or 10. If you could send me a picture of the ribs marked on your ribcage (with a Sharpie) where you feel the greatest reduction is needed, that would be very helpful in determining the exact rib numbers to be removed for your rib removal surgery.