One of the most common questions patients ask about rib remodelling is whether the results last. The structural change to the rib itself is considered long-lasting once the bone has healed in its new position. That said, several factors can affect how the outcome appears over time, and it is important to have realistic expectations before proceeding with any surgical procedure.
How Does RibXcar Change the Rib?
To understand whether the results are permanent, it helps to understand what the procedure actually does to the bone. During RibXcar, a specialised instrument called a piezotome is used to weaken the outer layer of the lower floating ribs through tiny entry points. The floating ribs are the lowest ribs in the rib cage, specifically ribs 10, 11, and 12, and unlike the ribs above them, they have no connection to the sternum at the front of the chest. Controlled manual pressure then creates a monocortical fracture, meaning only the outer layer of the bone is affected. The ribs are then repositioned to reduce the width of the lower torso.
After the procedure, the bone heals in this new position over the following weeks. A compression garment is worn continuously for approximately eight weeks to support the ribs while this healing takes place. A follow-up imaging scan is usually done at the end of this period to confirm that the bone has healed as expected.
Once the bone has set and healed in its repositioned state, the structural change is considered lasting. Unlike soft tissue procedures, the repositioned ribs do not simply return to their original shape after healing. The change is to the bone itself, which is why the procedure is generally described as producing a long-term result rather than a temporary one.
Does the Compression Garment Affect How Long Results Last?
The compression garment plays a direct role in whether the bone heals correctly in its new position. During the weeks following surgery, the fractured rib is healing and setting. If the garment is not worn as instructed during this period, the bone may not heal in the intended position, and the planned result may not be achieved.
This is different from procedures where garment wear simply reduces swelling. With RibXcar, the garment is part of how the outcome is formed. Patients who do not follow garment instructions during recovery may find that their results differ from what was planned. This is something that should be discussed in detail during the consultation before the procedure takes place.
Wearing the garment consistently for the full recommended period, which is approximately eight weeks, is considered an important part of care after this procedure. After this time, imaging is typically arranged to confirm the bone has healed in the new position before the garment is no longer required.
Can the Results Change Over Time?
Once the bone has healed, the structural position of the ribs is not expected to change on its own. However, the overall appearance of the waist area can be affected by changes in body weight over time. If weight is gained after the procedure, this can affect how the waist looks, as additional fat tissue in the area can reduce the visible effect of the repositioned ribs. Losing that weight afterwards does not mean the waist area will look the same as it did before the weight gain.
Hormonal changes, particularly those that occur with age, can also affect how and where the body stores fat. These changes are not related to the procedure itself but can affect how the result looks over the years that follow. This is not unique to rib remodelling and applies to body contouring surgery more broadly.
Maintaining a stable body weight after the procedure is generally considered helpful in preserving the appearance of the result over time. This should be discussed during the consultation, along with any other health considerations that may apply to you.
What Happens if the Bone Does Not Heal as Expected?
In some cases, the bone may not heal fully or correctly in its new position. This is one of the known risks of the procedure and can affect the final result. Other risks that may affect the outcome include asymmetry between the two sides, nerve irritation in the treated area, and individual variation in how the bone responds to the fracture and repositioning process.
Not all patients will experience these issues, but they are real possibilities that need to be discussed before proceeding. Individual results vary, and the outcome of any surgical procedure depends on a range of factors, including anatomy, overall health, how well post-operative instructions are followed, and individual healing.
A thorough pre-operative consultation covers these risks in detail, and patients should feel comfortable asking questions and raising any concerns before agreeing to proceed with surgery.
Can RibXcar Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Some patients choose to have RibXcar alongside other surgical procedures such as liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) or abdominoplasty. Whether this is appropriate depends on the individual patient’s health, anatomy, and surgical goals. Combining procedures affects both the overall risk profile and the recovery process, and this needs to be discussed thoroughly before any decision is made.
It is worth noting that combining RibXcar with liposuction in the same area may produce a different overall result compared to either procedure alone, as both affect the appearance of the waist in different ways. The specific approach that may be suitable for any individual patient can only be assessed during a clinical consultation.
A pre-operative assessment also considers whether there are any health conditions or other factors that might affect suitability for surgery, recovery, or the healing process after the procedure.
Why Choose Dr Perron for Rib Remodelling Surgery in Brisbane
Dr Justin Perron is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon holding the Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Plastic Surgery (FRACS Plastics). He is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS Aust.), and is registered with AHPRA as a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
Dr Perron has undertaken specialist certification in the RibXcar technique through a training program in Paris, which is recognised internationally as a specialist training program for this procedure. The Paris program covers patient assessment, treatment planning, the surgical technique itself, and the post-operative protocols specific to RibXcar. He also brings more than a decade of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery across Brisbane and Queensland.
A consultation with Dr Perron gives you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your circumstances in detail. He will assess your anatomy, review your health history, and advise whether rib remodelling is an appropriate option for you. Individual results vary, and an honest clinical assessment before proceeding is an important part of the process.
