Can Rib Repositioning be Combined with a Skinny BBL?

Rib repositioning is a revolutionary treatment, and when combined with a Skinny Brazilian Butt Lift, it can provide thinner patients with flattering curves. The combination of liposculpting, fat transfer, and rib repositioning allows us to create an attractive hourglass figure, which we have had limited ability to do for thinner patients in the past.

Rib repositioning will decrease the actual size of the waist, while liposculpting can sculpt the surrounding areas. The fat that is harvested during liposuction can be used to augment the buttocks and fill in hip dips.

As one of Texas’s leading plastic surgery practices, Austin Plastic Surgeon specializes in combining treatments to address a patient’s concerns and deliver their ideal body contours with customized treatments.

If you are interested in sculpting your body to enhance your curves and confidence, we can help you explore your options and create a custom-tailored treatment plan. Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form. If you have any further questions or would prefer to schedule over the phone, please call your closest office directly to speak with one of our experts.

About Combining Rib Repositioning and Skinny BBLs

Combining a Brazilian Butt Lift with rib repositioning is a transformative approach. The BBL involves enhancing the size and shape of the buttocks through fat transfer techniques, while rib repositioning entails surgically adjusting the position of the lower ribs for a narrower waistline. (1,2,3) This dual approach targets the torso and lower body, offering patients a well-defined silhouette.

Many individuals who pursue this combination surgery seek a more dramatic enhancement in their body contour, hoping to obtain a youthful, voluptuous figure. By artfully blending volume in the gluteal region and refining the waist, patients can enjoy a harmonious and balanced look that accentuates their natural curves.

Rib repositioning often treats the 10th, 11th, and 12th ribs using a special technique. (1,2) This technique does not remove the ribs, but it can shrink the waist several inches by precisely repositioning the lower ribs to change the hip-to-waist ratio. Cinching the waist can transform an individual from a square to an hourglass shape, accentuating the body with beautiful curves and contours.

What Makes Rib Repositioning Different From Rib Removal?

Rib removal was the original method of slimming the waistline via rib augmentation, but this method has become outdated. Most surgeons prefer to reposition the ribs rather than remove them entirely, as this method entails smaller incisions and ensures the integrity of the ribcage. Instead of removing the ribs entirely, they are simply adjusted in place. (1,2)

What Makes a Skinny BBL Different From a Standard BBL?

The main differences between these two procedures are the fat harvesting process and how much fat is transferred to the buttocks. During a Skinny BBL, the surgeon takes fat from various areas where excess fat is available, often including the abdomen, flanks, arms, bra line, upper back, inner thighs, or even the inner knees. A standard BBL, on the other hand, typically only requires the surgeon to take fat from one or two areas–often the abdomen and/or flanks. Skinny BBLs will also transfer less fat for more subtle results, whereas a standard BBL can transfer greater volumes. (3)

Benefits

Combining rib repositioning with a Skinny BBL offers numerous benefits for thinner patients who want to accentuate their curves. Under the expert treatment of the surgeons at Austin Plastic Surgeon, our patients experience advantages like:

  • Enhanced curves: The combined procedures create a striking balance between tapered waist proportions and fuller buttock contours.
  • Improved body proportions: Patients can achieve a more proportional figure, harmonizing the upper and lower body.
  • Customized outcomes: This approach allows for a personalized treatment plan tailored to individual anatomical considerations and aesthetic goals.
  • Effective fat redistribution: The use of liposuction in the BBL not only eliminates stubborn fat to enhance the buttocks but also contributes to the overall slimming effect of the torso.
  • Long-lasting results: With proper aftercare, results from both surgeries can be enduring, allowing patients to enjoy their new shapes for many years.
  • Increased clothing options: A refined waistline and enhanced buttocks allow individuals to feel comfortable in various clothing styles, especially fitted dresses and high-waisted pants.
  • Boosted self-confidence: Many patients report increased self-esteem and confidence post-op due to enhanced aesthetics.
  • Dual procedure convenience: Combining both surgical techniques can reduce overall recovery time compared to undergoing each procedure separately.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for a combination rib repositioning and Skinny BBL procedure are usually those who are in good overall health and at or near a stable goal weight but desire to contour their body to an attractive hourglass physique. While this procedure combination can achieve impressive results, all prospective patients should still keep their expectations realistic. Those who smoke or use other nicotine products should be prepared to quit before and after their treatment, at least temporarily. All patients’ candidacy will be further determined during their consultation with their surgeon.

Personal Consultation

A personal consultation at Austin Plastic Surgeon is an essential first step in evaluating if this combination procedure is right for you. During this appointment, we will review your medical history and discuss specific concerns regarding your body shape and aesthetic aspirations.

Your surgeon will conduct a thorough examination to assess your overall anatomical features, including the amount of fat available for transfer, waist circumference, and skin elasticity. Based on this evaluation, we will recommend a customized treatment strategy tailored specifically to your needs. Discussing potential outcomes and addressing any queries you may have will help ease concerns about your surgical journey.

Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form. If you have any further questions, please call any of our Austin-area offices directly.

Preparation

After establishing a treatment plan and setting a date for your procedure, you will receive a list of preparation instructions. These may vary for each patient depending on their medical history and goals, but some common guidelines include:

  • Ceasing the use of blood thinning medication, supplements, alcohol, and medications as directed.
  • Terminating nicotine usage several weeks before and throughout the recovery phase (if applicable).
  • Filling prescriptions for pain medications and antibiotics in advance.
  • Fasting for a set period.
  • Arranging for a responsible adult to accompany you home post-surgery.
  • Coordinating time away from work and social commitments to allow adequate rest.

Procedure

Patients are placed under general anesthesia for their procedures. A local anesthetic may also be applied to the treatment zones to decrease post-procedure discomfort.

Rib Repositioning

Rib repositioning will begin with your surgeon identifying the ribs that will be augmented. Once selected, they will make a small incision near each one. A specialized ultrasonic device called a piezotome is then inserted into this incision. This device can manipulate the ribs without damaging any surrounding tissue, minimizing the experienced trauma to the body and reducing your recovery time. (1,2) Once the necessary adjustments are made, your surgeon will close the incisions, and you can begin your recovery.

Skinny BBL

The Skinny BBL follows a process that is similar to the normal Brazilian Butt Lift, but requires additional considerations. This procedure also removes and transfers less fat. Your surgeon will make an incision in the areas where excess fat is present, then perform liposuction, using a cannula (tube) to suction out fat. This fat is then processed to remove dead cells, cell waste, and other impurities, leaving only the healthiest and most viable fat tissue. This processed fat is then reinjected into a few specialized locations on the buttocks to enhance its volume. (3)

Recovery

The recovery process after a combination of rib repositioning and Skinny BBL involves observing certain guidelines to promote effective healing. Initial discomfort, swelling, and bruising are expected, which can usually be managed with prescribed medications. Because Skinny BBL procedures involve transferring fat from multiple donor sites, patients must remember to care for their donor sites as well. Patients should limit physical activity, particularly heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, for at least six weeks to allow proper healing. They may also be required to wear compression garments to aid in minimizing swelling and supporting the newly contoured areas. Your surgeon and the Austin Plastic Surgeon team will continue to monitor your recovery at regular follow-up appointments. Final results may take several months to fully emerge as swelling subsides and body contours redefine.

Results

Patients often enjoy a dual transformation in their appearance following the combined procedures. The addition of fuller, lifted buttocks and a beautifully sculpted waist contributes to a balanced and stunning physique. Additionally, incision scars often fade significantly over time.

Cost of Combining Rib Repositioning with a Skinny BBL in Austin

The total cost of your combination rib repositioning and Skinny BBL will depend on your goals, the scale of each procedure, your medical history, the measures required in your treatment, and a handful of other factors. Our pricing page can give you an idea of the costs of our procedures. After meeting with one of our experts, you will receive a comprehensive price estimate for your treatment.

Schedule your consultation today to begin your body sculpting journey. If you have any further questions, please call any of our Austin-area offices to speak with an expert directly.

FAQ

Can rib repositioning and a Skinny BBL be performed simultaneously?

Yes, combining both procedures is efficient for patients looking for significant enhancements to their body contour.

What type of anesthesia is used in a combination of rib repositioning and Skinny BBL?

General anesthesia is used to ensure maximum comfort during the entirety of the surgery.

How long does it take to recover from rib repositioning and a Skinny BBL?

Although initial recovery may require about two weeks, it typically takes several months for final results to manifest entirely.

Are there any risks associated with combining rib repositioning and a Skinny BBL?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks including infection, scarring, or unsatisfactory results. It is essential to discuss these concerns in detail during the consultation.

References

  1. Chiu YH, Chiu Y, Lee CC, Wang T, Lee JL. Ant Waist Surgery: Aesthetic Removal of Floating Ribs to Decrease the Waist-hip Ratio. Plastic and reconstructive surgery Global open. 2023;11(3):e4852-e4852. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000004852
  2. Manzaneda RM, Adrianzen GA. Waist Reduction through Conversion from False to Floating Ribs. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2024;12(6):e5900. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005900
  3. Serbülent Güzey, Ayça Ergan Şahin. Brazilian Butt Lift: An Experience Over 3000 Patients. Aesthetic plastic surgery. Published online April 5, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-024-03965-8
  • Share: