By altering the costal curvature, a slimmer, more defined waist is achieved.
What is Costal remodelling?
A Costal remodelling is an aesthetic procedure that aims to modify and reposition the false and floating ribs, i.e. the last three ribs of the rib cage. Remodelling consists of making a small millimetre incision in the patient's skin, over each of the ribs to be modelled. The ribs are not removed, but rather its curvature altered to allow a narrower waist to be achieved.
Through remodelling surgery, the ribs are made more easily mouldable by the application of continuous external compression with the brace, post-operatively for at least 3 months. The change in rib curvature makes it possible to achieve a slimmer, more defined waist.
Who is it suitable for?
A costal remodelling is suitable for
- People who want a narrower waist or a smoother chest contour;
- Individuals with visible asymmetries in the costal grid;
- Those who have already had other body treatments and are looking to refine their contours;
- Solid personal motivation;
- Compatible anatomy;
- Stable psychological history;
- Commitment to the post-operative period;
- Healthy and stable weight;
- Good general health;
- Non-smokers;
- Realistic expectations.
Expected results
The end results are usually more visible between 3 and 6 months after surgery, When the swelling has subsided and the tissues have healed:
- Reduction in volume or protrusion in the costal area;
- Smoother, sleeker waistline contour, “hourglass” effect;
- Harmonisation with the rest of the silhouette;
- Visible and natural results after the recovery period;
- Permanent results.
Procedure
Costal remodelling
Your assessment appointment
1. A chat with the Doctor
The first step in your costal remodelling consultation is a chat with the medical team to understand your expectations and the results you want to achieve. A detailed body assessment will be carried out, as well as your medical history, to see if you are suitable for surgery.
2. 3D simulation
In some cases, the Vectra 3D XT allows you to simulate the outcome of the surgery so that you can get an idea of the result that can be achieved.
3. Detailed explanation
During the costal remodelling consultation, a personalised treatment plan will be presented and the risks of surgery, care before and after surgery and the results you can expect will be explained.
4. Budget
After the medical consultation, you will be given an exact quote for the surgery. The cost of costal remodelling may vary if it is associated with other procedures.
What does costal remodelling can't reach?
Although costal remodelling surgery can offer significant aesthetic results, it's important to understand its limitations. This procedure is not a universal solution and does not replace other body care.
Below are some of the points that surgery cannot reach:
- It does not cause weight loss;
- It doesn't define muscles;
- It does not alter the structure of the hip or chest;
- Does not improve posture or back pain;
- It does not guarantee symmetrical or “perfect” results;
- It's not reversible.
Type of Anaesthesia
In most cases, costal remodelling is performed under general anaesthesia.
Type of incision - scars
The minimally invasive costal remodelling technique carried out at our clinic involves just six small holes on each of the last three pairs of ribs, in the dorsal region.
Costal remodelling
step by step
Marking of intervention areas
With the patient awake and standing, the surgeon marks the areas on the body where the incisions will be made, on the back, to ensure that the scar is well positioned.
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia is administered. The patient is completely unconscious and relaxed during surgery. Continuous monitoring of vital signs is maintained.
Incision
The surgeon makes small incisions of less than 1 mm on each of the ribs to be modelled. Usually 2 or 3 incisions are made on each side.
Rib remodelling: location
Using ultrasound, the surgeon locates the ribs to be modelled, which are usually the floating ones (11th and 12th) and, in some cases, the 10th.
Rib remodelling: incision
A small millimetre incision is made on each of the ribs to be modelled, in the posterior region of the torso.
Rib remodelling: remodelling
The rib is “weakened” in the incision area with a piezoelectric ultrasound device (PIEZO). This surgical device, also used in rhinoplasties, allows high-precision bone surgery with maximum safety. PIEZO works only on the bone and has no cutting effect on soft tissue, which preserves and prevents injury to the structures surrounding the ribs (blood vessels, nerves or lungs).
Rib remodelling: definition
In the three months following surgery, the ribs are modelled. During this time, the patient is asked to wear a shaping belt, provided by the team, which is tightened by 1cm every day until the desired waist measurement is obtained.
Recovery
The patient is woken up by the anaesthetist and then transported to the recovery room where she remains under observation until she is discharged, usually a few hours after the end of surgery.
Preparation for a Costal Remodelling
Before surgery
- - Carry out all the preoperative tests requested and send them as early as possible;
- - Don't smoke in the month before and the month after surgery. Smokers have a higher risk of complications, particularly healing difficulties.
- - Do not take anti-inflammatories or food supplements in the 10 days before surgery. You should inform the medical team of any medication you take or health problems you suffer from.
- - Carefully read the documentation you were given before the surgery, as there may be some doubts;
- - If you become ill or unwell in the days leading up to the surgery, you should inform the medical team immediately.
- - Organise your personal life so that you have help available, should you need it, in the days following surgery.
- - Do you have any questions about the surgery? Don't wait until the last day and ask all your questions in advance.
On the day of surgery
- - Fasting from midnight on the day before the operation (not eating or even drinking water). Eat light meals the day before.
- - Bathe with the disinfectant gel the day before and the day of surgery.
- - Take loose, easy-to-wear clothes.
- - Do not use creams, perfumes, make-up or nail varnish.
- - Do not wear accessories such as earrings, bracelets, piercings, etc.
- - Do not wear contact lenses.
- - Always be accompanied for the first 48 hours and don't go home alone or drive.
- - Schedule all social and professional activities so that you can rest in the days following surgery.
Post-operative
- - The recovery period depends on the complexity of the surgery, but also varies from person to person.
- - You may feel discomfort or moderate pain. Rest and prescribed medication will help relieve these symptoms.
- - Take short walks to promote circulation.
- - Avoid intense exertion for the first 8 days.
- - Drink plenty of water.
- - Avoid baths and environments that are too hot.
- - Do not smoke during the month following surgery and while the healing process is ongoing.
- - Do not take part in physical activity until advised by a doctor.
- - Measure your waist circumference daily with a tape measure over the shaping belt and take a photo. Increase the tightness of the girdle every day, from the first day after the operation, in order to reduce the waist measurement by 1cm a day. Once you have achieved the desired measurement, you should maintain the same degree of belt tightening for the following 3 months.
- - Use a modelling belt for at least 3 months, until otherwise advised by the medical team.
- - Use compression stockings until otherwise advised by the medical team.
Benefits Costal Remodelling
The benefits of costal remodelling surgery can be very positive, provided it is carried out with care and proper planning. The main impacts are aesthetic, emotional and psychological, promoting a significant improvement in the confidence and well-being of those who undergo the procedure. These include:
- Improved silhouette and body contour;
- Increased self-esteem and confidence;
- Improved posture and physical comfort;
- Possibility of combining with other cosmetic surgeries;
- Permanent results (with proper maintenance);
- Positive psychological and emotional impact.
Medical Specialists
About
Dr Alice Varanda Pereira / Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 47051, specialist in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Subspecialist in Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine.
Licensed by Lisbon Medical School, It was at this institution that she took her Master's degree in Human Sexuality and is currently working on her PhD.
She has been a member of the faculty's teaching staff since 2008, as Assistant Professor at the Institute of Anatomy. It is in this unit that she produces most of her research projects, essentially in the area of surgical anatomy, and she is also the supervisor of master's theses.
