Some Women Are Breaking Ribs for a “Snatched” Waist
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The Trend: Beauty trends come and go, but one has stood the test of time for centuries: wafer-thin waists. From 19th-century bone corsets to more modern girdles and waist trainers, women have suffered a lot to achieve that coveted hourglass figure. Rib contouring is the latest iteration, using surgery to “snatch” the waist.
What People Are Saying: Rib contouring (also known as rib remodeling) involves fracturing and repositioning the lower ribs for a more sculpted midsection, followed by several months wearing a waist trainer to hold the shape. Some doctors say it can shave two to five inches from the waist. And it’s not cheap: The surgery typically costs $10,000 to $15,000.
What to Know: Purposely breaking and moving ribs for aesthetic reasons might have seemed outlandish in the past, but it’s one of many extreme body modifications that have gained attention amid the rise of looksmaxxing. As more people see influencers sharing surgery stories on social media, rib contouring may start to feel more mainstream and less fringe. Experts warn this is dangerous. Not only can it fuel body dysmorphia, but any surgery also comes with risks of complications — and the procedure is relatively new, so we don’t know much about the long-term effects.
