The Quick Rundown
Rib removal surgery is exactly what it sounds like. One or more of your lower ribs, usually the floating ones (ribs 11 and 12), are surgically removed to help create a smaller waist and a more contoured silhouette. It's not new, it's not a myth, and it's definitely not something to take lightly.
So... People Are Really Removing Their Ribs?
Yes, shocking but true. People go pretty far for the “Barbie” body, and rib removal surgery is one of the more extreme methods out there. It’s called rib removal surgery, floating rib removal, costal resection, or even rib reshaping surgery depending on who’s doing it and how.
And it’s not always done in isolation. Many combine it with:
- Liposuction (Lipo360) to target fat around the waist.
- Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) to boost hips and contrast the now-smaller waist.
- Tummy tuck for extra contouring.
- Waist reduction surgery to really dial in the hourglass shape.
What Actually Happens in Rib Removal Surgery?
As the name suggests…
It’s a surgical procedure that removes one or more of the lower ribs. These are the so-called “floating ribs” that don’t attach to the breastbone. They’re not essential for everyday functioning, so removing them creates more room for waist compression or contouring.
Step-by-step:
♦ Preparation
You go through a full health screening. Your vitals, blood work, and medical history are reviewed. You’ll likely be told to quit smoking, stop certain medications, and plan for several weeks of downtime.
♦ Surgery Day
You’re put under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes small incisions, usually in the back or just under the ribs. Using specialized tools, they carefully remove the selected ribs. The incisions are closed with sutures and you’re usually fitted with a compression garment immediately after.
♦ Recovery & Results
Initial recovery lasts around 2 to 4 weeks. Expect swelling, pain, limited movement, and possible bruising. Full results take several months as the swelling subsides. Once it heals, the waist appears more cinched and defined. And no, the ribs don’t grow back.
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Rib Removal Before and After: What to Expect
Before
You might have a wide rib cage or a straighter torso. Some people have rib flare that makes their waistline look broader even if they’re fit.
After
A visibly smaller waist. The lower torso can appear tighter, more curved, and more in line with the “hourglass” aesthetic. The change is especially noticeable when paired with other body contouring procedures.
Short-term implications:
- Pain, soreness, swelling, risk of infection, or fluid buildup.
- Difficulty moving or standing fully upright.
- Temporary numbness or tingling around the area.
Long-term implications:
- Permanent alteration to your body structure.
- Possibility of chronic pain or discomfort.
- Reduced structural protection in that area.
- Visible scarring depending on the surgeon’s technique.
Is Rib Removal Surgery Safe?
Like any surgery, it comes with risks. It’s not inherently unsafe, but it’s definitely not risk-free.
Potential risks include:
- Injury to nearby organs like the lungs or kidneys.
- Internal bleeding or infection.
- Scar tissue build-up.
- Nerve damage leading to numbness or pain.
- Collapsed lung in rare cases.
Who's a good fit?
- Adults under 45.
- Healthy BMI (generally under 30).
- Non-smokers.
- No serious health conditions.
- Realistic expectations.
- Fully committed to recovery and aftercare.
More Than Just Looks: Medical Reasons for Rib Removal
Yes, cosmetic appeal is the common motivation, but there are legit medical reasons too:
- Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS): When blood vessels or nerves are compressed between the collarbone and rib, removal can relieve symptoms.
- Severe rib deformities or congenital anomalies: Some are born with oddly shaped or misaligned ribs that cause chronic pain or movement limitations.
- Rib tumors or cysts: Surgical removal may be required if the rib bone is compromised.
- Bone grafting procedures: In some rare reconstructive surgeries, ribs are harvested for bone graft material.
- Persistent pain or nerve entrapment: In cases where a rib is causing continuous pain and all other treatments fail.
Alternative Ways to Get That “Barbie” Waist
If rib removal sounds like too much (which it honestly is for most people), here are some other options:
- Liposuction + Fat Transfer (BBL): Removes fat from areas like your waist, stomach, or thighs and reinjects it into the hips or butt. This enhances curves naturally and has less recovery time than rib removal.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Removes excess skin and fat while tightening abdominal muscles. A strong option if you’ve had major weight loss or pregnancies.
- Rib Repositioning (a.k.a. RibXcar or Rib Remodeling): A newer alternative that involves shifting and re-aligning the ribs inward instead of removing them. Lower risk, faster recovery, and still gives you a smaller waist.
- Waist Training or Corsetry: Old-school but still used. Consistent use of waist trainers can help with temporary shaping, though results vanish when you stop.
- Clean diet + core training: No surgery, no cost. Building obliques and lowering body fat can naturally slim your waist over time.
Rib Removal Surgery Cost in the US
On average, rib removal surgery costs between $20,000 and $35,000. Some high-end practices in California and NYC charge even more, depending on the complexity and add-ons.
What affects the cost?
1. Surgeon’s expertise: A board-certified surgeon with specialized rib experience will charge more, as they should.
2. Location: Clinics in Beverly Hills, Santa Barbara, or NYC are pricier than smaller towns or suburbs.
3. Facility and anesthesia fees: Hospital-grade ORs cost more. Same with general anesthesia vs local.
4. Procedure add-ons: Doing lipo or a tummy tuck at the same time? Expect to pay more.
5. Pre-op and post-op care: Blood tests, compression garments, follow-up appointments, all add up.
Rib Removal Surgery: Phase-Wise Cost Breakdown (US)
| Phase | Estimated Cost Range (USD) | Description |
| Initial Consultation | $200 – $500 | This covers your first meeting with the surgeon, where goals and suitability are discussed. |
| Pre-op Tests & Imaging | $500 – $1,000 | Includes X-rays, blood work, and other diagnostics needed to ensure you're fit for surgery. |
| Surgeon + Anesthesia + OR | $15,000 – $25,000 | Core surgical costs including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and operating room use. |
| Facility Fees / Overnight Stay | $2,000 – $5,000 | Covers hospital stay or recovery suite fees, if an overnight observation is required. |
| Post-op Care & Supplies | $500 – $2,000 | Includes follow-ups, prescriptions, dressings, and compression garments. |
| Total Estimated Cost | $20,000 – $35,000+ | The full range for a complete procedure including all pre and post-op essentials. |
Rib Removal Surgery: Cost by Location (Estimated)
| Location | Estimated Cost Range (USD) |
| Beverly Hills / Santa Barbara | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| New York City | $18,000 – $30,000 |
| Miami | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Dallas / Houston | $14,000 – $22,000 |
| Smaller US Cities | $12,000 – $20,000 |
While rib remodeling costs less, traditional rib removal remains high.
When Rib Removal Goes Wrong
It’s not just about pain, it can be life-altering. One case reported perforated pleura, requiring emergency chest tube insertion and hospital stay. Others reported nerve damage and long-term complications from overseas clinics with questionable hygiene and safety standards.
Bottom line: this isn’t a surgery you “try out.” Do your research, pick your surgeon carefully, and understand what you're committing to.
Is It Covered by Insurance?
No, not unless there’s a valid medical reason. Cosmetic procedures like rib removal or rib reshaping are considered elective. That means full out-of-pocket costs. Only medically necessary cases, like thoracic outlet syndrome, might get partial coverage, and even then, it’s a process.
Medical Tourism: Countries & Cost Ranges
Some look abroad for cost savings. Example: Turkey rib removal packages cost $5,000 to $10,000 USD including surgery, hospital stay, anesthesia, and follow-up care Universal Medical Travel. Other destinations to research include Mexico, India, Thailand, though confirm surgeon credentials, facility accreditations and included services before committing.
Rib Removal Surgery: Cost in Other Countries (Estimated)
| Country | Estimated Cost Range (USD) |
| Turkey | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Mexico | $4,500 – $8,000 |
| Colombia | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| Thailand | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| India | $3,500 – $7,000 |
Practical Ways to Afford Rib Removal Surgery
If you’re serious about this and plan to stay in the US, here’s how to make it work financially:
1. Start saving early: Set up an automatic transfer to a savings account. Even $200 a month adds up.
2. Personal loan: Go for low-interest loans from credit unions or specialized medical loan providers.
3. Use BNPL plans like Denefits: Denefits allows you to split up the cost with no credit checks in some cases. Look for clinics that offer it directly.
4. Ask about in-house payment plans: Some surgeons offer structured payment schedules. You might not have to pay it all upfront.
5. Combine procedures: Sometimes you get a better deal when bundling rib removal with lipo or other surgeries.
Final Word
Rib removal surgery is permanent, expensive, and not something to walk into casually. Whether you’re chasing a visual goal or addressing a real medical issue, the decision needs to be rooted in full awareness of the risks, the costs, the recovery, and the irreversible change it brings. Don’t just chase the hourglass. Make sure it’s what you really want and that you’re doing it for the right reasons, in the safest hands possible.
FAQs
1. Can ribs grow back?
No, after a rib removal surgery, your ribs do not grow back. The results are permanent.
2. Rib removal surgery before and after: what to expect?
Expect slimmer waist contours especially when combined with lipo or BBL. Recovery involves pain, swelling and scarring, final results visible over months.
3. Is rib removal surgery risky or dangerous?
Yes it carries significant risks including organ injury, lung issues and chronic pain. Safety depends on surgeon expertise.
4. How much is rib removal surgery in the US?
Typically between $20,000 and $35,000. Some practices charge ~$25,000; uninsured complex cases may reach six‑figure estimates.
5. Can you get rid of rib fat by rib removal?
Rib removal targets bone not fat. It must be paired with liposuction or other fat reduction procedures to reduce rib‑area fat.
