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Miami, FL

Rib Remodeling

Introduction to Rib Remodeling

Rib Remodeling: A Safe, Minimally Invasive Approach to Waist Contouring

At Gallagher Plastic Surgery, we are pleased to offer rib remodeling, also known as Ribxcar, a highly effective, minimally invasive procedure designed to sculpt the waistline and is especially beneficial for individuals assigned male at birth seeking torso feminization. Many individuals struggle to achieve a feminine waistline through diet, exercise, or traditional body-contouring procedures, particularly due to the anatomy of the 10th, 11th, and 12th ribs, which can prevent the desired shape.

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What Is Rib Remodeling?

For individuals with a boxier, more squared torso—often characteristic of those assigned male at birth, but many cisgender women too—standard body contouring techniques like liposuction or tummy tucks may not achieve the desired waist definition. This is due to anatomical factors such as:

  • More splayed ribs and a wider thorax.
  • A shorter distance between the lower ribs and pelvic bones.

Even with traditional methods, achieving a feminine waistline can be challenging without addressing the lower ribs. Rib remodeling reshapes these ribs, creating a more contoured, curvier appearance.

What Are the Benefits of Rib Remodeling?

Dr. Gallagher, a blonde woman with long curly hair, is seated at a desk in her office with a large window overlooking a cityscape. She is smiling and looking off to the side while holding documents and a pen.

Results vary between patients; most achieve about 3 inches of waist reduction, though this can range from 2 to 6 inches. When performed with expertise, skill, and artistry by Dr. Gallagher in Miami, rib remodeling provides patients with a wealth of impressive benefits, including the following:

  • Lasting contouring of the waist
  • More effective than dieting and exercise alone
  • Minimally invasive with minimal scarring
  • A safer procedure than rib removal
  • Expedited recovery time
  • Can be highly customized to individual goals
  • Can be combined with other gender-affirming procedures
  • Boosts self-confidence
  • Combats gender dysphoria

Who Are the Best Candidates For Rib Remodeling?

Dr. Gallagher, a blonde woman in a white lab coat over a grey dress, is seated and smiling warmly while speaking and gesturing with her hands to a patient in a light blue patterned hospital gown. They are in a well-lit exam room next to a wall with a pink and blue abstract painting.

The ideal candidates for rib remodeling are individuals who desire a smaller waist, have a body mass index (BMI) below 28, and have good bone density. Additionally, candidates should have the appropriate anatomy to achieve the desired waist reduction and meet the medical criteria for the procedure.

This procedure is particularly effective for patients assigned male at birth who have anatomical challenges that prevent achieving a feminine waistline through non-surgical methods. However, many cisgender women may also have a rib shape that prevents them from having curves. Rib remodeling directly addresses these challenges by altering the lower ribs’ structure, creating a more contoured, feminine appearance. The minimally invasive approach ensures minimal scarring and a smooth, natural outcome.

What’s the First Step?

Your Rib Remodeling Journey with Dr. Gallagher

To begin your cosmetic journey with Dr. Gallagher in Miami, you will first need to attend a private consultation either in person or virtually. This time is dedicated to answering your questions, discussing your goals for surgery, and providing details on the procedure’s risks, downtime, costs, and potential outcomes. Dr. Gallagher will conduct a thorough medical and physical assessment to make sure she can safely and effectively meet your objectives.

The next step is to review a chest CT scan to confirm you are a candidate and that the target ribs are “floating” and will move into their new position. In patients over 40, a DEXA scan may be recommended to ensure bones are healthy and will heal appropriately.

Prior to surgery, you may need to undergo additional medical tests and stop taking certain medications and supplements that could increase surgical risks. You should schedule a helper to drive you home post-op and fill all prescriptions ahead of time to reduce stress and ensure a seamless healing process.

What to Expect on the Day of Rib Remodeling Surgery

Rib remodeling is performed using an advanced technique that minimizes scarring and delivers optimal results. During the procedure:

  • A small, needle-sized puncture is made just above the rib, through which a piezotome device is introduced. This device safely transects one of the rib’s cortices, allowing the rib to become more flexible for reshaping.
  • The ribs are then carefully molded, creating a more tapered waistline without visible scars.
  • The surgery typically lasts around one hour and is performed under general anesthesia.

Patients can expect to lose 2-4 inches from their waistline, with gradual improvement over the next three months as the body adapts to its new shape in a corset.

Rib Remodeling Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Rib Remodeling Care

Most patients are able to leave the surgery center within two hours after their procedure and will stay in Miami for about a week for initial recovery and follow-up care.

After surgery, patients are required to wear a corset for three months to ensure proper healing and support.

 

 

 

This corset is vital for:

  • Supporting the newly shaped waist.
  • Gradually molding the torso into its final, contoured form.
  • Ensuring a natural and aesthetically pleasing result.

During this period, exercise should be avoided. Recovery time typically ranges from one to two weeks, depending on the patient’s job and individual healing process. If combined with other procedures such as liposuction, fat grafting, or tummy tucks, the recovery time may be extended.

How Much Does Rib Remodeling Cost in Miami, FL?

The cost of rib remodeling in Miami can vary depending on your goals and the techniques Dr. Gallagher selects. Adding on other procedures can also influence pricing. Many patients may also add liposuction to enhance the waist reduction. The doctor will provide a personalized quote, along with information about financing and insurance, once she has completed your initial assessment and medical review.

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Why Choose Dr. Gallagher?

Dr. Sidhbh Gallagher is a leader in advanced plastic surgery techniques, including rib remodeling. With a deep understanding of both the aesthetic and anatomical aspects of body contouring, Dr. Gallagher ensures that each patient receives personalized care and the best possible results. Her experience in gender-affirming procedures and her commitment to patient safety and satisfaction make her a top choice for those seeking a more contoured, feminine torso.

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Rib Remodeling FAQ’S

See what our Patients Say

Patient Reviews

  • Dr. Gallagher, wearing a surgical cap and mask, is shown from the back of the head and shoulder, dressed in a blue surgical gown, looking down toward a bright operating area.

    I had an amazing experience with Dr.Gallagher and her team, the whole experience from the procedure (top surgery) to the post-op care has been fantastic. Dr.Gallagher was able to address any concerns I had with my chest before the procedure and made me feel comfortable the whole way through, and then the attentiveness post-op is all the better.

    Alfio Oliveira (Jay)

  • Dr. Gallagher (left), in a white lab coat, and a blonde patient (right), in a blue patterned hospital gown, smile and look up at the camera. The patient is holding up a peace sign with one hand. A piece of art with the colors of the transgender flag is visible on the wall behind them.

    Thank you so much Dr. Gallagher for your amazing work! I appreciated the great support from your team at the surgical centre and your office. Everyone was so wonderful! I am extremely happy with my results and had a very positive experience. I had followed Dr. Gallagher for several years on Instagram prior to my surgery, and learned so much from her detailed explanations about various aspects of the surgical procedures, what to expect on the day, recovery, etc. I had complete trust, felt safe, felt listened to. I also appreciate the follow-ups, and answers to all my questions. The support, warmth, care is top notch!

    Gill B.

  • Dr. Suzanne Gallagher, a blonde woman in light green scrubs, stands next to a patient lying on a bed (only the patient's arm is visible) behind a blue curtain in what appears to be a clinical or operating room setting. She is smiling and gesturing with her right hand while her left hand is on her hip.

    Dr. Gallagher and her whole team, from Neasa to Daryl Ann and everyone else in between, are absolutely fantastic, kind hearted, hard working people. Dr. Gallagher truly amazed me and I’m so grateful to have had her on my team.

    I was able to get keyhole top surgery about three weeks ago and I’m loving my results already! I’m muscular and heavier set as well but always had a smaller chest, and I’m so glad Dr. Gallagher was the one who could do this for me.

    Right now I am still experiencing swelling, but I am using compression dressings every day, throughout the day which helps tons! I know that when the swelling subsides months from now, and everything is “back to normal”, I am going to love even more what I see in the mirror because I can finally see me.

    Morgan F.

  • Dr. Gallagher, wearing a surgical cap and mask, is shown from the back of the head and shoulder, dressed in a blue surgical gown, looking down toward a bright operating area.

    So glad I found Dr. Gallagher. I would not have elected to pursue my surgery had I not found a qualified and competent medical provider that I felt I could trust and have confidence in their ability to offer a high-quality, low-risk result. As a result of my initial contacts and consultations with Gallagher Plastic Surgery practice, I was willing to pursue my desired surgery and even travel half-way across the country to their offices. I’m so glad I did. The results are outstanding, more than I even anticipated. This was the 3rd practice I had dealt with and so I was learning what to look for and knew Dr. Gallagher was a good fit. The medical expertise and professionalism are what I based my decision on to proceed. They were calmly confident for a reason. I realized at the surgery event and through to the 3 week post-op checkin the excellence in their personal care (bed side manner). The office and Dr. Gallagher communicated very well. Everything went smoothly and as planned. As nervous as I was about an unnecessary surgery, Dr. Gallagher and her team were able to build enough trust that I was able to receive a very beneficial result.

    Tim F.

  • Dr. Gallagher (left), in a white lab coat, and a blonde patient (right), in a blue patterned hospital gown, smile and look up at the camera. The patient is holding up a peace sign with one hand. A piece of art with the colors of the transgender flag is visible on the wall behind them.

    Dr. Gallagher and her team are the absolute best! She completed my brachioplasty on Tuesday and when I saw the initial results at my post op appointment two days later I literally had tears of joy streaming down my face. My weight loss journey has been a road of many ups and downs, and I was so nervous about whether this surgery could even work for me. Even with the swelling that is normal after brachioplasty, there is an enormous difference, and I am still in disbelief that even this early on, my arms look this great. My husband was even in disbelief, and we’re so excited to see what I’ll look like in two weeks time. Dr. Gallagher is so kind and patient, and walked me through all of the phases of healing/expectations, and was great to call and check in. If you are looking for a highly skilled surgeon that will give you optimal results along with a compassionate approach, it is well worth your time and money to consider a consultation with her. I am forever thankful for her and for her team! This is life changing for me. Thank you, Dr. Gallagher! I appreciate you so much!

    Melissa E.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re considering rib remodeling or want to learn more about how this procedure can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, contact Gallagher Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation.

Dr. Gallagher frequently works with patients outside of Miami and the state of Florida. If you are interested in discussing rib remodeling in a discreet and comfortable setting, you can also schedule a virtual consultation with her to ask any questions you may have and learn more about proceeding with your surgery.

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