Vive Plastic Surgery | Tijuana, Mexico
Rib Sculpting
A refined treatment plan built to feel clear, high-end, and easier to navigate from the first consultation. :::intro Refine your waistline like never before. Rib subluxation — also known as floating rib removal — is a specialized surgical technique that reduces the width of the lower tor...
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Savings Assessment
61% lower than the US average.
Procedure Reference
Clinical reference visuals are used to support surgery guidance.
Personalized consultation with clear expectations.
Refined technique focused on natural looking results.
Recovery support designed to make the process calmer.
Service Overview
Procedure Objective
Refine your waistline like never before. Rib subluxation — also known as floating rib removal — is a specialized surgical technique that reduces the width of the lower torso by removing or adjusting a portion of the 11th and 12th ribs. It's a popular procedure among models and influencers seeking a dramatic hourglass figure and ultra-snatched waist.
## Rib Subluxation in Tijuana (Rib Removal)
Few procedures transform the silhouette as dramatically as rib sculpting. Also known as rib subluxation or floating rib removal, this advanced technique reshapes the lower torso by removing or repositioning a portion of the 11th and 12th ribs (the "floating" ribs at the bottom of the ribcage). The result is a narrower waistline and a more defined hourglass figure that simply cannot be achieved through liposuction alone.
At Vive Plastic Surgery in Tijuana, rib sculpting is performed by a small number of highly trained plastic surgeons who have made this procedure a true specialty. Our patients include models, fitness competitors, influencers, and anyone who has done the work to build the body they want but is still limited by underlying bone structure.
Tijuana has become a recognized destination for this procedure because the same surgical expertise available in Beverly Hills or Miami can be found here, with the cost advantage, bilingual care, and personalized recovery support our patients appreciate.
Procedure Detail
What is Rib Sculpting?
Rib sculpting (rib subluxation) is a surgical procedure that removes or repositions a portion of the lower two ribs — the 11th and 12th, known as the "floating ribs" because they are not attached to the sternum at the front. These ribs naturally flare outward, and in some patients they contribute significantly to a wider lower torso. By reducing their outward projection, the waistline can be narrowed by several centimeters, creating a much more dramatic contour.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Through a small incision hidden under the bra line or along the back, the surgeon accesses the floating ribs and carefully removes or repositions a portion of the bone. The incision is placed in a natural crease so it is virtually invisible once healed.
The floating ribs do not support any essential organs, which is why they can be safely modified by a qualified surgeon. The procedure is most often performed as an add-on to other body contouring surgeries — such as 360 liposuction, a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), or a tummy tuck — to maximize the waistline definition those procedures can achieve.
Most patients can walk the next day and return to light activities within about a week. Compression garments are worn for 4 to 6 weeks to help the body adapt to its new contour.
Why Patients Choose It
Benefits of Rib Sculpting at Vive
**Ultra-Defined Waist
** Reduces waist diameter by 2–4 cm, creating a much more pronounced hourglass shape.
**Lasting Results
** Permanent structural change — the bones do not grow back, so the new waistline is yours for life.
**Hidden Incision
** Small access point placed under the bra line or back, in a natural crease so it heals nearly invisibly.
**Ideal Add-On
** Perfect when combined with 360 Lipo, BBL, or tummy tuck to amplify the result of those procedures.
**Specialized Surgeons
** One of the few certified teams offering rib sculpting in Mexico, with deep experience in this highly technical procedure.
**Customized Approach
** Every torso is evaluated individually — we decide the exact amount of bone to remove based on your anatomy and goals.
**Bilingual, Concierge Care
** English-speaking team, transport from San Diego, and recovery house coordination for international patients.
Journey
What the experience feels like
Consultation
We review your goals, safety profile, and the exact surgical plan so expectations stay clear.
Procedure day
Your treatment is performed with a board-certified team and a premium clinical workflow.
Recovery support
Aftercare guidance, room planning, and follow-up are designed to make healing feel calmer.
Results Preview
Before-and-after guidelines
FAQs
Questions we hear most often
**How does rib subluxation work?**
Our surgeons access the floating ribs and remove or reposition a portion of the bone, reducing lateral expansion of the torso. It's done under general anesthesia with a small, hidden incision.
**Is it safe?**
Yes, when performed by qualified surgeons in a hospital-grade facility. The floating ribs have no essential organ support, making the procedure safe when done properly.
**Will I see the results right away?**
Swelling will be present for 1–2 weeks, but the hourglass shape becomes noticeable quickly — especially when combined with previous contouring procedures.
**Will the ribs grow back?**
No. The portion of rib that is removed or repositioned does not regenerate. The contour change is permanent.
## Want an ultra-snatched waistline?
Rib sculpting is one of the most powerful procedures we offer for patients who want to take their body contour to the next level. It is not a first-time body contouring surgery — it is the refinement that takes a great result and makes it extraordinary.
## Why Choose Vive Plastic Surgery?
At Vive Plastic Surgery, every procedure is performed by board-certified plastic surgeons in our state-of-the-art facility in Tijuana. We combine advanced surgical techniques with personalized care to deliver natural, refined results.
Ready to plan your procedure?
Speak directly with our bilingual coordinators. We can help you arrange consultations, custom quotes, and recovery house packages.