RibXcar and Full 4 HD liposuction in Switzerland: slimming the waist, from the ribs to the skin

Some women may be slim, fit and without any real excess fat, yet their waist remains straight. The reason is sometimes skeletal: the lower part of the rib cage flares outwards and prevents the line from curving in between the ribs and the hips. Liposuction, however precise, can only act on soft tissue; it then reaches its limit. RibXcar-type rib remodelling, a recent technique, proposes slightly changing the orientation of the last ribs, without removing them, to narrow the base of the rib cage. Combined with high-definition liposuction, known as 4D or Full HD, which sculpts the relief of the abdomen, flanks and back, it aims for a more defined waist and an hourglass silhouette. This page presents, as honestly as possible, what is known about this combination, who it may be for, how it is performed, what it requires during recovery, its risks, the uncertainties that still surround it, and the state of provision and prices in Switzerland.

RibXcar rib remodelling involves weakening the lower ribs, generally the tenth, eleventh and twelfth, in a controlled way using an ultrasound instrument inserted through very small incisions, so that they can be angled inwards. A corset worn for several weeks holds this new position while the bone heals. At the same time, high-definition liposuction slims and defines the trunk. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and generally takes three to five hours. Recovery is more restrictive than after liposuction alone, because of the corset and rib pain. The technique is recent, performed by a limited number of surgeons, and published data remain scarce. This is cosmetic surgery, not covered by insurance. Budget guidelines are on the page on RibXcar with Full 4 HD liposuction prices in Switzerland.

Two very different procedures are brought together. The first acts on the skeleton: it slightly changes the curvature of the lowest ribs, which form the outline of the waist just above the hips. The second acts on the soft tissues: high-definition liposuction removes fat selectively to bring out the muscle relief and deepen the areas of shadow that create an athletic silhouette.

Together, they act on both components of waist width: the bony framework and the fatty envelope. This is what distinguishes this combination from conventional waist liposuction, which only affects the second.

The waist is the narrowest part of the trunk, between the rib margin above and the iliac crest, the pelvic bone, below. Its width depends on several elements: the spread of the last ribs, the length of the space between ribs and pelvis, the thickness of the oblique muscles, and the amount of fat under the skin and inside the abdomen. In some women, the space between the ribs and pelvis is short and the lower ribs flare, giving a poorly defined waist even with very little fat.

Understanding the role of each of these elements is essential: they do not respond to the same treatments.

People often imagine that the silhouette depends only on fat and muscle. Yet the skeleton plays a major role: shoulder width, the shape of the pelvis, the length of the trunk and the orientation of the ribs determine the framework within which fat and muscle are distributed. Rib remodelling is one of the few cosmetic procedures that act on this framework, which explains both its appeal and the caution it requires.

Surgeons and patients often talk about the ratio between waist and hip measurements, or between under-bust measurement and waist. These ratios are not norms to be achieved, but they help describe a silhouette and track its evolution. Rib remodelling acts mainly on the upper part of the waist, liposuction on the waist itself and the flanks. Hip measurement depends on the pelvis, which the procedure does not change, and on fat, which liposuction or fat transfer can alter.

Beneath the fat, several muscles form the wall of the waist: the external and internal obliques on the sides, the transversus deep down, and the rectus muscles at the front. Very developed obliques, in some athletic women, can widen the waist. Conversely, a toned transversus narrows it slightly by holding the abdomen in. The surgeon takes this into account and may advise adapting training after the procedure, favouring deep core work over heavy oblique work.

An exaggerated arch, a pelvis tilted forward or rounded shoulders change how the waist is perceived, from the front and in profile. A more upright posture, a held-in abdomen and an aligned back visually slim the silhouette without surgery. Postural work with a physiotherapist or coach, before and after the procedure, improves the perceived effect of the result.

The width of the pelvis, determined by the iliac bones, is not changed by the procedure. A woman with a narrow pelvis will gain less visual contrast than a woman with a wide pelvis, even with a waist slimmed in the same way. Fat on the hips, on the other hand, can be reduced by liposuction or increased by fat transfer, depending on the desired silhouette. This point is important for setting realistic expectations.

The rib cage has twelve pairs of ribs. The first seven attach directly to the breastbone; the eighth, ninth and tenth connect to it via cartilage; the eleventh and twelfth, known as floating ribs, are attached only to the spine and end freely in the wall. These more mobile lower ribs shape the upper part of the waist. Their orientation, more or less turned outwards, varies greatly from person to person.

The shape of the rib cage varies greatly. Some are narrow at the base, with lower ribs that dip inwards and naturally create a defined waist. Others are wide at the base, with ribs that flare outwards like a bell and give a straight waist. Between the two, every variation exists. The length of the space between the ribs and pelvis also counts: a short space leaves little room for the hollow of the waist.

The lower ribs serve as an attachment for part of the diaphragm, the main breathing muscle, and take part in the movements of the rib cage with each breath. Remodelling them slightly changes their orientation without removing them. Published series do not report lasting breathing problems, but breathing is temporarily limited by pain and the corset. This is one of the reasons breathing exercises are so important after the procedure, and why a pre-existing lung condition calls for great caution.

The desire to modify the ribs to slim the waist is not new. For several decades, some surgeons have performed resection of the floating ribs, removing part of them through an incision in the back. This invasive surgery has a poor reputation because of its risks and limited effect. Remodelling by controlled weakening, popularised more recently under commercial names such as RibXcar, seeks a comparable effect without removing bone, through very small incisions, by changing only the curvature of the ribs. It is a recent approach whose scientific evaluation is still ongoing.

The quest for a slim waist is nothing new. Over the centuries, fashion has often prized a defined waist, achieved with sometimes very tight corsets, at the cost of discomfort and effects on breathing and digestion. Current techniques seek a lasting result without permanent constraint, but the temptation of an ever-narrower waist remains. The surgeon's role is to offer harmonious slimming compatible with each patient's health and build.

Rib remodelling alone narrows the base of the rib cage, but if a layer of fat covers the waist, the effect remains barely visible. Liposuction alone slims the tissues but comes up against the bony flare. Combined, they reinforce each other: liposuction reveals the new rib contour and the hollowed waist, while remodelling gives the liposuction a narrower framework to sculpt. Bringing the two procedures together also means one anaesthetic and a single period of wearing compression garments.

So-called high-definition, 4D or Full HD liposuction does not merely reduce volume. It works at three depths: deep reduction to decrease overall thickness, more superficial suction to define the contours, and fine sculpting of the grooves between the muscles, such as the midline of the abdomen or the edges of the obliques. In women, the aim is not a heavily defined abdomen but a toned silhouette, with a defined waist, a flat abdomen and soft lines. Our page on 4 HD liposuction describes this technique in detail.

The aim is most often an hourglass silhouette: shoulders and hips of similar width, with a clearly narrower waist. Rib remodelling acts on the upper part of the waist's hollow, liposuction on the whole trunk — flanks, abdomen and lower back. Some patients want marked contrast; others, more numerous, simply want a more defined waist in harmony with their build. The surgeon must discuss frankly what is realistic, as the effect of rib remodelling is measured in centimetres, not in spectacular transformation.

The highly marked hourglass silhouette is showcased on social media, often with retouched images, studied poses and flattering lighting. This trend has made rib remodelling known, but it can also feed unrealistic expectations. It is useful to ask yourself what silhouette you really want, for yourself and in the long term, and to be wary of promises of spectacular transformation.

It must be said clearly: ultrasound rib remodelling is a young technique. The available publications are mainly case series reported by the teams that perform it, with a limited number of patients and often short follow-up. They describe a reduction in waist circumference of a few centimetres and few serious complications, but they do not yet allow the frequency of rare complications, the stability of the result over many years, or a rigorous comparison with liposuction alone to be known precisely.

This does not mean that the technique is dangerous or ineffective, but that the decision must be made with these uncertainties in mind. A reputable surgeon sets them out plainly and does not present rib remodelling as a trivial or fully established procedure.

Several questions remain open and are worth knowing. What is the exact frequency of rare complications across a large number of patients? Is the gain maintained over ten or twenty years? How do remodelled ribs evolve during pregnancy or with post-menopausal osteoporosis? What is the real benefit of remodelling compared with well-performed liposuction alone? Ongoing studies will provide answers; in the meantime, the decision is made with these uncertainties.

Because the technique is recent, some surgeons follow their patients in a structured way, with measurements and questionnaires, to better evaluate results. Taking part in this follow-up, if offered, helps improve knowledge of the technique. Your data must then be handled confidentially and with your consent.

The number of surgeons trained in rib remodelling is gradually increasing, and provision in Switzerland may expand in the coming years. Prices and protocols are also evolving, as are published data. The information on this page reflects current knowledge; it is useful to supplement it with a discussion with a surgeon who keeps up with the latest publications.

The figures put forward for rib remodelling concern a reduction in waist circumference of a few centimetres, varying with the starting anatomy. To this is added the effect of liposuction, which depends on the amount of fat removed. The most visible gain concerns the upper part of the waist, just below the bust, and the lateral curve seen from the front. Be wary of spectacular photographs, often taken at flattering angles, with a corset recently removed or after combined weight loss.

The waist reductions announced in commercial presentations are sometimes measured just after the corset is removed, or include weight loss and the effect of liposuction. It is therefore difficult to compare figures from one source to another. Ask the surgeon how they measure, at what point, and what gain they observe on average in their own patients, for remodelling alone and for the combination.

A result considered disappointing often owes less to the technique than to a gap between expectations and what was achievable. Talk about your goal in words and figures: what waist measurement, what silhouette, what outfits. The surgeon can then indicate what is realistic. An improvement of a few centimetres, well distributed and harmonious, can transform your appearance; an expectation of radical transformation leads to disappointment.

The typical candidate is a healthy woman, slim or close to her healthy weight, whose waist remains poorly defined despite low body fat, and in whom examination and imaging show flaring of the lower ribs. Her weight is stable, she does not smoke, she has no bone disease, and she accepts the constraints of recovery with a corset. Above all, she has measured expectations and understands that the technique is recent.

Patients whose waist is wide mainly because of fat, not the ribs, do not need rib remodelling: liposuction alone is enough for them. This is one of the first points the surgeon must check.

Demand for rib remodelling comes mainly from women. In men, a wide waist is most often due to flank fat or fat inside the abdomen, and the aesthetic goal is a straight waist rather than a hollowed one. High-definition liposuction is then the usual answer; rib remodelling is only very rarely considered.

A slim waist loses much of its effect if the abdomen bulges. Before the procedure, the surgeon checks for diastasis, that is, separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, and for excess skin below the navel. With marked diastasis or slack skin, liposuction is not enough for the abdomen; an abdominoplasty may be necessary at a separate stage, as combining it with rib remodelling would make the procedure and recovery too heavy.

After one or more pregnancies, the rectus muscles sometimes remain separated. The abdomen then bulges, especially at the end of the day, even in a slim woman, and the waist looks less slim in profile. Neither rib remodelling nor liposuction corrects this separation. The surgeon systematically looks for it: if it is significant, repair of the abdominal wall, often as part of an abdominoplasty, should be discussed, generally at a separate stage.

High-definition liposuction requires skin that retracts well over the new contours. Young, firm skin gives the best results. Thinner skin, marked by stretch marks or slack after weight loss, risks leaving folds in the hollowed areas. The surgeon then adapts the intensity of sculpting and may propose a technology that promotes skin tightening.

After liposuction and remodelling, the skin of the flanks must retract over a narrower contour. Young, elastic skin adapts well; thinner skin may form slight folds, especially when sitting, in the first few months. The corset helps the skin follow the new contour. If the skin is already slack before the procedure, the surgeon may propose a skin-tightening technology or moderate the liposuction.

Pregnancies temporarily widen the rib cage and can leave the lower rib cage slightly more flared than before, as well as separated abdominal muscles. In some mothers, the waist looks less defined than before pregnancy for these two reasons. The surgeon assesses the contribution of each: muscle separation calls for repair of the abdominal wall, while rib flaring may, in some cases, justify remodelling.

Sportswomen who practise contact, twisting or throwing sports place heavy demands on their rib cage. For them, the bone-healing period means a longer break, and rib remodelling must be discussed with caution, taking into account the competition calendar and the constraints of their discipline. The opinion of a sports doctor is useful.

• Osteoporosis or another bone fragility.
• Chronic lung disease or previous chest surgery.
• Significant excess weight, where fat is the main cause of waist width.
• Fat mainly inside the abdomen, with a firm, bulging abdomen.
• Active smoking, which slows bone healing and wound healing.
• A pregnancy planned in the near future.
• Disproportionate expectations or excessive preoccupation with the waist.
• Inability to wear a corset for several weeks.

In young women, bone is strong and heals quickly, and the skin retracts well: these are the best conditions, provided the silhouette has settled and the request has matured. Between thirty and forty-five, the situation generally remains favourable, but the question of future pregnancies often arises. After menopause, bone density decreases and the skin loses elasticity; rib remodelling becomes more debatable, and a bone assessment is essential. High-definition liposuction must then be gentler.

Remodelling relies on partial weakening of the rib, which must then heal in its new position. Osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, certain long-term treatments such as corticosteroids, or diseases that weaken bone can compromise this healing or encourage a complete fracture. The surgeon looks for these factors when taking your history and may request tests. Vitamin D deficiency is common and easy to correct before the procedure.

Vitamin D is essential for calcium to be fixed in bone. Deficiency is common, especially in winter and in people with little sun exposure. A test before the procedure allows supplementation to be prescribed if needed, which will promote bone healing. A sufficient calcium intake from diet is also important.

Abdominal fat is divided into two layers. The fat you can pinch between your fingers, under the skin, is accessible to liposuction. The fat surrounding the organs, inside the abdomen, is not. A woman whose abdomen is firm and bulging despite a thin skinfold mainly has deep fat; neither liposuction nor rib remodelling will give her a slim waist. Weight loss and regular physical activity are then the first step.

Standing in front of a mirror, facing it, place your hands flat on the sides of your waist, just above your hips, then slowly move them up to the bottom of your ribs. If you feel a thick, mobile layer under the skin, fat plays an important role. If you quickly reach the rib bone, flaring outwards, rib flaring contributes to the width of your waist. This test does not replace a medical examination, but it helps you prepare for the consultation.

In women whose fat is concentrated on the abdomen, particularly after menopause, a significant share may lie inside the abdomen, around the organs. It gives a round, firm abdomen and widens the waist at the front. Neither rib remodelling nor liposuction acts on it. Weight loss, regular physical activity and a suitable diet are the first step, and they also reduce the health risks linked to this deep fat.

The consultation begins with a discussion of your expectations: what silhouette, what waist, which area bothers you most. The surgeon asks about your health, bone and lung history, treatments, physical activity, weight history, pregnancies and plans. They then examine your trunk standing, from the front, in profile and from behind, palpate the lower ribs to assess their orientation and mobility, measure your waist at different levels and assess the distribution and thickness of the fat.

They take standardised photographs and may request imaging. They then explain what each procedure can bring in your case, along with the uncertainties, constraints and risks. You are given a detailed quote, and a reflection period is strongly recommended.

At the practice, you will be examined in your underwear, standing then lying down. The surgeon palpates the lower ribs on each side, sometimes asking you to breathe in deeply, to assess their position and mobility. They pinch the skin and fat of the flanks, abdomen and back, measure your waist at several levels and observe your posture. They ask you to turn so they can see your silhouette in profile and from behind. This examination generally takes about twenty minutes. It is followed by a discussion, with the photographs and imaging, of what is achievable.

Bringing photographs of silhouettes you like can help clarify your expectations, provided you choose women of similar height and build, and bear in mind that many images are retouched or taken in flattering poses. The surgeon helps you distinguish what relates to the waist, the pelvis, the bust and posture.

To plan rib remodelling, chest imaging is often requested, generally a low-dose CT scan or an X-ray. It shows the shape and orientation of the lower ribs, their length and thickness, and the space separating them from the pelvis. It confirms that there is indeed flaring that could be corrected, and rules out a bone abnormality. Some surgeons also use ultrasound during the procedure to guide their technique.

The CT scan or X-ray allows the shape of the lower rib cage to be visualised. The surgeon can show you the orientation of your lower ribs, their length and thickness and the distance separating them from the pelvis. Reviewing it together helps you understand why remodelling may be useful, or why it would not be. A low-dose CT scan limits radiation exposure; nevertheless, ask whether it is really necessary in your case.

Scoliosis, even mild, changes the orientation of the ribs and creates waist asymmetry: one side more hollow, the other straighter. Rib remodelling does not correct the spine. The surgeon looks for a curvature at examination and on imaging, and takes it into account in the plan and in what they promise. In some cases, they treat the two sides differently to improve balance.

The surgeon measures the waist at several heights: below the bust, at the lower ribs, at the narrowest point and at the navel. They also measure the hips. These figures, noted before the procedure, allow progress to be followed objectively, especially as the corset and swelling make visual assessment difficult for several weeks. It is useful to repeat them yourself, under the same conditions, at three, six and twelve months.

Because rib remodelling acts mainly on the upper part of the waist, it is useful to measure it at several heights: just below the bust, at the last ribs, at the narrowest point and at the navel. Liposuction acts on all of them, remodelling mainly on the first two. Comparing these figures before and after makes it possible to distinguish the contribution of each procedure and assess the result precisely.

For a recent technique, reflection time is particularly important. It allows you to re-read the information provided, seek other opinions, compare with liposuction alone and gauge the commitment recovery represents. A period of several weeks between the consultation and the procedure is in no way excessive. A practitioner who suggests scheduling quickly, with a price reduction conditional on an immediate decision, should prompt caution.

Choosing to alter your skeleton for aesthetic reasons is a personal decision that deserves to be made with full knowledge. There is no right or wrong answer, but a considered decision based on honest information, realistic expectations and an assessment of what you are prepared to accept in terms of recovery and uncertainty. Taking time, talking about it, seeking several opinions: these are the best guarantees of a decision you will not regret.

The assessment prescribed by the anaesthetist and surgeon is carried out: blood test, vitamin D level if needed, chest imaging and sometimes an electrocardiogram. All nicotine is stopped at least a month beforehand, as it slows both bone healing and skin healing. Products that increase bleeding are stopped with the doctor's agreement.

You also need to obtain the prescribed corset in the right size, and the compression garment for the liposuction, often integrated into the same device. Time off work should be planned for longer than after liposuction alone, and help at home is invaluable in the first few days, as trunk movements are limited and painful.

The combined pill increases the risk of blood clots, already raised by the length of the procedure and mobility reduced by pain. Stopping it a few weeks before the procedure may be advised, in agreement with your doctor, with non-hormonal contraception in the meantime. Always mention your contraception at the anaesthesia consultation.

Nicotine reduces the blood supply to tissues and slows bone formation. In smokers, fractures heal more slowly and the risk of non-union is higher. That is why stopping completely is required several weeks before and throughout the bone-healing period, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and nicotine replacement products.

Good physical condition before the procedure makes recovery easier: stamina to cope with fatigue, toned trunk muscles to get up and move about, and lung capacity. A few months of regular activity — brisk walking, swimming, back strengthening and light core work — usefully prepare the body. It is not about performance, but consistency.

A weight that has been stable for several months is essential. Significant weight loss after the procedure could slacken the skin in the sculpted areas; weight gain would thicken the waist again. If you are in the process of losing weight, it is better to wait until you have finished.

During the first few weeks, bending, carrying and turning are difficult. Store what you will need within easy reach, plan easy meals and loose clothes you can put on without raising your arms or twisting, and a bed or armchair that lets you sleep with your upper body raised. A shower stool and help for the first few days are very useful.

A few items make recovery easier: a reacher-grabber to pick things up without bending, a shower stool, a V-shaped cushion to sleep propped up, clothes that open at the front, a water bottle as a reminder to drink, and a notebook to record medicines taken and questions for the check-up. These small adjustments reduce fatigue and painful movements.

In the first few days, help is invaluable: for getting up, putting on and adjusting the corset, preparing meals and looking after children. Those around you can also remind you to do your breathing exercises and watch for warning signs, particularly breathlessness. Explaining the course of recovery to them in advance is useful.

Recovery with a corset and rib pain requires support from those around you. Talking about it in advance allows help to be organised and avoids misunderstandings. Some people close to you may question the value of a procedure on the ribs; explaining your approach, the information you have received and your reflection often helps you gain their support. You remain free to decide what you wish to share.

• The corset and, if possible, a spare cotton undergarment.
• Painkillers and, if prescribed, the anticoagulant.
• An incentive spirometer if one was given to you.
• Pillows to sleep with your upper body raised.
• A cushion to hold against your side when coughing.
• Loose clothes that open at the front.
• The team's number and the date of the first check-up.

After rib remodelling, the corset is not a comfort accessory. It is what holds the ribs in their new orientation while they heal. It is generally worn day and night for several weeks, then for part of the day for a further period, according to the surgeon's protocol. It must fit well: not too loose, which would let the ribs return to their position, nor too tight, which would restrict breathing and circulation. The surgeon and team show you how to put it on, adjust it and gradually tighten it.

Some surgeons advise trying the corset for a few hours before the procedure, to check the size, learn how to put it on and get used to the sensation. This also makes it possible to spot any rubbing points and report them. The final corset is then put on in theatre and adjusted during recovery.

The corset and rib pain limit breathing depth in the first few weeks. Shallow breathing encourages congestion of the lungs and, more rarely, a chest infection. Some surgeons recommend learning deep-breathing exercises before the procedure, sometimes with a small incentive spirometer, to be practised several times a day afterwards. Good prior fitness also makes recovery easier.

The combination is performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure on the ribs is painful and must be carried out with the patient perfectly still; high-definition liposuction requires several changes of position. The anaesthetist assesses your health, particularly your lungs, and plans suitable pain relief: local anaesthetic infiltration around the ribs, chest wall nerve blocks and systemic medicines. Good pain management is essential so that you can breathe deeply and move about after the procedure.

Rib pain determines recovery: it limits breathing, coughing and mobility. That is why pain relief starts in theatre: local anaesthetic infiltration along the treated ribs, sometimes chest wall nerve blocks that provide several hours of relief, then regular painkillers. Well-controlled pain allows you to breathe deeply, get up and reduce lung and thrombotic complications.

• How will rib pain be treated in theatre and afterwards?
• Is a chest wall nerve block planned?
• Is my lung function compatible with the procedure?
• Do my contraception or treatments need adjusting?
• Will I need anti-clotting injections, and for how long?
• What if I had nausea after a previous anaesthetic?

With you standing, the surgeon locates and marks the lower ribs on each side and the position of the small incisions, then the liposuction areas: deep reduction, thinning, grooves to define and areas to preserve. They draw the desired waistline and check symmetry. This drawing is shown to you. It is an important moment to restate your expectations, for example about the intensity of abdominal definition.

The patient is positioned successively face down, on her sides and on her back, depending on the areas to be treated. Rib remodelling is often performed in the lateral or prone position, which gives access to the lower ribs. Liposuction of the back and flanks is performed in the same positions, and that of the abdomen and front of the trunk on the back. Each change of position is made under anaesthesia with particular precautions, especially as the ribs have just been weakened.

Surgeons often begin with liposuction of the back and flanks, with the patient face down or on her side, then perform rib remodelling in the same position, before finishing on the back with liposuction of the front of the trunk. Others prefer to treat the ribs first. What matters is limiting changes of position once the ribs have been weakened, and putting the corset on quickly.

Once the ribs have been weakened, every movement of the trunk must be gentle. The team turns the patient as a unit, supporting the chest, and monitors breathing. These precautions protect the ribs and prevent partial weakening from turning into a complete fracture.

Through small incisions a few millimetres long, sometimes the same as those for the liposuction, the surgeon inserts a fine instrument that delivers ultrasonic energy. On the outer surface of each targeted lower rib, they make a series of small controlled weakenings, without completely cutting through the bone or touching the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lung. The ribs then become slightly more flexible and can be angled inwards by external pressure. The procedure is guided by palpation, and sometimes by ultrasound, to stay clear of deep structures.

The ultrasound devices used for rib remodelling take the form of a fine handpiece whose tip vibrates at very high frequency. Different tips allow the technique to be adapted to the thickness of the bone. The surgeon works through small incisions, sometimes with ultrasound guidance. These devices are reserved for trained teams; ask the surgeon which one they use and for how long.

The rib remodelling incisions are a few millimetres long and are usually located on the sides or back of the trunk, near the treated ribs. They can be shared with those for liposuction of the flanks and back. Their position is chosen so that they are discreet once healed, generally covered by underwear or swimwear.

The instruments used for rib remodelling deliver ultrasonic vibrations at their tip. These vibrations cut hard tissue such as bone effectively, while having less effect on soft, flexible tissue. This principle, already used in other surgical fields such as dental surgery or nasal surgery, allows a more precise and less traumatic procedure than conventional instruments. It does not remove the need for great care over the depth of the procedure.

The surgeon generally treats the last two or three ribs on each side. On each, they make several aligned weakenings on the outer surface, where the curvature needs to change. The number and position depend on the imaging and examination. Too light a treatment gives little effect; too marked a treatment increases the risk of a complete fracture. The dosage is a matter of experience.

You might think that treating more ribs, or treating them more intensely, would give a slimmer waist. In reality, the higher ribs are connected to the breastbone by cartilage and play a greater part in protecting the organs and in breathing; modifying them would carry more risk for little aesthetic benefit. Treatment therefore focuses on the lower ribs, and its intensity is limited to preserve the strength of the rib cage.

Once weakened, the ribs become slightly more flexible. The surgeon gently pushes them inwards, then the corset, put on in theatre, holds this new position. Over the following weeks, the bone heals in this orientation. That is why wearing the corset and adjusting it regularly are as important as the procedure itself.

Some surgeons use ultrasound during the procedure to visualise the ribs, measure their thickness and check the position of the instrument. This guidance can improve precision and help avoid deep structures. It is not systematic, and each team has its own practice; it is legitimate to ask how the procedure is controlled.

Beneath each rib run a nerve, an artery and a vein, and, deeper still, the pleura and the lung. The main safety issue in remodelling is to stay on the outer surface of the bone, without going through the rib. The ultrasound instruments used act selectively on hard bone and spare soft tissue more, but the precision of the procedure remains essential. That is why the surgeon's experience with this specific technique matters a great deal.

The surgeon first infiltrates the areas with a solution that limits bleeding. They perform deep fat reduction, often after ultrasound emulsification or with a vibrating cannula, then thin the superficial layer to define the contours of the waist, flanks and abdomen. Finally, with very fine cannulas, they emphasise the natural grooves: the midline of the abdomen, the edge of the obliques and the small of the back. In women, the definition generally remains soft, for a toned, natural look.

From behind, a slim waist is read through the curve running from the ribs to the hips and through the small of the back. Liposuction limited to the abdomen and flanks seen from the front sometimes leaves a roll on the lower back that softens this curve. In the combination, the surgeon generally also treats the lower back, and sometimes the area below the shoulder blades, so that the silhouette is consistent from every angle.

In women, high-definition liposuction aims for a flat, toned abdomen, with a slightly emphasised midline and soft lateral borders, rather than a marked six-pack. On the flanks, it hollows the waist in a continuous curve down to the hips. From behind, it defines the small of the back. The level of definition is discussed before the procedure; an overly sculpted result can look artificial and age less well.

High-definition liposuction often relies on technologies that make sculpting easier: ultrasound emulsification of the fat, a vibrating cannula and sometimes an energy that promotes skin tightening. Our page on VASER liposuction presents ultrasound emulsification, and the one on J-Plasma liposuction a skin-tightening technology. Their value depends on your tissues.

Some of the suctioned fat can be purified and reinjected, for example into the buttocks or hips, to accentuate the contrast with the waist. This transfer, if performed, lengthens the procedure and carries its own risks, particularly in the buttocks, where strict safety rules apply. It also complicates recovery, as you must avoid sitting on the injected areas. Many surgeons prefer to perform it at a separate stage.

A slimmer waist looks all the more defined when the hips and buttocks are shapely. Some patients therefore ask for the suctioned fat to be reinjected into the buttocks. This transfer follows strict safety rules, in particular injection only under the skin and never into the muscle, and requires avoiding sitting for several weeks. Added to rib remodelling and liposuction, it lengthens the procedure and greatly complicates recovery, as you must wear a corset, sleep on your back and avoid pressure on your buttocks all at once. Many surgeons prefer to perform it at a second stage.

When the plan is extensive — liposuction of many areas, fat transfer — or when health calls for caution, it may be preferable to separate the procedures: rib remodelling and liposuction of the flanks at a first stage, with additions a few months later. This strategy reduces the length of each procedure and the burden of recovery.

The small incisions are closed with a stitch or left open for the infiltration fluid to drain. Foam pads are placed on the sculpted areas, then the corset is put on and adjusted before waking, so that the ribs are immediately held in their new position. A chest X-ray is sometimes taken in the recovery room to check that there is no air around the lung.

The incisions are a few millimetres long and located in discreet areas, on the flanks, the back or near the navel. They are pinkish at first, then whiten over the months. Sun protection during the first year prevents them from turning brown. Gentle massage, once the skin has fully closed, softens them.

The small incisions are protected by dressings for the first few days. They may leak a pinkish fluid, which is the liposuction infiltration fluid. Keep them clean and dry, change the dressings as instructed, and watch for spreading redness or cloudy discharge. Once closed, they need only sun protection and gentle massage.

The dominant sensation is pain on the sides of the chest, comparable to bruised ribs, worsened by deep breathing, coughing and changes of position. The corset tightens around the lower chest. The liposuction areas ache. The team gives suitable pain relief and encourages you very early on to breathe deeply and get up with help.

During the stay, the team monitors breathing, oxygen saturation, pain, blood pressure, discharge from the incisions and tolerance of the corset. They help you get up, walk and do your breathing exercises. Discharge is decided when the pain is controlled with tablets, you are breathing properly and you can move about on your own.

The first month is dominated by rib pain, which gradually decreases, continuous corset wear, breathing exercises and walking. The waist still looks swollen under the corset. Check-ups are used to adjust the corset and check breathing. By the end of the month, most patients have returned to office work and a lighter daily routine, but trunk exertion and sport are still to be avoided.

Several moments mark recovery. Getting up for the first time, a few hours after the procedure, often dreaded, is an important step for breathing and circulation. Going home, then the first night at home, require organisation. The first check-up is reassuring, as it confirms that everything is progressing well. The end of continuous corset wear marks a turning point, with regained freedom of movement. Finally, returning to sport and the first fitted outfit are often experienced as the culmination of the journey. Keeping them in mind helps you through the harder weeks, by setting concrete, short-term goals rather than waiting for the final result.

Each of these stages may come a little earlier or later depending on the patient. There is no point comparing yourself: what matters is making steady progress, without rushing, by following the team's advice.

At the first check-up, often within the week, the surgeon checks the incisions, the absence of fluid collection, breathing, tolerance of the corset and its fit. They answer your questions about pain, sleep and returning to activities. They may request an X-ray if there is any doubt about the ribs or lungs.

Bruising is common on the flanks, back and abdomen, under the corset. It sometimes moves down towards the hips and changes colour before disappearing within two to three weeks. An area that stays red, hot and increasingly painful must, however, be shown to the team.

Noting each day the intensity of the pain, painkillers taken, breathing exercises done, how long the corset was worn, walks taken and any questions that arise helps you track your progress and prepare for check-ups. This diary is reassuring, showing progress from one week to the next even when it seems slow day to day. It also gives the surgeon a precise picture of your recovery so they can adapt their advice. A simple notebook or a note on your phone is enough; what matters is regularity, a few lines each evening for the first six weeks. Re-reading these notes a few months later also lets you see how far you have come since the procedure. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by this in hindsight.

You go home accompanied, preferably by car, with the seat slightly reclined and a cushion between the seat belt and your lower chest. Bumps and bends trigger rib pain; plan a calm journey and breaks if the distance is long, to walk for a few minutes and limit the risk of blood clots.

Even though pain encourages you to stay still, frequent walking from the day of the procedure is essential: it protects against blood clots, improves breathing and speeds up recovery. Short walks several times a day are better than one long outing. Taking painkillers regularly makes these walks possible.

Rib pain is the main particular feature of this recovery. It peaks in the first few days, increases when coughing, sneezing or laughing, and gradually decreases over two to four weeks. It can disturb sleep. The prescribed painkillers, taken regularly rather than as needed, generally keep it under control. Holding a cushion against your side when coughing helps. Pain that suddenly increases, with breathlessness, requires emergency medical attention.

Coughing, sneezing and laughing put sudden strain on the rib cage and are painful in the first few weeks. You should not hold back coughs, however, as coughing protects the lungs. Holding a cushion firmly against your side when you cough spreads the pressure and relieves pain. If you catch a cold, tell the team, who can suggest treatment to limit coughing.

Fatigue is common for two to three weeks, linked to the anaesthetic, pain, disturbed sleep and tissue repair. It is often more marked than after liposuction alone. Naps, a protein-rich diet, good hydration and a gradual return to activities help you through it. Intense fatigue with breathlessness must be reported.

The combination of rib pain, the corset, fatigue and a result still masked by swelling can affect your mood in the first few weeks. Knowing that this phase is temporary helps you get through it. Staying lightly active, walking every day, keeping in touch with those close to you and avoiding judging yourself in the mirror too early are good supports. Sadness that sets in deserves to be raised with your doctor.

The combination of pain lasting several weeks, a restrictive corset and a result that emerges slowly requires patience. It is useful to prepare mentally, plan calm activities, surround yourself with support and set milestones: first check-up, end of continuous corset wear, three-month check-up. Each stage passed brings you closer to the result.

Between the pain of the first few days, the corset, the swelling and the patience required, it is normal to go through moments of doubt. What helps most, according to many patients, is having received complete information before the procedure, knowing that each stage is normal and being able to reach the team easily. These are also the criteria by which good support can be recognised.

Several times a day, take slow, deep breaths, hold the air for a few seconds, then breathe out gently. If you have been given an incentive spirometer, use it as instructed. These exercises help keep your lungs well ventilated despite the pain and the corset. A persistent productive cough, fever or increasing breathlessness must be reported.

Once the ribs have healed and the corset has been set aside, breathing returns to normal in most patients. A feeling of stiffness or slight discomfort with very deep breaths or intense exertion may remain for a while. Breathing exercises, gentle swimming and endurance activity help restore full range.

The corset is worn day and night for several weeks, removed only for washing, as instructed. It is normal for it to be uncomfortable at first. Everyday movements adapt: sitting up straight, bending by flexing the knees rather than the trunk, avoiding clothes that go on over the head. A thin cotton undergarment worn underneath protects the skin from rubbing. The corset is gradually tightened or adapted at check-ups.

Bone needs several weeks to form a solid callus. During this period, the weakened ribs tend to return to their original orientation under the action of the muscles and breathing. The corset counters this return and holds the new curvature while the bone sets it. Wearing it for too short a time or irregularly can reduce the result. That is why following the protocol is one of the most important factors for success.

The corset should hold without suffocating. A good guide: you should be able to breathe deeply, even if it is a little uncomfortable, and feel no tingling or sharp localised pain. The team shows you the right tightness and adjusts it at check-ups. Do not tighten it yourself beyond what has been prescribed in the hope of a better result.

The length of each phase varies between teams and with bone healing. Never change the protocol without the surgeon's agreement.

Over the weeks, swelling decreases and the waist slims: the corset becomes too loose if it is not adjusted. Check-ups serve in particular to tighten it or change the size. A corset that is too loose no longer holds the ribs; one that is too tight restricts breathing and irritates the skin. If you feel tingling, significant breathing difficulty or new localised pain, contact the team.

The end of continuous wear is often experienced with relief. In the first few days without the corset, it is normal to feel a sense of fragility or slight discomfort in the ribs, which gradually disappears. The surgeon may advise wearing it during certain activities for a transition period. Resuming deep core work helps the trunk regain its natural support.

For several weeks, the corset is part of your outfit. Loose clothes that open at the front and trousers with a soft waistband are most practical. A thin cotton undergarment under the corset protects the skin. Fitted outfits must wait until continuous wear ends; this is often an eagerly awaited moment, as the new waist is then revealed.

Prolonged corset wear can irritate the skin, particularly at the edges and over bony prominences. Well-dried skin, a cotton undergarment, a protective cream on areas of friction and regular repositioning of the foam pads limit irritation. Persistent redness, a blister or a wound must be shown to the team, who will adapt the device.

In hot weather, the corset encourages sweating and irritation. It is useful to wear a thin, breathable undergarment beneath it, change it often, dry the skin carefully when washing and avoid very hot places. If irritation appears, report it to the team before it becomes a wound.

Manual lymphatic drainage can speed up the resolution of swelling in the liposuction areas. It is generally performed when the corset can be removed briefly, adapting the pressure around the treated ribs. The therapist must be informed of the rib remodelling to avoid any pressure on the ribs while they heal.

The first shower is generally allowed after a few days. The corset is removed while washing, preferably sitting down, as removing it can cause dizziness or weakness. Having someone present the first time is reassuring. The corset is put back on quickly, well adjusted, after drying the skin.

• Carrying loads, even moderate ones.
• Twisting the trunk or bending suddenly.
• Sleeping on your side or front.
• Removing the corset other than for washing.
• Doing sport or intense exertion.
• Smoking or vaping.

• Get out of bed by rolling onto your side, without sitting up suddenly.
• Pick things up by bending your knees, keeping your back straight.
• Avoid carrying a heavy bag on one side.
• Do not turn your upper body suddenly, for example to look behind you.
• Push rather than pull, and avoid overhead movements.
• Sit well supported, with the corset in place.

Carrying a child puts heavy strain on the trunk and ribs. For several weeks, it must be avoided and help organised for getting up, bath times and outings. You can cuddle the child while sitting, with them beside you. Explaining simply to older children why mum cannot carry them helps them understand.

In the first few weeks, you must sleep on your back with your upper body slightly raised, which makes breathing easier and limits pressure on the ribs. Lying down and getting up require a particular technique: sit on the edge of the bed, then lie down by sliding onto your side and rolling onto your back, without strongly contracting the abdominal muscles or twisting. Sleep is often disturbed in the first week.

The first few nights are often the hardest: the imposed position on your back, the corset, pain when moving in your sleep. Taking painkillers before bed, arranging several pillows to keep your upper body raised and keeping a glass of water within reach help. Sleep generally improves after the first or second week.

Sleeping with a corset requires a period of adjustment. For the first few nights, the feeling of tightness can make it hard to fall asleep. A pillow under the knees reduces tension on the back, and an extra pillow under the head and shoulders makes breathing easier. If the corset has stays or rigid reinforcements, check that they do not hurt the skin when lying down.

These timescales are longer than after liposuction alone, because of rib pain and the corset.

Driving is not advised while rib pain prevents you from turning your upper body, looking over your shoulder and braking suddenly without discomfort. The seat belt presses on the lower chest; a small cushion can improve comfort. Generally allow two to three weeks, sometimes longer.

Intimate life can resume when pain allows, avoiding positions that compress or twist the trunk, and bearing in mind that the ribs take several weeks to heal. The corset and pain often make the first few weeks unsuitable; there is no need to force yourself.

Wearing a corset day and night for several weeks is more bearable in cool weather. Autumn and winter are therefore often preferred, especially as loose clothes hide the corset and the result has time to emerge before summer. A procedure in spring means putting up with the corset in the heat and giving up the swimming pool for a few weeks.

For a self-employed woman, time off for a cosmetic procedure is generally not compensated. For a physical job or one involving twisting of the trunk, such as care work, handling goods or teaching sport, returning may take six to eight weeks or more. Scheduling the procedure during a quiet period is particularly important with this combination.

If your job allows, plan a gradual return, for example part-time or working from home for the first few weeks. Adapt your workstation to avoid bending or twisting, and plan breaks to walk. The corset is worn under loose clothes. Inform your employer of your absence early enough, without having to state the nature of the procedure.

Rib healing takes time. Returning too early to trunk exertion can cause lasting pain or compromise the result.

The return to sport follows bone healing. In the first few weeks, walking is the only recommended activity. At around a month, an exercise bike at low resistance is often possible, without leaning forward. At around two months, running and light strengthening of the legs and arms can resume, with the surgeon's agreement. Trunk exercises, core work then abdominals, are gradually reintroduced from two to three months. Contact, racket and twisting sports wait until healing is complete. A coach informed of the procedure helps pace things.

Once bone healing is complete, working the transversus muscle, the deep belt of the abdomen, holds in the abdomen and contributes to a slim waist. Core exercises, abdominal breathing and drawing in the navel, practised regularly, maintain this support. Conversely, heavy and repeated oblique work with loads can thicken the waist; it is best to moderate it.

Women who do strength training can resume full training after bone healing, generally from three months, with a gradual increase in loads. Exercises that strongly compress the chest, such as certain heavy lifts with a belt, or that involve loaded twisting, are resumed last. A coach informed of the procedure can adapt the programme to highlight the waist, favouring development of the shoulders and glutes, which accentuate the contrast.

A waist looks all the slimmer when the shoulders and hips framing it are defined. Muscle work on the shoulders and upper back, as well as the glutes, visually reinforces the effect of the combination. Conversely, general loss of muscle mass softens the contrast. Training after the procedure is therefore a natural extension of the result.

Bone repair requires protein, calcium and vitamin D, as well as good hydration. A varied diet, with dairy products or fortified alternatives, green vegetables and protein at every meal, generally covers these needs. Vitamin D supplementation can be continued if a deficiency was found. Alcohol and tobacco slow bone healing and should be avoided.

Good hydration helps eliminate the swelling from liposuction, limits the risk of blood clots and thins bronchial secretions, making coughing and breathing easier. It is advisable to drink regularly throughout the day, preferably water, limiting alcohol, which encourages fluid retention and interferes with painkillers.

Some medicines can influence bone healing. Some surgeons limit anti-inflammatories in the first few weeks. Long-term corticosteroids weaken bone. Tell the surgeon and anaesthetist about all your treatments, and they will adapt the prescriptions. Never change a long-term treatment without medical advice.

The combination adds together the risks of high-definition liposuction and the specific risks of the bone procedure. Most side effects are temporary, but some, specific to rib remodelling, deserve particular attention, especially as experience with this technique is still limited.

Pneumothorax is the entry of air between the lung and the chest wall, which can impair breathing. In rib remodelling, it could occur if the instrument went through the rib and reached the pleura. The techniques used aim to avoid this, and it seems rare in published series, but it is one of the specific risks to be aware of. It shows as breathlessness, sudden chest pain or a feeling of tightness. A small pneumothorax may resolve on its own under monitoring; a larger one requires a chest drain. Any unusual breathlessness after the procedure requires emergency medical attention.

The procedure aims for partial weakening, but a rib can fracture completely, during the procedure or in the following weeks, for example during exertion or a violent cough. The pain is then sharper and healing takes longer. In rare cases, the rib does not heal properly, which can lead to persistent pain or abnormal mobility. Wearing the corset as instructed, stopping smoking, sufficient calcium and vitamin D and limiting exertion are the best prevention.

After weakening or a fracture, bone repairs itself in several stages: a clot forms, then a soft repair tissue, the callus, which gradually calcifies, then the bone remodels over several months.

These timescales vary with age, bone quality, smoking and following instructions.

A nerve runs beneath each rib, providing sensation to the skin of the chest and abdomen. If it is irritated or injured, the result may be a numb area, tingling or band-like pain along the rib, sometimes called intercostal neuralgia. Most of these problems ease within a few weeks to a few months. Persistent nerve pain may require specific treatment.

In most patients, rib pain fades within a few weeks. In a few, pain persists longer, linked to slow bone healing, nerve irritation or an unnoticed complete fracture. Pain lasting beyond two to three months deserves assessment, often with imaging, and appropriate management: specific painkillers, physiotherapy and sometimes an injection. It is important to talk about it rather than endure it in silence.

Slight waist asymmetry exists in most people. After the procedure, a difference may appear or persist between the two sides, linked to the different response of the ribs, uneven healing or the liposuction. It is often difficult to judge before several months. A liposuction touch-up can even out the contours; repeating the rib procedure is rarely considered.

High-definition liposuction, because it deliberately deepens certain areas, is more prone to irregularities than conventional liposuction: overly marked grooves, an artificial look, steps between areas. In women, where soft definition is sought, excessive sculpting is particularly visible. These defects often fade as swelling resolves; those that persist after six to twelve months are corrected by additional liposuction or fat reinjection.

A collection of clear fluid (seroma) or blood (haematoma) can form under the skin in areas of extensive liposuction, particularly the flanks and lower back. A soft swelling that ripples under pressure suggests a seroma, treated by aspiration. A rapid, painful swelling suggests a haematoma, which may require drainage. Continuous wear of the corset and compression garment reduces their frequency.

The length of the procedure, the extent of the liposuction and reduced mobility afterwards due to rib pain increase the risk of blood clots. Prevention combines compression stockings, leg compression in theatre, getting up and walking as soon as possible, good hydration and, depending on the level of risk, anticoagulant injections. A painful or swollen calf, breathlessness or chest pain require calling 144.

Infection of an incision or liposuction area is rare. It shows as spreading redness, warmth, increasing pain, cloudy discharge or fever. Infection near a weakened rib is exceptional but serious. Any fever after the procedure must be reported.

• New or increasing breathlessness, sudden chest pain.
• Fever above 38.5 degrees, cough with phlegm.
• Rib pain that suddenly increases, a crack felt during exertion.
• Spreading redness or cloudy discharge at an incision.
• A painful or swollen calf.
• Rapid swelling of a liposuction area.

Keep the emergency number given to you by the team within reach.

Under a corset, you may feel hot and sweat, especially at night. This does not mean you have a fever. If in doubt, take your temperature. A fever above 38.5 degrees, especially with a cough, breathlessness or new pain, should prompt a call to the team.

Throughout recovery, do not hesitate to contact the team with a question, new pain or discomfort with the corset. For breathlessness or chest pain, however, do not wait: call immediately. A photograph of skin irritation or an incision, if the team offers this, often allows a quick response.

A touch-up can be considered after six to twelve months, once the swelling has resolved and the ribs have healed: minor additional liposuction to even out a contour, or fat reinjection into an overly marked hollow. The surgeon's touch-up policy should be known from the quote.

A touch-up is not discussed before six months, and often a year, to allow the swelling to disappear, the skin to retract and the ribs to heal. It most often concerns the liposuction: evening out a flank, softening a groove, filling a hollow with fat. Repeating the rib procedure is exceptional.

When the indication is right, the combination gives a more defined waist, a flat, toned abdomen, slimmer flanks and a shapelier silhouette, from the front and from behind. Rib remodelling narrows the upper part of the waist, below the bust, which liposuction alone cannot achieve. The result remains proportionate: it does not transform a build, it accentuates its curves.

Several observations come up. Rib pain is often more marked than expected in the first few weeks, especially at night and when coughing. The corset becomes a habit, then removing it is a relief. The waist is revealed gradually, and the gain, measured in centimetres, looks clearer in fitted clothes than on the scales. Many stress the importance of having had realistic expectations from the outset.

Two women with the same waist at the start can achieve different results, depending on the shape of their ribs, the quality of their bone and skin, their healing and how well they follow instructions. It is therefore useful to look at other patients' results with caution, as illustrations rather than promises. Your surgeon is best placed to estimate what you can hope for.

Talking to women who have had the same procedure can be reassuring and provide practical tips. You should, however, keep a critical eye: every situation is different, and forums and social media mix sincere testimonials, isolated experiences and promotional content. Medical questions should always be put to your surgeon.

A more defined waist changes how clothes fit: fitted dresses, high-waisted trousers, belts. It is often in clothes that the result is most noticeable. It is advisable to wait until the silhouette has stabilised, at around six months, before renewing your wardrobe.

In swimwear, the slimmer waist shows mainly from the front and at three-quarters, as well as in the curve of the flanks seen from behind. The small incisions are generally discreet. You must wait for complete healing and the end of continuous corset wear before swimming, and protect the scars from the sun during the first year.

The moment when you can finally wear a fitted dress or top, after weeks of corset and loose clothes, is often memorable. It is also when the result becomes visible to those around you. Some patients receive compliments without anyone guessing about the procedure; others prefer to talk about it. It is a personal choice.

The result of the combination is measured first by waist circumference, taken at the same levels as before the procedure, without the corset and at the same time of day. Measurements taken just after removing the corset often overestimate the gain, as the tissues remain compressed for a few hours. It is fairer to compare at three, six and twelve months. Standardised photographs from the front, in profile and from behind complement these figures.

Taking regular photographs, in the same light and posture and without the corset, helps you follow the gradual reveal of the waist. In the first few weeks, swelling often masks the result; comparing the third month with the day before the procedure is more telling than looking at yourself every day.

The photographs taken by the surgeon at check-ups follow a precise protocol: same lighting, same distance, same posture, without the corset. They allow before and after to be compared objectively. If you would like a copy of your photographs, ask for it: they belong to you too, and may be useful if you consult another doctor later.

Several phenomena overlap during the first few months: liposuction swelling, which temporarily thickens the tissues, rib healing, gradual skin retraction and adaptation of the muscles. Each follows its own rhythm. That is why the result is really judged at six months, and sometimes only at a year.

At around three months, most patients have resumed all their activities, including sport, gradually. The ribs have healed, the corset has been set aside, swelling has largely decreased and the waist is taking shape. There remain a few months of refinement, while the skin fully retracts and the last effects of the liposuction emerge.

One year after the procedure, the surgeon compares measurements and photographs, checks rib healing and the appearance of the liposuction areas. This is the time to judge the final result and discuss a possible touch-up. Keep your measurements and photographs: they are valuable for appreciating how far you have come.

At the end of follow-up, it is useful to take stock: does the result match what was announced? Was recovery consistent with the explanations received? What advice would you give another patient? This feedback, shared with the surgeon, helps them improve their information and practice, and helps you close this chapter.

The fat cells suctioned do not come back, and the healed ribs should in principle keep their new orientation. However, experience with rib remodelling remains limited, and it is not yet known precisely how the result evolves over many years, notably after a pregnancy or with ageing. A stable weight and regular physical activity remain the best ways to preserve the silhouette achieved.

A stable weight, regular physical activity favouring deep core work and endurance, a balanced diet and not smoking are the best ways to preserve the result. Excessive heavy oblique work can thicken the waist; it is best to discuss this with a coach informed of the procedure.

Rib remodelling does not protect against weight gain. If fat accumulates again on the flanks and abdomen, the waist thickens, even if the lower rib cage remains narrower. Conversely, a stable weight and regular activity preserve the contrast achieved. As liposuction has reduced the number of fat cells in the treated areas, moderate weight gain is often distributed elsewhere, but significant gain eventually affects the waist too.

Check-ups generally continue up to one year. Some surgeons carry out follow-up imaging to check rib healing. Beyond that, it is useful to mention the procedure to any doctor examining your chest or carrying out imaging, as remodelled ribs may have a particular appearance on X-ray or CT. Keep the operative report.

After remodelling, the ribs may show bone callus or old fractures on X-ray or CT. A radiologist who has not been informed might wonder about this. Mention the procedure during any chest examination, and keep the operative report so that you can present it if necessary.

If another procedure on the chest or abdomen should be needed later, for example digestive surgery, it is important to inform the team of the previous rib remodelling. Remodelled ribs do not in principle rule out such procedures, but knowing about them helps the surgeon and anaesthetist adapt their care.

During pregnancy, the rib cage naturally widens to make room for the uterus and ease breathing. There are not yet solid data on how remodelled ribs respond to pregnancy, nor on the effect of a pregnancy on the result achieved. As a precaution, it is advisable to have the procedure when you no longer plan to have children, or at least to discuss it in detail with the surgeon. The liposuction, for its part, may be partly undone by pregnancy weight gain.

If a pregnancy occurs after the procedure, it should be reported to the team following the pregnancy. As data on how remodelled ribs evolve during pregnancy are limited, careful monitoring is sensible. After childbirth, wait several months for the body to return to a stable state before judging the effect of the pregnancy on the silhouette and, if necessary, considering a liposuction touch-up.

With age, the skin loses elasticity, muscle mass decreases if not maintained and fat tends to redistribute towards the abdomen, especially after menopause. The silhouette achieved therefore evolves, like any silhouette. Regular physical activity, particularly strength training, and a stable weight limit these effects. The long-term evolution of remodelled ribs remains to be documented.

Many patients seek a silhouette they see on social media, often retouched or photographed from flattering angles. It is useful to ask yourself whether the request comes from you, and whether it concerns real discomfort or constant comparison. Overwhelming preoccupation with the waist or silhouette, with dissatisfaction that persists despite efforts, deserves to be discussed, sometimes with a mental health professional, before any procedure.

In the public mind, a slim waist is often associated with health. In reality, it is mainly fat inside the abdomen, not the shape of the ribs, that is linked to cardiovascular and metabolic risk. Reducing this fat through a healthier lifestyle improves health; modifying the ribs or suctioning fat under the skin is a cosmetic procedure with no proven health benefit. It is useful to keep this distinction in mind.

The gain sometimes seems modest compared with the recovery experienced. This disappointment is all the more common when expectations were high. Before drawing conclusions, wait until bone healing is complete and the swelling has fully resolved, then compare the measurements objectively. If the result remains insufficient, a liposuction touch-up can sometimes improve the contours. Talking frankly with the surgeon is the first step.

In many cases, high-definition liposuction alone is enough. Rib remodelling is only justified when flaring of the ribs is clearly the cause.

In most women who want a slimmer waist, the width comes from fat on the flanks and abdomen, not the ribs. High-definition liposuction, possibly combined with liposuction of the back, then gives a clear result, with a simpler recovery and without the specific risks of the bone procedure. The surgeon should tell you clearly whether this applies to you. Our page on Full HD liposuction describes this option.

Some teams have long performed partial resection of the eleventh and twelfth ribs through an incision in the back. This surgery removes bone and can give a more marked effect, but it is more invasive, with a scar on the back, greater lung and nerve risks and a longer recovery. It remains rarely performed in Switzerland. Remodelling by controlled weakening was developed partly to offer a less invasive alternative.

Tight corsets worn for long periods, sometimes presented as a way of slimming the waist, temporarily compress the tissues and lower ribs, but their lasting effect has not been demonstrated. Excessive wear can impair breathing and digestion and weaken the trunk muscles. They should not be confused with the medical corset prescribed after rib remodelling, worn for a limited period and for a specific purpose.

In a very slim woman with no fat to remove, rib remodelling can be performed alone. Our page on RibXcar rib remodelling presents this option in detail. In practice, most patients have at least a small excess on the flanks or abdomen, which makes the combination more logical.

To compare without amounts, we relate each option to a base of 100: rib remodelling combined with high-definition liposuction of the abdomen, flanks and back, performed in Geneva.

Details are on our page on RibXcar with Full 4 HD liposuction prices.

The number of liposuction areas, the technology used, the length of the procedure, any fat transfer, the length of stay, prior imaging, the corset and its adjustments, the check-ups included and the clinic all influence the amount. The rarity of the rib technique and the specific training it requires also explain sometimes high prices. Comparing two quotes only makes sense for identical services.

A complete quote specifies the surgeon's and anaesthetist's fees, theatre and stay costs, the number of ribs treated, the liposuction areas, the technology used, imaging, the corset and compression garments, follow-up consultations and the policy in the event of a touch-up or complication. Do not hesitate to ask for an explanation of each line.

The quote is sometimes supplemented by prior imaging, spare corsets or corsets in a different size, physiotherapy and drainage sessions, medicines, accommodation if the clinic is far away, and loss of income for self-employed women. Adding these up gives a realistic view of the financial commitment.

Beyond the price, the combination has a cost in time that must be factored in: consultations, imaging, preparation, the stay, several weeks of recovery, regular check-ups to adjust the corset and a gradual return to sport. For a patient who has to travel far from home, this time is even greater. Assessing it honestly helps you choose the right moment.

Rib remodelling and cosmetic liposuction are not covered by compulsory health insurance. Complications of a cosmetic procedure can raise coverage questions; it is prudent to check with your insurer and ask the surgeon whether they offer insurance covering complications.

Some clinics offer staggered payment. Before committing, calculate the total cost of credit and make sure the monthly payments remain affordable, taking into account a longer time off work than after liposuction alone.

Rib remodelling is still performed by a limited number of surgeons in Switzerland, whereas high-definition liposuction is more widespread. Provision for the combination is therefore concentrated in a few major cities. The table shows, for eighteen cities, the availability of the combination and the price level compared with Geneva.

These trends are changing quickly as the technique spreads. For such a specific procedure, the surgeon's experience with the rib procedure far outweighs proximity or price.

For most patients, the combination means consulting at one of the few centres that perform it, then organising part of the follow-up near home.

The combination is mainly offered on the Lake Geneva arc, in Geneva and Lausanne, where most surgeons in French-speaking Switzerland trained in rib remodelling practise. Patients from Valais, Neuchâtel, Fribourg and the Jura generally go there, or to Bern and Basel in the north. High-definition liposuction alone, on the other hand, is available in all the major French-speaking cities.

Zurich has most of the German-speaking provision for rib remodelling, with a few practitioners in Basel, Bern and Zug. Patients from Central and eastern Switzerland and the smaller cantons most often consult in Zurich. High-definition liposuction is widely available throughout the region.

In Ticino, a few surgeons in Lugano offer rib remodelling or refer to colleagues. Consultations there are in Italian, often with the possibility of speaking French or German. In Graubünden, provision is limited and patients turn to Zurich or Lugano.

Choosing a distant surgeon is almost inevitable for many patients. You then need to plan a stay of one to two nights at the clinic, sometimes a few more nights nearby, an accompanied journey home — by car rather than public transport if rib pain is significant — and local back-up: your GP for general follow-up and a physiotherapist for breathing and the return to activity. Corset adjustments often require visits to the surgeon; plan for their frequency.

Long journeys sitting down are not advised in the first few weeks, because of the risk of blood clots and the discomfort linked to the ribs. If travel is essential, plan regular breaks to walk, wear compression stockings if they have been prescribed and drink enough. Talk to the surgeon before leaving, particularly if you live far from the clinic.

Corset adjustments often require several visits in the first few weeks. If you live far from the clinic, ask in advance how many visits are planned and whether some adjustments can be made by a professional near you, under the surgeon's supervision. This arrangement avoids repeated journeys during the period when travelling is uncomfortable.

Your GP can handle part of the follow-up, especially if the clinic is far away: monitoring pain, breathing and any anticoagulation. They are the contact for a vitamin D test or bone assessment. Sending them the operative report makes their role easier.

Instructions on the corset, breathing and warning signs must be fully understood. In Geneva and Lausanne, everything is in French. In Zurich, Basel and Bern, many surgeons also consult in French or English. Ask for written documents — consent form and discharge instructions — in a language you master.

For a recent technique, a second opinion is strongly recommended. Ideally, it should be from a plastic surgeon who does not perform rib remodelling themselves, which allows checking, without a conflict of interest, whether liposuction alone would be enough. If both opinions point to the combination, the decision rests on firmer ground.

A surgeon who performs rib remodelling is naturally inclined to see its value. A colleague who does not perform it will bring a different perspective, particularly on whether liposuction alone would be enough. If the two opinions agree, the decision is calmer; if they differ, ask each to explain their arguments, based on your examination and imaging.

Even more than for other procedures, the choice of surgeon is decisive. They must be a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, master high-definition liposuction and have been specifically trained in rib remodelling. Ask how many remodelling procedures they have performed, since when, with what results and what complications. Ask to see photographs of patients more than six months on and, if possible, waist measurements before and after. A surgeon who advises against the rib procedure because liposuction would suffice shows seriousness.

The combination involves a surgeon, an anaesthetist, the theatre team and the ward team, then often a physiotherapist and, depending on the case, a drainage therapist. For the corset, an orthotist or a trained person may help with adjustments. Ask who your contact is after discharge and how to reach the team at any time.

For a recent technique, the surgeon's transparency is an essential selection criterion. They should be able to tell you how many patients they have operated on, what complications they have encountered, what results they have measured and what the limits of the technique are. They must also accept that you seek a second opinion. Be wary of discourse that mentions no limits or risks.

The specialist title in plastic surgery can be checked online in the register of medical professions. There is no specific title for rib remodelling; training takes place with teams that perform the technique. Ask the surgeon where and how they trained, and whether they continue to exchange with other practitioners of the technique. The procedure must take place in a facility equipped to manage a chest complication.

A suitable facility has an anaesthesia team, high-quality post-operative monitoring, the ability to perform a chest X-ray and to manage a possible pneumothorax quickly, either on site or through an organised transfer. The possibility of staying one or two nights on site is important for this combination.

The combination is performed in private clinics and some hospital departments with suitable equipment, an anaesthesia team used to long procedures and inpatient facilities. Before choosing, find out about the care planned in the event of a chest complication, medical presence at night and how corset adjustments are organised.

• Why do you think rib remodelling is useful in my case, rather than liposuction alone?
• How many rib remodelling procedures have you performed, and since when?
• What gain in waist circumference can I reasonably expect?
• How many ribs will you treat on each side?
• What complications have you encountered, and how did you manage them?
• How long will I need to wear the corset, and how will it be adjusted?
• What happens if a pneumothorax occurs?
• What follow-up do you offer, and what is your touch-up policy?

• Choosing rib remodelling when fat is the main cause of waist width.
• Relying solely on social media photographs.
• Underestimating the pain and the constraint of the corset.
• Neglecting breathing exercises.
• Returning too early to sport or trunk exertion.
• Continuing to smoke.
• Choosing a practitioner solely on price or availability.

The athletic woman with a straight waist

A twenty-nine-year-old woman who does fitness has low body fat but a poorly defined waist. Examination and CT scan show flared lower ribs. The combination is discussed: remodelling of the lower ribs and high-definition liposuction of the flanks and abdomen, with soft definition. The expected gain is a few centimetres, which she accepts.

A waist widened by fat

A thirty-six-year-old woman wants rib remodelling after seeing photographs online. Examination shows mainly excess on the flanks and abdomen, with ribs that are not very flared. The surgeon proposes high-definition liposuction alone, which is simpler and sufficient in her case.

The patient who smokes

A thirty-two-year-old woman wants the combination but smokes daily. The surgeon explains that smoking compromises bone healing and wound healing, and asks her to stop completely several weeks beforehand. The procedure is scheduled three months later, after confirmed cessation.

The patient planning a pregnancy

A twenty-seven-year-old woman is considering a pregnancy within two years. The surgeon explains the lack of data on how remodelled ribs evolve during pregnancy and advises her to postpone the rib procedure. Liposuction alone is discussed if she wants an improvement sooner.

• An examination and imaging have confirmed flaring of the lower ribs.
• The surgeon has explained why liposuction alone would not be enough.
• I understand that the technique is recent and that experience is limited.
• I have obtained a second opinion.
• My weight is stable and I am not planning a pregnancy soon.
• I do not smoke, or I stopped several weeks ago.
• I have arranged sufficient time off work and help at home.
• I am prepared to wear a corset for several weeks.
• I have a detailed quote and know the touch-up policy.

Combining RibXcar-type rib remodelling with high-definition liposuction aims to slim the waist by acting on both the flaring of the lower ribs and the fat of the trunk. It is for slim women whose waist remains poorly defined because of their bone anatomy, after confirmation by examination and imaging. The gain from the ribs is a few centimetres.

Recovery is more demanding than after liposuction alone, with several weeks of rib pain, a corset worn day and night and a delayed return to sport. The specific risks, such as pneumothorax or failure of bone healing, are rare but real, and the technique is recent, with limited experience. Choosing a trained, experienced surgeon, a second opinion and measured expectations are essential.

Taking your time, getting information from reliable sources, meeting several surgeons and asking all your questions are the best guarantees of an informed choice. A successful procedure is first and foremost one that is well indicated, well prepared and well followed up.

If your waist seems poorly defined despite your efforts, a consultation will determine whether the cause is fat, bone or both, and therefore whether liposuction is enough or rib remodelling could add something. Take time to find out and compare. Medespoir Suisse can put you in touch, free of charge and without obligation, with a plastic surgeon who masters these techniques.

Budget

Price differences between cities and cantons, the quote breakdown and ways to save are detailed on our page RibXcar and 4 HD liposuction: prices in Switzerland.

Related procedures

• Pectoral implants and Full HD liposuction in Switzerland
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• Breast augmentation and liposuction in Switzerland
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• Breast fat transfer and liposuction in Switzerland

The procedures that make up this combination

• Liposuction in Switzerland
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Our guides

• Combined procedures in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Ribs, corset, pain, real gain and uncertainties: what patients most often ask before combining rib remodelling with high-definition liposuction.

The technique

What is RibXcar? A recent technique for remodelling the lower ribs, which weakens them in a controlled way using ultrasound, through small incisions, so that they can be angled inwards without being removed.

Are ribs removed? No. Unlike rib resection, the ribs stay in place; only their curvature is changed.

Which ribs are treated? Generally the tenth, eleventh and twelfth ribs, which shape the top of the waist.

Why combine it with liposuction? Because the width of the waist depends on both the ribs and the fat. The two procedures complement each other.

What does Full 4 HD liposuction add? It removes fat selectively and defines the relief of the abdomen, flanks and back.

How many centimetres can be gained? Rib remodelling generally brings a few centimetres; liposuction adds a variable gain depending on the excess.

How long has the technique existed? It is recent, and published data remain limited, especially for long-term follow-up.

Does ultrasound damage the surrounding tissues? The instruments used act mainly on hard bone, but the precision of the procedure remains essential to protect neighbouring structures.

Who is it for?

Who can benefit? A slim woman, or one close to her healthy weight, whose waist remains straight because of flared lower ribs, who is in good health and does not smoke.

How do I know whether my ribs are the cause? Through clinical examination and imaging, often a low-dose CT scan, which shows the orientation of the ribs.

And if my waist is wide because of fat? Liposuction alone is generally enough, without any procedure on the ribs.

Is there an age limit? Growth must be complete and bone quality good. After menopause, bone quality must be checked.

Is osteoporosis a contraindication? Yes, bone fragility compromises healing and increases the risk of a complete fracture.

Can men benefit? Demand comes mainly from women, but the principle is the same. The surgeon assesses each situation.

Can it be done if I am considering a pregnancy? It is preferable to wait, as little is known about how remodelled ribs evolve during pregnancy.

Preparation

What tests are needed? A blood test, often a vitamin D level, chest imaging and sometimes an electrocardiogram.

Must I stop smoking? Yes, at least a month beforehand and until the bone has healed, as nicotine slows bone repair.

Do I need to prepare physically? Good physical condition and learning breathing exercises make recovery easier.

When should I buy the corset? Before the procedure, to the measurements given by the surgeon, who then adjusts it.

Should I take vitamin D? In the event of deficiency, supplementation is often advised before the procedure.

The procedure

What anaesthesia? General anaesthesia, supplemented by local pain relief around the ribs.

How long does the combination take? Generally three to five hours.

How many nights at the clinic? Usually one to two nights.

Are the incisions visible? They are a few millimetres long and placed in discreet areas, often shared with the liposuction.

Are the lungs checked afterwards? A chest X-ray is sometimes performed to check that there is no pneumothorax.

Can the fat be reinjected into the buttocks? It is possible, but it lengthens the procedure and complicates recovery. Many surgeons do it at a separate stage.

Recovery

Is the pain severe? Rib pain is the main constraint, especially in the first few days and when coughing. It decreases over two to four weeks.

How long must the corset be worn? Day and night for several weeks, then part of the day, according to the surgeon's protocol.

Can I breathe normally with the corset? Breathing is somewhat limited at first. Deep-breathing exercises several times a day are essential.

When can I return to work? Two to three weeks for office work, longer for physical work.

How should I sleep? On your back, with your upper body slightly raised, for the first few weeks.

When can I drive? When rib pain allows you to turn your upper body and brake without discomfort, often after two to three weeks.

Can the corset be removed for showering? Yes, while washing, preferably sitting and accompanied the first time.

Does the corset irritate the skin? It can rub. A cotton undergarment and a protective cream limit irritation.

Is a physiotherapist needed? They are useful for breathing at first, then for the gradual return to trunk exertion.

Why does coughing hurt so much? Because it suddenly strains the ribs. Holding a cushion against your side when coughing helps.

Sport

When can I resume sport? Walking immediately, light cycling at around three to four weeks, running at around eight weeks, abdominal exercises after two to three months.

Are sports involving twisting possible? After complete bone healing, often three months or more, and with the surgeon's agreement.

Can I carry loads? Not in the first few weeks. The return is gradual.

Is oblique strength training advisable? It can thicken the waist muscles. The programme should be discussed with the surgeon or a coach.

Risks

What is the most feared risk? Pneumothorax, which is rare and shows as breathlessness or sudden chest pain.

Can a rib break completely? It is possible, during the procedure or after exertion. Healing then takes longer.

Can the ribs fail to heal? It is rare, but encouraged by smoking, fragile bone or insufficient corset wear.

Can there be nerve pain? Irritation of an intercostal nerve can cause pain or numbness along the rib, usually temporary.

Can the waist be asymmetrical? Slight asymmetry is possible. It is judged after several months and can sometimes be evened out.

Does high-definition liposuction carry risks? Yes, notably irregularities or overly marked grooves, which can be corrected by a touch-up.

Is the risk of blood clots higher? The length of the procedure and mobility reduced by pain increase it. Prevention is put in place.

Results

When is the result visible? The waist takes shape at around two to three months; the result stabilises between six months and a year.

Is the result permanent? The suctioned fat does not come back and the healed ribs should in principle keep their orientation, but long-term follow-up is limited.

Can a pregnancy change the result? It is possible, and the data are still insufficient. It is preferable not to be planning further pregnancies.

Does the result look natural? With soft definition and a measured gain, yes. Excessive sculpting can look artificial.

Does the waist continue to slim after the corset is removed? Swelling continues to subside for several months, which further refines the contours.

Prices and insurance

Does insurance reimburse it? No, it is a cosmetic procedure.

Why is the price high? The rib technique is rare, requires specific training and lengthens the procedure.

Where is the combination cheapest? Depending on the canton, prices can be up to fourteen per cent lower than in Geneva, but provision is limited.

What should the quote contain? Fees, anaesthesia, theatre, stay, ribs treated, liposuction areas, imaging, the corset, follow-up and the touch-up policy.

Is the corset included? It depends on the facility. Check the quote.

Can I pay in instalments? Some clinics offer this. Calculate the total cost before signing.

Choosing

How many surgeons perform RibXcar in Switzerland? A limited number, mainly in Geneva, Lausanne and Zurich.

How can I check the surgeon's experience? Ask how many rib remodelling procedures they have performed, where they trained, and look at results more than six months on.

Is a second opinion needed? Yes, ideally from a surgeon who does not perform rib remodelling, to check that liposuction alone would not be enough.

Can I consult in French in Zurich? Many surgeons in Zurich consult in French or English.

Are photographs online reliable? Not always: flattering angles, corset just removed, lighting. Ask for standardised photos and measurements.

Practical questions

Do I need to be accompanied? Yes, for the journey home, and help at home is invaluable in the first few days.

Which season should I choose? The corset is easier to bear in cool weather; autumn and winter are often preferred.

Does the corset show under clothes? Under loose clothes, very little. Fitted outfits must wait until continuous wear ends.

Does my employer need to know the nature of the procedure? No, a certificate of incapacity for work is enough.

What should I do if I become breathless at home? Call the team or 144 immediately.

Can Medespoir Suisse help me? Yes, by putting you in touch, free of charge, with a surgeon who masters these techniques.

Particular situations

Can a single rib be treated? The number of ribs treated depends on the anatomy. Most often, several lower ribs are treated on each side for a harmonious effect.

Is the procedure symmetrical? The surgeon adapts the treatment to each side, as the ribs are rarely perfectly symmetrical.

Does scoliosis prevent the procedure? It must be mentioned and assessed, as it changes the orientation of the ribs and can limit the effect or make it harder to predict.

Can an abdominoplasty be combined? This is rarely done at the same time, as the procedure would become long and recovery very heavy.

Can a breast augmentation be combined? It is possible in theory, but recovery would combine the constraints of the corset and the breasts. A second stage is often preferable.

What happens if the ribs are knocked during recovery? You should consult, as a knock can cause a complete fracture or increased pain.

Is asthma a problem? Well-controlled asthma is not necessarily a contraindication, but respiratory function must be assessed by the anaesthetist.

Do periods or contraception change anything? The combined pill increases the risk of blood clots and must be mentioned. Periods pose no particular problem.

Can the procedure be repeated later? Repeat rib remodelling is rarely considered. Touch-ups mainly concern the liposuction.

Are the scars on the back visible? The incisions are very small and become discreet over time.

Do waist measurements decrease straight away? The corset gives an immediate impression, but the real result is judged after swelling has subsided and the bone has healed.

Can I wear a fashion corset afterwards? After bone healing and with the surgeon's agreement, occasional wear is possible; prolonged, tight wear is not advised.

Does weight gain erase the result? It can thicken the waist again with fat, even though the orientation of the ribs remains changed.

Is a scan enough to decide? It helps, but the decision also rests on the examination, fat distribution and your expectations.

Can the procedure affect breathing in the long term? Published series do not report lasting breathing problems, but follow-up remains limited.

Do I need help at home? Yes, in the first few days, as bending, carrying and turning are difficult.

Can I take anti-inflammatories? Some doctors advise against them in the first few weeks, as they could slow bone healing. Follow your prescription.

What if the pain persists after two months? Talk to the surgeon, who may request imaging to check bone healing.

Does rib remodelling change posture? It does not change the spine. A slight change in how the trunk feels is possible at first.

Will I be able to do yoga? After bone healing, gradually, avoiding twists and postures that compress the flanks at first.

Is the corset reimbursed? No; as part of a cosmetic procedure, it is paid by the patient or included in the quote.

What happens at the first check-up? The surgeon checks the incisions, breathing, corset tolerance and the absence of fluid collection, then adjusts the corset.

How many check-ups should I expect? Several during the first few months, notably to adjust the corset, then at six months and one year.

Is the technique recognised? It is a recent technique performed by trained surgeons; its scientific evaluation is ongoing.

Can I have surgery in summer? It is possible, but wearing the corset day and night is harder in the heat.

What is the difference from rib resection? Resection removes bone through an incision in the back; remodelling changes the curvature without removing bone, through small incisions.

Should I stop the pill? This is discussed with the doctor depending on the length of the procedure and your risk factors.

Can I cough normally afterwards? Coughing is painful in the first few weeks. You should not avoid it: holding a cushion against your side helps.

Is the result visible in swimwear? Once the swelling has subsided, the more defined waist shows in swimwear, especially from the front and at three-quarters.

Is the gain in the waist measurable? Yes, by waist circumference. Note your measurements before the procedure for comparison.

What if I am disappointed with the result? Wait six months to a year, then talk to the surgeon. A liposuction touch-up can sometimes improve the contours.

Tell us your weight, your measurements if you know them, what bothers you about your silhouette and the region where you would like to consult. We will help you find a surgeon able to determine whether liposuction is enough or rib remodelling is justified, free of charge and without obligation.