Can My Upper Ribcage Be Reduced In Width?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hi! I’m contacting you regarding the article here https://exploreplasticsurgery.com/case-study-transgender-rib-removal-surgery-body-contouring/?doing_wp_cron=1619818519.8208200931549072265625 , I’m also transgender and am interested in rib removal to reduce my waist circumference, but I didn’t know that ribs could also be reshaped to change the way they protrude. Would it be possible to alter the size or shape of the upper part of my ribcage? I don’t like how big my chest appears, and if there is a way to make it slimmer I’d be very interested in that. thanks

A: While the lower rib cage can be laterally modified (ribs 10, 11 12), the same can be safely done for any ribs north of #10. (9 and above) which is what you are referring to in changing the shape of the upper ribcage.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana