Background:

Rib cage remodeling has recently emerged as a novel technique for body contouring with promising aesthetic outcomes, yet its risks and complications remain poorly defined. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction of a new surgical approach for waistline definition.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent waist narrowing through rib remodeling with osteosynthesis of ribs XI and XII between October 2022 and June 2023. Follow-up visits were performed at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Outcomes included waist and hip measurements, body image assessment, pain scores, and patient satisfaction.

Results:

Twenty-seven consecutive patients were analyzed. The technique achieved a significant reduction in waist circumference, with mean decreases of 12.1 cm at 1 month and 13.0 cm at 3 months (P < 0.005). Hip circumference was also reduced by 6.2 cm and 8.7 cm at 1 and 3 months, respectively. Patient-reported satisfaction was high. Postoperative complications were minimal, including one case of wound dehiscence and one of mild pain. Pain levels decreased rapidly, with a mean score of 2.4 during the first week and 0.26 by the first month.

Conclusions:

Rib osteotomy with osteosynthesis appears to be a safe, effective, and reproducible technique for waist narrowing. The procedure demonstrated consistent reductions in waist and hip circumference, low complication rates, and high satisfaction among patients. These findings suggest potential advantages over existing approaches and support its role as a promising option for body contouring surgery.

Dr. Hugo Aguilar Villa is a Board-Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with over 10 years of experience in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. Founder of HAV Plastic Surgery, he is widely recognized as one of the leading experts in body contouring in Latin America. He is the creator of pioneering surgical techniques including RIBOSS, ARCO, IPRO, and OBLITOX, which have advanced the field of body contouring and improved patient outcomes.

His academic contributions include being author of a specialized book on rib remodeling for aesthetic surgery and several peer-reviewed scientific articles.Dr. Aguilar Villa is an esteemed member of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery (SCCP), the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), the Mexican Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (AMCPER), and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), reflecting his commitment to the highest scientific and ethical standards.

As a professor of Plastic Surgery at the Universidad UPAO in Peru, and an international speaker at major symposia and congresses, he has shared his expertise on cutting-edge technologies including Vaser, Renuvion JPlasma, and Microair. His innovative, science-driven approach has established him as a global authority in body contouring surgery.