Rib Remodelling Trend: The Painful 'Hourglass' Surgery Rising in Popularity

The Guardian Health · 2026-10-28
Rib Remodelling Trend: The Painful 'Hourglass' Surgery Rising in Popularity

A growing number of people are seeking rib remodelling surgery to achieve an exaggerated hourglass figure, despite the extreme pain and long recovery. The procedure, such as RibXcar, involves fracturing the lower ribs and wearing a corset for three months to set them in a narrower position. Daniela Cesin, a 31-year-old from Miami, chose the surgery in Venezuela after her surgeon said she lacked enough fat for liposuction and hip transfer. Patients describe the post-operative pain as being 'hit by a bus'. The trend is driven by social media aesthetics and celebrity influence, but it raises serious medical and psychological concerns. As demand grows, experts urge caution about the risks and irreversible nature of the surgery.