Can I have Rib Removal Surgery If I Am A Body Builder?

Q: Dr. Eppley,Hello there I’m interested in a possible rib removal surgery. I have some questions. Can you estimate how much smaller my waist would be? I have Xrays I can provide as well so you can see ribs. I am unsure if I should just do t11/12 ribs or do t10 as well. Does removing t10 have any long term effects on respiration and lung function? Can I have the ribs removed without removing any of my lats? I’m a bodybuilder.

I feel as though my anatomy of narrower hips and a wider rib cage does not give me the tiny waist I’m looking for. Your work is amazing and I’m excited to hear from you.

A:Thank you for your inquiry and sending by your pictures and x-rays. Having done rib removals in body builders before I can make the following comments:

1) I have attached some prediction imaging of the result that I think is possible in you. Lean patients always get the best results but the concept of a ‘tiny waist’ is subject to personal interpretation.

2) The decision between taking 11/12 or 10/11/12 is really a question of the location and extent of the surgical scar to do either one. (Type 1 vs Type 2 rib removals) Type 2 is always better but the scar is longer and more vertical to do so. There are no adverse effects on lung function or respiration.

3) I would definitely take some LD muscle as it improves the result. It has no negative effect on LD muscle function or body building.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon