The pursuit of a slender "Ozempic body" among celebrities is reviving extreme beauty procedures, according to the NY Post on 4/12. Instead of just liposuction or dieting, many are turning to methods that deeply invade the rib cage's bone structure. A recent surge has been seen in rib remodeling, also known as RibXcar, a modern variation of rib resection surgery from the 1970s. This method began to boom in the US last year and became a sensation at cosmetic clinics last summer.

Enna Schell showcases her waist before and after surgery. *Photo: Enna Schell*

Dr. Ramsen Azizi, a cosmetic surgeon in Chicago, reported that his clinic has been overwhelmed with booking calls since launching this service, priced at 7,500 USD. He noted interest from women aged 20 to 60. Many clients, especially those over 45, must undergo a DEXA bone density scan before the doctor agrees to the intervention. Some even bring artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images, requesting doctors to precisely replicate these unrealistic figures.

The RibXcar technique, pioneered by Dr. Raul Manzaneda Cipriani, does not involve full bone removal. Instead, it uses an ultrasound-guided device to create small fissures on the rib surface through pin-sized incisions. The doctor then reshapes and bends the ribs inward to narrow the waist. Thomas Sterry, a surgeon in New York, likens this method to "Invisalign for the waist". However, to achieve a waist reduction of about 10 cm, patients must wear a corset 23 hours a day for three consecutive months, acting as a cast to maintain the new bone structure.

Despite being advertised as "minimally invasive", the cost of achieving an "ant waist" is substantial. Emily James, 28, from Missouri, spent 13,750 USD to remove six ribs, hoping to reduce her waist from 81 cm to 69 cm. In return, she experienced delayed regret and persistent pain throughout seven months of recovery. The loss of protective bone structure puts James's liver and kidneys at high risk of injury from impacts. She described coughing as feeling "like being killed" and advises against the procedure.

In contrast to James's regret, many women enthusiastically embrace body modification. Shiqi Ma, a 27-year-old accountant in New York, was willing to spend 10,000 USD on RibXcar for a flat stomach on her wedding day. She was satisfied with her waist reduction from 71 cm to 64 cm, which made her feel more confident and feminine.

Similarly, Stevi Dee, 38, from Florida, viewed spending an additional 5,500 USD for rib reshaping alongside a buttock augmentation as simply "ordering extra fries at a restaurant". Dee believes this completes her post-pregnancy body, helping her regain balance, despite having previously had buttock augmentation and experiencing a flared rib cage due to stress.

James keeps her ribs after waist reduction surgery. *Photo: Emily James*

While cosmetic surgeons promote these as "low risk, high reward" procedures, psychological experts express deep concern. Therapist Lesley Koeppel in New York warns that this trend promotes the false belief that human worth lies in external appearance. Constantly chasing surgical trends does not address the root cause of insecurity; it only makes women permanently dependent on surgery. She emphasizes that self-satisfaction must stem from lasting inner well-being rather than risky and temporary body alterations.

Binh Minh (According to NY Post)