Beauty trends have been in pursuit of the flawless hourglass figure for centuries, with corsets dating back to the 16th century. Modern medicine and perpetually unachievable beauty standards have led to the normalization of cosmetic surgeries in order to achieve a more desirable body. Breast augmentation, tummy tucks, nose reshaping and Brazilian Butt Lifts (or BBLs) are all fairly common procedures in the cosmetic realm. The latest fad for sculpting the body into the perfect curvy form is the cosmetic removal or reshaping of the ribs in order to create a more narrow waist.
The Procedure
Originally, rib removal existed only as a medical option. Patients with cancer, chronic pain, nerve disorders and other serious medical conditions sometimes have to resort to the removal or readjustment of ribs as a solution. However, the procedure has been recently popularized within the cosmetic realm as a way to adjust the waist-to-hips ratio and create an “hourglass” figure.
Usually, the surgery is performed by creating two incisions in the abdomen under anesthesia. Then, the lower one to three ribs are either removed altogether or broken and readjusted on either side. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons claims that the procedure is minimal and low-risk, while also emphasizing its growing popularity, especially among Americans.
The main appeal of this surgery is that it provides instantaneous visual results. While weight loss techniques like injections or liposuction can aid in creating a slimmer waist and stomach, they take time and patience, and do not usually provide as drastic results as a more invasive surgery might.
The Risks
Many information pages about the surgery do not list any risks or drawbacks of the procedure, and many scientific studies lack conclusive evidence regarding potential dangers related to the removal or reshaping of the ribs, mostly because the procedure only began to draw attention within the last few months. One study from the Aesthetic Surgery Journal suggests rib remodeling to be a completely safe and non-invasive surgery, contrary to complete removal.
Another study suggests that these surgeries may be tied to consequences such as collapsed lungs, chronic pain and a weakened respiratory system. The procedure can leave major organs in a more vulnerable position as well, so it leaves patients with a higher risk of other medical complications in the future. Not to mention, aesthetic side effects such as prominent scarring may also deter potential markets.
How Far is Too Far?
With invasive, body-altering surgeries becoming more widely accepted and commonplace, it is imperative to remember that these dangerous procedures are not without risk and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Beauty standards continue to be nearly impossible to meet, and the ever-present scrutiny of social media looms heavily over all of our heads.
Studies have linked cosmetic surgeries and body dysmorphia disorders to addictive behaviors in many. The positive self-esteem effects of cosmetic surgeries are temporary, and the ultimate root of insecurity does not disappear unless addressed, leading to often destructive behaviors. Ultimately, the only solution to having a less-than-perfect body is the realization that everybody has one.
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