10/14/2025
Just saw this article on plastic surgery recently in The NY Times.
“Waist reduction” was performed in the past by doing rib removal. It was not done often. There is a new technique where small incisions are used to break the rib. While it is healing you wear a corset to alter the rib shape and make the waist smaller. It is called WASP or Barbie technique. (Yes, always have a catchy name)
My thoughts?
The ribs are there to protect vital organs. Will this procedure alter that? Lung capacity? What if the fractured bone doesn’t heal well?
I’d much rather see waist reduction by exercise, lowering visceral fat, and diastasis repair with tummy tucks for those who need it after pregnancy and major weight loss.