Barbie Waist/Rib Remodeling
Offered at our convenient location in San Antonio, TX
Costal rib remodeling is a procedure designed to reshape the ribs to create a slimmer waist and more contoured figure. With the Barbie waist (B-waist) rib remodeling technique, patients can achieve a dramatic hourglass figure without undergoing a more invasive procedure like a traditional rib removal. This minimally invasive procedure offers permanent results, giving each patient the hourglass figure they have always wanted.
Dr. Wendie Grunberg of Alluring Aesthetics is a double-board certified general and plastic surgeon based in San Antonio. Dr. Grunberg provides a variety of comprehensive treatments to help each patient look and feel good in their skin. From injections to breast augmentations, Dr. Grunberg can help each patient enhance their natural beauty.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Grunberg for a rib remodeling, please call our San Antonio office at (210) 714-5390 or contact us online!
Contents
About Barbie Waist/Rib Remodeling
Many patients have often heard about B-waist/rib remodeling treatments but may be unsure about what this procedure consists of. The B-waist treatment helps create a more defined, slimmer waist, without removing any of the ribs. This minimally invasive procedure offers permanent results in addition to a long-term boost in confidence and self-esteem.
How it Works
The ribs that are typically targeted in a B-waist procedure are the lowest three ribs or the 10th, 11th, and 12th ribs. The 11th and 12th ribs are nicknamed “floating ribs” because they are not attached to the breastbone but exclusively to the spine, while the 10th rib is known as a “false rib.” This is because of its weaker cartilage connection and its indirect connection to the breastbone, actually connecting to the rib above. (1) By using an advanced peizotome device–a surgical technology that uses ultrasound vibrations to manipulate bone–no rib removal is required. This technique minimizes damage to surrounding tissues and results in little visible scarring.
Benefits
There are many benefits to receiving a B-waist/rib remodeling treatment, including:
- Enhanced waist: The results of this procedure offer patients a curvier, refined waistline.
- Minimal scarring: The minimally invasive procedure only requires small incisions, which Dr. Grunberg places strategically to ensure minimal visibility.
- Customizable: Each treatment plan is fully customized to help each patient address their own individual concerns; patients can receive rib remodeling treatment alone, or they can choose to undergo liposuction or a tummy tuck during the same appointment.
- Permanent results: As this procedure changes the contour of the rib cage itself, the results of a B-waist treatment are permanent.
- Minimally-invasive technique: Through the use of reshaping rather than removing, we maintain the protective nature of the ribs. (2)
To learn more about how rib repositioning can benefit you, please call our San Antonio office at (210) 714-5390 or contact us online, and a member of our team will reach out at their earliest convenience.
Candidates
Ideal candidates are those who are interested in aesthetically enhancing their figure. Individuals who have a wide ribcage or a square-shaped torso may find this treatment finally helps them achieve their desired aesthetic. For patients who naturally have a less curvy figure, it can be difficult to contour the waist through traditional dieting and exercise methods. The procedure can also act as a gender-affirming procedure for transgender patients.
Tummy tucks and liposuction can contour the waist to an extent, but they are limited in their results. Rib remodeling provides both permanent results and structural change without compromising any bodily function. (2)
All candidates interested in a B-waist/rib remodeling procedure should be in good overall health, free of any underlying medical conditions that may impair healing. Patients should also have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of their procedure.
If you believe you may be an ideal candidate for a rib repositioning, please call our San Antonio office at (210) 714-5390 or contact us online, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.
Personal Consultation
We ask that each patient schedule a personal consultation with our team at Alluring Aesthetics.
During your personal consultation, you’ll meet with Dr. Grunberg and the rest of our expert staff. Dr. Grunberg will take time with you to understand the goals behind your treatment. She will learn more about your medical history and current health status to determine your candidacy for rib remodeling. Once established, Dr. Grunberg will prepare necessary pre-and post-operative instructions alongside a cost estimate of your procedure. We ask each patient to come prepared with questions and to be ready to discuss any potential concerns, as we want to ensure you feel informed and comfortable before your procedure.
To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Grunberg, please call our San Antonio office at (210) 714-5390 or contact us online, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.
Preparation
Dr. Grunberg will provide you with a set of personalized preparation instructions at your consultation, as preparation can vary from patient to patient depending on lifestyle and established treatment plan.
Patients should pre-arrange transportation to and from their appointment, as well as arrange time away from work and other social commitments to rest and recover. Leading up to your procedure, you should focus on staying hydrated and eating healthy. You may be asked to temporarily avoid certain medications and supplements that thin the blood. These can include aspirin, ibuprofen, and even fish oil, and more. If applicable, please quit smoking a few weeks before your appointment and refrain from using tobacco or nicotine until fully healed. You should also avoid alcohol before your procedure to prevent any excessive swelling and other complications.
To learn more about how to prepare for your appointment, please call our San Antonio office at (210) 714-5390 or contact us online and a member of our team will reach out to you as soon as possible.
Procedure
At your appointment, we will cleanse the treatment area, and Dr. Grunberg will mark your skin for the procedure. You will receive anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Dr. Grunberg will begin by making small incisions on either side of the lower back. (3) Using the minimally invasive technology, she will reshape the 10th, 11th, and 12th ribs.
This procedure can be combined with a tummy tuck or liposuction procedure to further enhance the new contour of the waist. After making the desired adjustments, Dr. Grunberg will close the incisions and place a compression corset over the treatment area to protect and support your new figure. This is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home on the same day as your appointment after a monitoring period.
Recovery
Following a rib repositioning, you might experience mild discomfort in the treatment area. Patients typically report a downtime of 1-2 weeks, but this length of time can vary. During your recovery, you can expect swelling and bruising, but the supportive corset is designed to help minimize swelling while simultaneously shaping your new waist. It is important to continue to wear this corset as Dr. Grunberg indicates; the garment may need to be worn for up to 3 months for the best results.
After the swelling subsides, you will start to notice the results of your B-waist/rib repositioning procedure. Dr. Grunberg will let you know when you can resume exercise and other physical activities.
Results
After your recovery, you can enjoy your new hourglass figure. Your waist will appear slimmer and more defined, enhancing your body’s overall curves. The results are natural-looking yet transformative and perfect for those who have been struggling to achieve a “snatched waist” through lifestyle changes alone.
Corresponding Procedures
Many patients often choose to undergo additional procedures during their appointments to enhance their curves. Popular corresponding procedures include:
- Liposuction: Liposuction is a procedure that removes stubborn pockets of exercise-resistant fat. This minimally invasive procedure can help further enhance the tone and curves of the body, permanently eliminating the targeted fat cells.
- Tummy Tuck: A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that helps remove excess skin and fat from the torso or abdomen. This procedure is often performed after noticeable changes in weight or after pregnancy. This procedure can help create a smoother, more defined silhouette that complements the results of the B-waist procedure.
Cost of Barbie Waist/Rib Repositioning in San Antonio
At Alluring Aesthetics, we tailor each aspect of the procedure to align with each patient’s individual goals and lifestyle. We can discuss the full cost of your procedure during your personal consultation after Dr. Grunberg creates a treatment plan.
For those who qualify, we offer several financing plans from reputable companies to break down the cost of their procedure into affordable monthly payments.
To unlock the cost of your Barbie waist treatment, please schedule a consultation at our San Antonio office by calling (210) 714-5390 or contacting us online.
FAQ
What makes Barbie waist remodeling different from traditional rib removal?
B-Waist or Barbie waist rib repositioning helps preserve the lower ribs by repositioning or reshaping them with advanced ultrasound technology rather than surgically removing the ribs.
How long can the results of my rib repositioning last?
With rib repositioning, we make permanent adjustments to the lower rib cage. However, we recommend that patients commit to lifestyle changes such as regular exercise or healthy eating to maintain their figure.
What are floating ribs?
Floating ribs are a nickname for the lowest two ribs, also called the 11th and 12th ribs. They are nicknamed “floating” because they are only attached to the spine and not the sternum.
References
- Safarini OA, Bordoni B. Anatomy, Thorax, Ribs. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538328/
- Chiu YH, Chiu Y, Lee CC, Wang T, Lee JL. Ant Waist Surgery: Aesthetic Removal of Floating Ribs to Decrease the Waist-hip Ratio. Plastic and reconstructive surgery Global open. 2023;11(3):e4852-e4852. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000004852
- Aguilar Villa H, Villabona-Florez SJ, Hoyos AE, Perez Pachon ME, Serrano-Reyes HM, Diaz Sandoval CJ. Aesthetic Rib Cage Remodeling with Osteosynthesis: Body Structural High-Definition Reshaping (RIBOSS). Plastic and reconstructive surgery. 2024;155(2):10.1097/PRS.0000000000011512. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000011512