Waist Remodeling without Incision, with Ultrasound-guided Monocortical Fracture

Abstract

Background: Rib remodeling is a surgical technique for waist shaping in women and men. However, one of the main patient complaints is the scar. We aimed to describe a scarless, ultrasound-guided rib remodeling (RibXcar) technique that assessed the degree of angular variation of the fracture by ultrasound and the variation in waist measurement and patient satisfaction through a survey. Methods: The RibXcar technique was performed in 30 women aged 18–35 years in Peru, Colombia, and Mexico between October and December 2022 by three board-certified plastic surgeons trained in ultrasound and in this technique. The plastic surgeons measured costal angles before and immediately, 1 month, and 3 months after the surgery by ultrasound, as well as the waist in the same site and at these time points. Similarly, patient satisfaction was surveyed 3 months after the surgery, in which questions were asked about body aesthetics and the puncture site. Results: Ultrasound angular measurements before and immediately, 1 month, and 3 months after the surgical procedure were 168.00, 158.00, 160.00, and 160.43 degrees in the 10th rib, 170.50, 160.50, 152.50, and 163.50 degrees in the 11th rib, and 172.00, 162.00, 154.00, and 165.00 degrees in the 12th rib, respectively. The satisfaction survey showed that patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results of both the shape of the waist and the puncture site. Conclusions: RibXcar surgery maintains the angular variation over time. Similarly, waist measurements show a sustained reduction. Three months postoperatively, the patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results of the waist and the puncture site.