Can Ine Do Shoulder Reduction and Rib Removals Surgeries At The Same Time?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am a transgender person. I have been following your work for some time and have the intention to get shoulder reduction and rib removal done.

I have been bothered by the masculine and broad shape of my upper body for years and have never been able to make dues with it. As a result, I have considered your surgeries for a few years now and am finally in a financial situation where I feel comfortable requesting a consult or for more information.

I have attached some images of the related regions – my shoulders from a front view, and my lower torso/waistline from a rear view. I included pictures of this nature, following the way sample pictures on your site have been taken.

What would you recommend regarding waist narrowing procedures? As a transgender individual, I figured the type 2 would be suggested but I would like to hear your opinion on it. My interest is in reducing the general width of the rib cage but also improving the waistline as much as I can.

In addition, what seems to be the maximum amount that could be reduced in the shoulder regions? I would like to reduce the broadness and ‘masculine’ appearance of the shoulder region. I am not as much bothered by the high shoulder-waist-ratio that I have as I am by the simple fact that my shoulders are just quite broad compared to the average to begin with.

Finally, I was wondering if it would be possible to schedule this for early May 2025 and wanted to discuss financing plans following more information. In addition, would assuming a month for recovery for both procedures (if they can be done at the same time) be a fair assumption?

Thank you very much for your time and I hope you are having a pleasant day!

A:Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures to which I can provide the following answers:

1) For maximal waistline reductive effect you are correct in that the Type 2 Rib Removal procedure is best. There is no procedure for overall ribcage narrowing but at least the Type 2 is the most aggressive approach for addressing the lower ribcage.

2) To get an idea of the potential effects of shoulder reduction and rib removal skeletal procedures I have attached the following images.

3) It is not uncommon to have both shoulder reduction and rib removal surgery done at the same time. The key to doing so is to have adequate postoperative care  arranged in the immediate after surgery time period.

4) It would be fair to say that at least one month recovery is needed but this answer is dependent on what one is recovery to…..which will vary based on the activity. (more or less time)

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon