How Can My Ribcage Be Narrowed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m writing to inquire about the possibility of narrowing my rib cage. I understand that you specialize in procedures involving the ribs, and I’m hoping to learn more about what options might be available to me.

I have a very wide rib cage, and I’m not sure that removing or reshaping the 10th, 11th, and 12th ribs would address this issue.  I’m wondering if it’s possible to narrow my entire rib cage, including the upper ribs that are attached to my sternum.

I would appreciate it if you could share any insights you have on this matter.  I’m eager to learn more about the potential for rib cage narrowing and the associated procedures.

A: You are correct in that any manipulations to the lower ribs is not going to create true ribcage narrowing. You are also correct in that the only way to achieve that effect is at the sternal level. The cartilaginous attachments to the sternum must be disarticulated, removed and the bony ribs pulled closer to the sternum with plate and screw fixation.

Thus the question is not whether it can be done by how motivated is the patient to accept the scars to do so.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon