Rib Correction in Zurich with RibXcar

RibXcar allows for targeted waist slimming without removing any ribs or making incisions in the skin. The method is particularly suitable for people whose waistline is significantly defined by prominent lower ribs.

A multicenter cohort study published in 2026 involving 3,805 female patients from eight countries documented a measurable change in rib angles and a reduction in waist circumference 12 months after RibXcar treatment—even without additional liposuction.

• Waist reduction without visible scars
  The instruments are inserted through small puncture sites. There are no skin incisions on the sides of the body, but the puncture sites may be temporarily visible.
• Rib Preservation
  Unlike traditional rib removal, the treated ribs remain in the body. Their shape and alignment are specifically altered.
• Ultrasound-Guided Rib Shaping
  The procedure is monitored using imaging. This allows for precise visualization of the instruments and the treated ribs during the procedure.
• Custom Waist Shaping
  The design is based on the anatomy of the chest and the proportions of the waist, hips, back, and buttocks.
• Outpatient Procedure
• The surgery, which lasts about one hour, is performed under anesthesia. If everything goes as planned, an overnight stay is not necessary.
• Can be combined with liposuction
  If fat deposits, in addition to the shape of the ribs, are widening the waistline, rib contouring and liposuction can be combined.

• Type of treatment: Ultrasound-Guided Rib Modeling with RibXcar
• Duration of treatment: about 1 hour
• Recovery time: about 1–2 weeks
• Result: fully visible after about 3 months
• Duration of action: Generally speaking, in the long term: weight and body composition, as well as consistent follow-up care, all play a role
• Side effects: Temporary swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion
• Costs: starting at 14,000 CHF

RibXcar is suitable for people whose waistline appears less defined due to the shape or alignment of their lower ribs. Prerequisites include suitable anatomical conditions, good overall health, and realistic expectations regarding the potential results.
This treatment may be particularly appropriate if:

• the lower ribs protrude noticeably outward,
• the waist appears less defined despite a stable weight,
• Exercise and weight loss do not alter the bony contours,
• since liposuction alone is not expected to result in sufficient waist reduction,
• a traditional rib removal is not desired, and
• There is a willingness to wear the corset consistently for three months.

RibXcar is not a weight-loss method and does not remove fat or excess skin. For more significant fat deposits or excess skin, liposuction, a tummy tuck, or a combined treatment plan may be more appropriate.

Whether rib reshaping is medically and anatomically feasible is determined based on a physical examination and computed tomography (CT) scans. Pre-existing conditions, previous surgeries, bone quality, and individual risk factors are also taken into account in the assessment.

In RibXcar, the lower ribs are selectively weakened through small incisions using an ultrasound-guided instrument. The surgeon then adjusts their alignment so that the lateral contour of the chest appears narrower and the waist more defined.

Depending on the patient’s anatomy, the treatment involves the lower ribs, typically in the area of rib pairs 10 through 12. During the procedure, the region is monitored using imaging to ensure that the reshaping is as precise and symmetrical as possible. Shaping up to the 8th rib is also possible, but must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

After surgery, a tight-fitting corset stabilizes the newly realigned ribs. It must be worn for three months while the ribs heal in their new position.

Consistent use of a corset is an essential part of postoperative care. In a survey, 87 percent of surgeons reported no recurrence of positional loss—and when a relapse was observed, inadequate corset use was cited as one of the possible causes. The corset can therefore help stabilize the repositioned ribs during bone healing.

RibXcar Compared to Traditional Rib Removal

In traditional rib removal, also known as costectomy, portions of the lower ribs are removed through surgical incisions. RibXcar preserves the ribs and instead makes controlled changes to their shape or alignment; as a result, no access is required to remove sections of the ribs.

RibXcar Compared to Plate-Based Procedures

In procedures using metal plates, ribs are exposed through skin incisions, aligned in a predetermined position, and fixed with implants. RibXcar requires no metal plates or screws; stabilization is achieved externally through the corset after modeling.

RibXcar vs. Liposuction

Liposuction reduces fat deposits but does not alter the shape of the ribs. It is particularly suitable when fat tissue on the flanks, abdomen, or back is responsible for a less-defined waist. RibXcar, on the other hand, targets the bony contour of the rib cage. If both prominent ribs and fat deposits influence the silhouette, both treatments can be planned individually or combined.

Consulting

During a personal consultation, we assess the proportions of your chest, waist, abdomen, back, and hips. We determine whether the waistline is primarily shaped by the form of the ribs, by fatty tissue, or by a combination of both factors. You will receive a clear assessment of the realistic results that can be achieved. We will also discuss the surgical method, possible alternatives, risks, postoperative care, and costs.

Preparation

Before rib correction surgery, a CT scan of the upper body is performed. The CT images show the alignment and shape of the ribs and serve as the basis for the individualized surgical plan. In addition, the necessary preoperative medical examinations and the anesthesia consultation will take place. Blood-thinning medications may only be adjusted or discontinued after consulting with your doctor. You should also avoid nicotine before and after the procedure.

Treatment

The RibXcar procedure is performed under anesthesia and takes about an hour. An ultrasound-guided instrument is inserted through small incisions to the targeted ribs in order to weaken them in a precise and controlled manner. The ribs are then reshaped into the planned position. The surgical site is monitored using imaging techniques throughout the procedure.

Follow-up care

A corset is applied immediately after the procedure. It must be worn for 3 months to stabilize the ribs in the correct position while the bones heal. Depending on the physical demands of your job, you may be able to return to work after about one week. For physically demanding jobs, a longer recovery period may be necessary. Sports and intense physical activity should be avoided for 10 weeks.

Despite careful planning, RibXcar can lead to complications. An individual’s risk depends, among other factors, on anatomy, bone quality, pre-existing conditions, nicotine use, and adherence to post-operative care.

Possible risks include:

• Pain and tenderness
• Swelling and bruising
• Bleeding and post-operative bleeding
• Infections
• Skin or soft tissue injuries
• thermal skin damage
• temporary or persistent emotional disturbances
• asymmetrical waistlines
• insufficient or undesirable changes in shape
• further displacement of the modeled ribs
• Thrombosis and embolism
• necessary corrective or follow-up surgeries

Computed tomography, image-guided surgical planning, and medical follow-ups are used to identify anatomical risks at an early stage. The specialized expertise of PD Dr. med. Matthias Waldner and individualized planning can help minimize the risk of complications.

The cost of rib correction with RibXcar at clinic utoquai starts at CHF 14,000. Before the treatment, you will receive a personalized cost estimate and information about the services included.

What is RibXcar?

RibXcar is an ultrasound-assisted method for reshaping the lower ribs and slimming the waist. The ribs are preserved and are weakened in a controlled manner through small puncture sites, realigned, and then stabilized with a corset.

How can you slim your waist with RibXcar?

RibXcar alters the alignment of lower ribs that protrude prominently outward and can thereby narrow the bony contour of the waist. The procedure removes neither fat nor skin and is therefore particularly suitable when the shape of the ribs determines the width of the waist.

Is the RibXcar treatment really scar-free?

RibXcar does not require long skin incisions, but only small puncture sites for the instruments. However, minimal puncture marks may still be visible at first.

By how many centimeters can RibXcar reduce your waistline?

It is not possible to specify a fixed reduction in centimeters. The achievable result depends on rib shape, body type, fat distribution, and consistent use of a compression garment, and is assessed on an individual basis prior to surgery.

Does the RibXcar procedure involve breaking or removing the ribs?

The ribs are not removed, but are carefully weakened using an ultrasound-based instrument and reshaped along a specific line. A corset then stabilizes the ribs in their new position while the bone heals.

Is RibXcar painful?

After rib contouring, you may experience pain, tenderness, and pain with movement, especially during the first few days. These symptoms are treated with pain relievers and should gradually subside over the following weeks.

How long do I need to wear a corset after RibXcar?

The corset must be worn for three months following RibXcar treatment. It stabilizes the reshaped ribs during bone healing and may only be removed or loosened in accordance with the doctor’s instructions.

When can I return to work and exercise after RibXcar surgery?

With light physical work, a person is usually able to return to work after about a week. Sports, heavy lifting, and strenuous physical activity must be avoided for ten weeks.

Are the results of RibXcar treatment permanent?

The results are generally long-lasting once the reshaped ribs have healed stably in their new position. However, significant fluctuations in weight can still alter the visible waistline, because RibXcar does not reduce fat tissue.

Can RibXcar be combined with other treatments at Clinic Utoquai?

Yes. RibXcar can, for example, be combined with liposuction if both protruding ribs and fat deposits define the waistline; whether the procedures are performed at the same time or at separate times depends on the patient’s anatomy, the extent of treatment, and individual risk factors.