Can rib removal surgery give me a waist like Pixie Fox?
In almost all cases, the answer is no. Pixie Fox’s result is not typical and should not be considered a realistic expectation for most patients. Her outcome reflects a very specific combination of factors, including the extent of her surgery, her body type, other cosmetic procedures, and long-term corset use.
What rib removal surgery did Pixie Fox have?
Pixie Fox underwent cosmetic rib-removal surgery performed by Dr. Barry Eppley. Six ribs (ribs 10–12 on both sides) were partially removed with the explicit goal of achieving an extremely narrow waist. Her reported waist measurement—approximately 16–18 inches—was achieved while wearing a corset.
Why is her result considered unusual?
Her waist shape was influenced by multiple factors beyond rib removal alone, including:
- Large breast augmentation
- Additional body contouring procedures
- Her natural skeletal and body shape
- Long-term corset use both before and after surgery
Because of this combination, her result is not representative of what most patients can expect from rib removal surgery alone.
What is a more typical concern for patients considering rib removal?
Most patients are actually concerned about whether rib removal will produce enough visible waist narrowing to justify the surgery. For this reason, careful patient selection is critical.
Who is a good candidate for rib removal surgery?
The best candidates generally have:
- Low body fat
- A naturally narrow or flexible torso
- Strong motivation and realistic expectations
These factors significantly influence whether a noticeable waist-narrowing effect can be achieved.
Is rib removal surgery safe?
Rib removal surgery has raised concerns regarding:
- Protection of internal organs
- Structural support of the torso
- Breathing mechanics
While these concerns are understandable, they have not been substantiated in Dr. Eppley’s extensive experience, which includes over 100 rib-removal surgeries and nearly 400 rib modifications.
Does rib removal affect breathing or lung safety?
In Dr. Eppley’s experience, pneumothorax (lung collapse) has not occurred. Rib removal is performed as an open surgery, allowing direct visualization of the pleura. If any disruption is identified, it can be immediately repaired.
Why has rib removal surgery been controversial?
Historically, rib removal for cosmetic waist reduction was considered controversial due to safety and ethical concerns. However, attitudes are evolving as rib-modification procedures become more widely discussed and understood.
How does rib removal differ from RibXcar?
RibXcar involves percutaneously induced rib fractures rather than rib removal. While it has increased public awareness of cosmetic rib modification, it is a fundamentally different procedure with different goals, techniques, and outcomes.
Is rib removal surgery becoming more accepted?
Yes. Increased awareness and experience have allowed surgeons to better evaluate:
- Which patients benefit most
- What results are realistically achievable
- The true safety profile of rib removal surgery
This has led to more informed discussions and improved patient selection.
Dr. Barry Eppley
World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon