Addressing waist proportions at the skeletal level using piezoelectric ultrasonic technology.
Brisbane Rib Remodelling (Waist Contouring)
Some people find that no matter how much weight they lose or how dedicated they are to exercise, their waist never achieves the shape they want. In many cases, this comes down to bone structure rather than body fat. The lower ribs play a significant role in determining waist width, and for individuals whose proportions are set by their skeleton, traditional approaches simply cannot deliver the change they are looking for.
Rib remodelling is a body contouring procedure that works on the floating ribs, which are the bottom two pairs of the rib cage. These ribs do not connect to the breastbone and have minimal structural function. Using piezoelectric ultrasonic technology, the same technology used in nose reshaping and facial bone work, Dr Justin Perron can reshape these ribs to address waist proportions that are determined by underlying skeletal structure.
Dr Perron is one of the few surgeons in Australia offering this procedure, having completed advanced training at the official RibXcar program in Paris.
Dr Justin Perron travelled to Paris to undertake specialist certification in the RibXCar rib remodelling technique. The Paris program is recognised internationally as the definitive training for this procedure, attracting surgeons from around the world who want to learn directly from the technique’s developers.
Dr Perron graduated at the top of his course, achieving the highest results among all participating surgeons in the program. This achievement reflects his technical skill, his attention to detail, and his commitment to mastering advanced procedures before offering them to patients.
Completing the Paris certification is not just about learning the surgical technique. The program covers patient assessment, treatment planning, and the specific aftercare protocols that contribute to good outcomes. Dr Perron’s top ranking demonstrates that he absorbed this training at the highest level.
He brings this specialist knowledge together with more than a decade of experience as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Patients considering rib remodelling benefit from a surgeon who understands both the specific requirements of this procedure and the broader context of body contouring surgery.
Choosing a surgeon for any cosmetic procedure is a significant decision. Dr Perron offers a combination of qualifications, training, and experience that patients find reassuring.
Dr Perron holds Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Plastic Surgery. This is the FRACS (Plastics) qualification, which represents completion of the rigorous training pathway for specialist plastic surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. He is registered with AHPRA as a specialist plastic surgeon under registration number MED0000959827.
He is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. These memberships reflect his standing within the professional plastic surgery community.
Beyond his general plastic surgery qualifications, Dr Perron has pursued specific training in rib remodelling. His completion of the Paris RibXcar program, and his position as top graduate, sets him apart from surgeons who may offer similar procedures without the same level of dedicated training.
Dr Perron has been practicing in Queensland for many years. His rooms are at the Herstellen Clinic in Spring Hill, and he operates at several respected Brisbane hospitals including the Wesley Hospital, St Andrews War Memorial Hospital, Brisbane Private Hospital, and Spring Hill Specialist Day Hospital. Patients can feel confident they are being treated within an established, professional practice environment.
Your rib cage has twelve pairs of ribs. The upper ribs connect to your breastbone and protect your heart and lungs. The bottom two pairs, ribs eleven and twelve, are different. They are called floating ribs because they do not attach to the breastbone at all. They sit below your lungs and do not play a meaningful role in breathing or protecting your organs.
What they do influence is the width of your waist. If these ribs sit at a wider angle, your waist will appear broader regardless of how lean you become. This is why some people can reach a low body fat percentage and still feel their waist does not match the rest of their physique.
The RibXCar procedure uses piezoelectric ultrasonic technology. This technology creates very precise vibrations that work on bone while leaving soft tissues like nerves and blood vessels unaffected. It has been used for years in rhinoplasty and facial bone surgery, so there is substantial experience with its application.
During the procedure, Dr Perron uses real time ultrasound imaging to see exactly what he is doing. The piezoelectric device allows him to make controlled modifications to the floating ribs through small entry points. The ribs then heal in their new position over the following weeks and months.
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic and typically takes between one and two hours. Dr Perron accesses the ribs through small entry points, uses ultrasound to visualise the anatomy, and applies the piezoelectric technology to reshape the bone. At the end of the procedure, a compression garment is fitted to support the area during healing.
Most patients go home the same day. Some may stay overnight depending on individual circumstances, but this is not the norm.
Not everyone who enquires about rib remodelling will be a suitable candidate. Dr Perron conducts thorough assessments to determine whether the procedure is likely to address what a patient is hoping to achieve. However, there are some characteristics that tend to indicate a good fit for this surgery.
Patients who do well with rib remodelling are typically at or near a stable body weight. Being within ten to fifteen kilograms of your goal weight is a reasonable guide. Good skin elasticity helps the skin adapt to the new contours. Being in good general health without conditions that significantly increase surgical risk is important, as is being a non smoker or being willing to stop smoking well before and after surgery.
The key physical factor is that waist proportions are genuinely being influenced by rib structure rather than excess soft tissue. If someone’s waist width is primarily due to fat deposits, liposuction may be more appropriate, either alone or in combination with rib remodelling.
Some patients have always had a wide waist because of their skeletal frame. Even at their lowest adult weight, their waist has never had the definition they wanted. For these individuals, diet and exercise have taken them as far as they can go, and the issue is structural.
Other patients develop rib flare during pregnancy. As the baby grows, the lower ribs expand outward to make room. Sometimes these ribs do not return to their original position after birth. Women in this situation often notice that bras and tops fit differently than before pregnancy, even after they have lost the baby weight and done core rehabilitation work.
Some patients come to rib remodelling after having other body contouring procedures. They may have had liposuction or a tummy tuck and achieved good results, but feel their waist is still limited by their underlying bone structure. Adding rib remodelling can address that remaining concern.
There are also patients who maintain a high level of fitness and feel frustrated that their waist does not reflect their dedication. When someone trains consistently and eats well but their proportions do not change, it often comes back to skeletal factors that exercise cannot influence.
Beyond the physical criteria, good candidates have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve. They are pursuing the procedure for themselves rather than because of pressure from others. They understand that recovery takes time and are prepared to follow post operative instructions carefully. They have thought through the decision and feel confident moving forward.
Dr Perron believes that well informed patients have the best experiences. During your consultation, he will spend time understanding your concerns and what you are hoping to achieve. He will examine you, review your imaging, and explain what the procedure can realistically accomplish for your specific anatomy.
He encourages patients to come with questions written down and to bring a support person if that would be helpful. There is no rush during consultations. The goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make a decision that feels right for you.
Every patient is different. Dr Perron develops treatment plans based on your particular anatomy, your goals, and your overall circumstances. This may involve discussing whether rib remodelling should be performed on its own or whether combining it with another procedure like liposuction would give you a more complete result.
He will give you his honest professional opinion about what is likely to work for you. If he does not think rib remodelling is the right approach, he will tell you.
Dr Perron’s achievement as the top graduate of the Paris RibXcar program is consistent with his broader approach to his work. He keeps his knowledge current through ongoing professional development, attends surgical conferences, and has published in peer reviewed journals. He is committed to offering his patients the benefit of up to date expertise.
Rib remodelling can be performed on its own, but many patients choose to combine it with other body contouring procedures. Combining procedures means one anaesthetic and one recovery period rather than two, which many people find appealing.
Liposuction is the most common procedure combined with rib remodelling. By removing fat from the waist, flanks, and abdomen at the same time as reshaping the ribs, patients can address both the soft tissue and skeletal components of their waist shape. The results from this combination are often more comprehensive than either procedure alone.
For patients with excess abdominal skin or muscle separation, combining rib remodelling with abdominoplasty may be appropriate. Body lift procedures are another option for those seeking more extensive contouring.
Dr Perron will discuss combination options during your consultation and recommend what he thinks will best achieve your goals.
Everything starts with a consultation at Dr Perron’s rooms in Spring Hill. During this appointment, he will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and determine whether rib remodelling is suitable for you. You will leave with a clear understanding of what the procedure involves and whether it is likely to address your concerns.
If you decide to proceed, you will have a CT scan of your rib cage so Dr Perron can see your specific anatomy and plan your procedure precisely. You will receive instructions about preparing for surgery, including guidance on medications, smoking cessation, and practical matters like arranging transport home.
There is a mandatory cooling off period between your final consultation and surgery. This is a requirement under Medical Board of Australia guidelines for cosmetic surgery, and it ensures you have adequate time to consider your decision.
On the day, you will be welcomed by Dr Perron’s team and prepared for the procedure. You will be under general anaesthetic throughout, so you will not be aware of the surgery. The anaesthetic team will monitor you carefully. Afterwards, you will recover before going home with your compression garment fitted and clear instructions for the days ahead.
You will notice a difference in your waist shape soon after surgery, but this is not your final result. There will be swelling initially, and it takes several months for everything to settle. As the swelling goes down and the ribs heal in their new position, your results will continue to refine. Dr Perron will see you for follow up appointments to monitor your progress.
The structural changes from rib remodelling are intended to be long lasting. Once your ribs have healed, the reshaping is maintained.
The cost of rib remodelling depends on several factors including whether you are having the procedure alone or in combination with other surgery, hospital and anaesthetic fees, and other elements specific to your treatment plan. Dr Perron will provide you with a detailed quote after your consultation once he has assessed your situation and developed a plan tailored to you.
Rib remodelling is a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. The practice can discuss payment options with you.
Dr Perron is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Plastic Surgery with more than ten years of experience. He completed the official RibXCar certification program in Paris and graduated at the top of his class. This combination of specialist plastic surgery training and dedicated rib remodelling certification means patients are treated by a surgeon with both broad expertise and specific procedural knowledge.
No. Rib remodelling reshapes the ribs using ultrasonic technology while preserving the rib structure. Rib removal involves surgically taking out sections of rib. These are different procedures and Dr Perron can explain the distinctions during your consultation.
The bone heals in its new position, so the structural change is long lasting. Your overall body contour may still be affected over time by factors like weight fluctuations or pregnancy, but the skeletal reshaping itself is intended to be permanent.
The procedure uses small entry points rather than large incisions. These typically heal well and become difficult to see over time. Dr Perron places them in locations that minimise visibility.
Yes, this is common. Many patients combine rib remodelling with liposuction for more comprehensive waist contouring. Dr Perron will discuss whether combining procedures makes sense for your goals.
The best way to find out is to have a consultation with Dr Perron. He will assess your anatomy, listen to your goals, and give you his professional opinion about whether rib remodelling is likely to help you achieve what you are looking for.
The information below covers the practical realities of recovering from rib remodelling and the risks associated with the procedure. Dr Perron believes in providing complete information so you can make a fully informed decision.
Before your procedure, you will complete a health questionnaire and have a physical examination. A CT scan will be done to assess your rib anatomy. You may need additional tests depending on your health status, and Dr Perron will review your medications and supplements.
You will need to stop smoking at least four to six weeks before surgery because smoking impairs healing. Certain medications and supplements will need to be paused as directed. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and have your home set up for a comfortable recovery with easy meals and a good place to rest. Plan for time off work and help with daily tasks.
During the first week, you will need to rest at home. Discomfort is normal and will be managed with prescribed pain medication. You should do gentle walking to keep your circulation moving, and you will wear your compression garment as directed.
From weeks two to four, you can gradually return to light daily activities. The compression garment stays on, and you should avoid lifting anything heavy or doing strenuous activity.
Between weeks four and six, many patients can return to desk based work. You will still have activity restrictions and will attend follow up appointments with Dr Perron.
From weeks six to twelve, you can start introducing more activity as Dr Perron advises. The compression garment use will taper according to his instructions, and swelling will continue to decrease.
After three months, your results will continue to settle. It can take several months for the final outcome to be fully apparent as all swelling resolves.
The compression garment is an important part of your recovery. It supports the treated area while you heal and contributes to achieving optimal results. Dr Perron will tell you exactly how long to wear it, which is typically a matter of weeks to months.
While you are recovering, you will need to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and activities that put strain on your torso. You will receive guidance on sleeping positions and should avoid submerging in water until Dr Perron clears you.
How much time you need off work depends on what your job involves. Desk based work typically requires four to six weeks away. Light physical work usually needs six to eight weeks. Heavy physical work may require eight to twelve weeks or longer. Dr Perron will advise you based on your specific situation.
All surgery carries risks. General risks include bleeding, infection, adverse reaction to anaesthesia, blood clots, wound healing problems, and scarring.
Risks more specific to rib remodelling include asymmetry, contour irregularities, prolonged swelling or discomfort, numbness or changed sensation in the treated area, fluid collection, results that do not meet expectations, and the possibility of needing revision surgery. Rare but serious risks include pneumothorax, which is a collapsed lung, and injury to surrounding structures.
Outcomes vary between patients depending on individual anatomy, healing capacity, and how well post operative instructions are followed. Surgery cannot guarantee specific results.
Contact Dr Perron’s rooms or seek medical attention straight away if you experience difficulty breathing or chest pain, severe pain not controlled by your medication, fever or chills, signs of infection like increasing redness or discharge from entry points, excessive swelling particularly on one side, or anything else that concerns you.
This is an elective procedure, so take the time you need to decide. Talk to your GP about your plans. Think carefully about whether your expectations are realistic. Make sure you have support lined up for your recovery, and factor in the full financial cost including time off work. Remember that all surgery has risks and that no outcome can be guaranteed.
If you would like to discuss whether rib remodelling may be suitable for you, the next step is to book a consultation with Dr Perron.
Herstellen Clinic 490 Boundary Street Spring Hill QLD 4000
Phone: 07 3861 8800 Website: drjustinperron.com.au
Dr Justin Perron is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Brisbane.
AHPRA Registration: MED0000959827 Qualifications: MBBS, FRACS (Plastics) Fellowship: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons RibXCar Certification: Paris Training Program, Top Graduate Member: Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons Member: Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Member: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Dr Perron completed his medical degree at Flinders University in Adelaide and his specialist plastic surgery training through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). He has worked across Queensland and Western Australia, building extensive experience in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
He practices from the Herstellen Clinic in Spring Hill with operating privileges at the Wesley Hospital, St Andrews War Memorial Hospital, Brisbane Private Hospital, and Spring Hill Specialist Day Hospital.
Disclaimer: All surgical procedures carry risks. Individual results vary and cannot be guaranteed. This information is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Patients are encouraged to consult their GP and carefully consider all information provided during consultation before making decisions about surgery.
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490 Boundary Street
Spring Hill QLD 4000
