The internet thinks celebrities get their ribs removed for a slimmer waist; a surgeon gives a detailed breakdown

What does rib removal surgery entail?

“The procedure of rib removal basically removes the 11th and 12th ribs of the ribcage (also known as the floating ribs), the ones that are not connected to the breastbone. The purpose behind this is to create a smaller waistline visually by narrowing down the lower rib cage,” said the doctor.

Explaining how it makes your waistline appear small, Dr. Sabharwal clarified that when the floating ribs are removed, they slightly reduce the waist, resulting in an hourglass figure, especially when wearing tight corsets or styling it strategically. “But to be honest, it is just an illusion, not actual weight loss or fat loss,” he said.

How safe is it?

According to Dr Sabharwal, a rib removal surgery is neither safe nor recommended by experts. “Rib removal is a high-risk cosmetic surgery with no health benefit. There are multiple risks involved with this process, including injury to vital organs like kidneys, liver, or lungs, chronic pain, nerve damage, or breathing issues, infections, poor healing, or scarring, as well as loss of natural protection to internal organs.

How far are you willing to go for a snatched waist? (Source: Freepik)

“This isn’t a regulated or widely practiced procedure. In fact, most qualified surgeons won’t perform it unless it’s medically necessary (like for trauma or tumors),” he revealed.

What kind of precautions should you keep in mind?

If you are particularly interested in undergoing this cosmetic treatment, Dr. Sabharwal recommends consulting a surgeon in a well-equipped hospital rather than a beauty clinic abroad.

“Ask yourself: Are you willing to sacrifice bone and organ protection for a temporary visual effect? And get a second opinion from a surgeon who can guide you on safer, body-positive options,” he said, adding that once ribs are removed, the change is irreversible.

As a bariatric and metabolic surgeon, Dr. Sabharwal emphasized the importance of avoiding shortcuts in life and instead opting for medically approved solutions to reduce your waistline. He encouraged undertaking medical weight loss programs, bariatric surgery for eligible patients, healthy lifestyle changes, along with strength training and non-invasive contouring treatments – if needed.

To conclude, the expert highlighted that the desire to become slimmer and beautiful should not lead you to dangerous decisions. “Shortcuts like rib removal are not only insane but dangerous, too. Your waistline is not as important as your health,” he said.

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