It’s called the Mia Waist Corset™, and it’s a great way to get a snatched waist and sculpted midsection. A rib repositioning procedure, the Mia Waist CorsetTM is a way for our specially trained plastic surgeons Dr. Elbayer, Dr. Mehio, and Dr. Horowitz to move your bottom ribs inward to create a more defined waistline. We are happy to offer the Mia Waist Corset™ as an add-on procedure for those having a lipo 360, BBL, or tummy tuck procedure.
Note that we do not offer a rib removal procedure. Rib removal comes with increased risks and potential long-term complications.
Sometimes called rib remodeling, rib repositioning is a surgical procedure that changes the position of the bottom ribs without removing them. Doing so adds definition to the waist and gives the midsection a more sculpted look. It helps to create the desirable but often elusive hourglass figure.
At Mia Aesthetics, rib remodeling is not done as a standalone procedure. It is instead offered as an additional option to those having lipo 360, a BBL, or a tummy tuck.
When it comes to creating a narrow waist, rib repositioning and rib removal create very similar results. Rib repositioning, however, is much less likely to result in complications, and our top priority is always keeping you safe. Rib removal, for example, can create chest wall instability and reduce the amount of protection that your rib cage can afford your internal organs. It can also weaken your core structure and impair lung function. These complications themselves are permanent and can lead to other problems.
Rib remodeling is able to provide comparable results without the long-term complications. Your waistline will be greatly improved, but your ribs will still be there to protect your internal organs and stabilize your core.
If you’re considering rib repositioning, the benefits are clear. They include:
As is true of every surgery, some people make better surgical candidates than others. Good candidates for rib repositioning at Mia Aesthetics are:
Performed as an outpatient surgery, rib remodeling changes the position of your bottom two ribs. These ribs are called floating ribs because they aren’t attached to your sternum like your other ribs.
During the procedure, your surgeon will access these ribs through small incisions that are about the same size as liposuction incisions (two to three mm). As always, they will hide these incisions in the natural contours of the body as much as possible. Through these incisions your surgeon will carefully dissect the muscles and soft tissue to expose the ribs.
Once they have exposed them, surgeons gently reposition the ribs to reduce rib flare and slim the waistline. This involves surgically fracturing the ribs so they can be relocated. Fracturing is done in a very precise and controlled manner to produce the desired outcome without damaging any underlying structures.
After repositioning the ribs, your surgeon may use sutures, wires, or other devices as needed to hold the ribs in place as they heal. These fixation methods are typically made from materials that will dissolve and be absorbed by the body over time.
It is vital that you take time to rest and recover during the first week after surgery. After that you can resume light activities and may be able to return to work if you have a sedentary job. You may need more time if your job is physically demanding or requires a lot of movement. Avoid any movements that strain your chest or back muscles for at least a month.
Most people can comfortably resume all of their normal activities six to eight weeks after surgery. It’s typically safe to resume normal exercise routines in about three months, but it’s important to wait until your surgeon clears you to do so.
Expect to wear a compression garment or corset for two to three months after surgery. Doing so helps reduce swelling and supports your body as it heals and settles into its new shape. Any swelling should resolve completely in three to six months.
When performed by a specially trained surgeon, the risks of rib repositioning are quite low when compared to rib removal. Still, no surgery is without risk, and it’s important to understand the potential complications. Risks of rib remodeling include:
At Mia Aesthetics, we take patient safety seriously. We reduce the risk of complications by meticulously sterilizing our surgical implements and making sure our state-of-the-art equipment is well maintained. Our skilled surgeons are among the best in the nation, and our patient care teams undergo top-notch training and continuing education.
But we need you to do your part too. It’s vital that you keep your surgical wounds clean and follow all of your post-op instructions carefully. Keep your follow-up appointments and call us if you have questions or concerns.
Like all surgeries, rib repositioning places stress on the body and can produce some discomfort. This is temporary, however, and can be controlled with medication. Most patients feel that the discomfort in their ribs is comparable to that of their lipo 360, BBL, or tummy tuck. Remember that pain is temporary, but your new waist is forever.
Performed as an add-on to lipo 360, BBL, and tummy tuck procedures, rib remodeling usually adds about 30 to 60 minutes to surgery.
No, rib repositioning does not affect breathing or the protective function of the ribs. Since no bones are removed, there is no risk to lung function or compromised organ protection.
The incisions for rib repositioning are minimal and typically hidden within the same incisions made for the primary procedure, like lipo 360 or a tummy tuck. Any scarring is minimal and fades over time.
You’ll notice an immediate improvement in your waistline’s contour after surgery, but the final results will become more visible as swelling subsides. Most patients see significant results within four to six weeks, with continued refinement over the next few months as the body fully heals and the last of the swelling subsides.
The Mia Waist Corset™ add-on starts at $5,500. Your individual needs can impact the price, however, so we are happy to provide a free virtual consultation and give you a more specific quote. When comparing prices, remember that we always give you the all-in price, which includes anesthesia, surgical fees, and other expenses. Many clinics quote only the price of the surgery itself and tack on these other fees later.