Do You Perform Rib Resection/Shaving For Chest Contouring?

Q: Dr. Eppley, do you perform rib removal/resection surgery? Perhaps shaving down of ribs? I have one side of my lower chest that juts out too far and it is definitely from the ribs. I have attached some pictures so you can see what I mean. I hope to hear from you soon.

A: Thank you for your inquiry. Yes I routinuely perform rib grafting harvesting for rhinoplasty as well as occasionally done rib resection/shaving for chest contouring. It appears from the pictures is that your left subcostal area( ribs 6 through 9) protrude compared to the more normally-shaped right side. For left subcostal chest contouring, you need the cartilaginous portions of ribs 8 and 9 removed and ribs 6 and 7 shaved (beveled down) to get rid of the portion that sticks outs. This is done through a low subcostal incision of about 4 cms.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis,Indiana