Waist Reduction Surgery by Rib Incurvation: A New Approach for Waist Narrowing

Background: Demand for aesthetic waist reduction is rising, underscoring the need for techniques that optimize outcomes while minimizing risk. Current approaches rely on rib removal or angular reduction via monocorticotomy. We describe an alternative based on an incurvation concept used in pediatric bone deformation, aiming to lower risks associated with removal or fracture. Methods: Fifty women seeking waist reduction via remodeling of floating ribs (11–12) were studied in 2 cohorts: RibXcar (n = 26; January to July 2022) and IncurvationXribs (n = 24; December 2022 to January 2023). Follow-up was 6 months. Angular rib measurements were obtained by computed tomography, and waist circumference was recorded at baseline and 6 months. Postoperative pain at day 10 (visual analog scale) and complications over 6 months were assessed. Results: Both techniques achieved significant waist reduction at 6 months with comparable effectiveness. IncurvationXribs was associated with lower postoperative pain and no complications. In the RibXcar group, 2 complications occurred (chronic pain and a bicortical fracture). Conclusions: RibXcar and IncurvationXribs produced similar waist reduction outcomes at 6 months. However, IncurvationXribs demonstrated less early postoperative pain and fewer complications, suggesting that it may offer a favorable safety profile for aesthetic waist contouring.