In a disturbing new trend sweeping social media and beauty circles, women are reportedly spending upwards of $20,000 on a controversial procedure dubbed “RibXcar” to achieve dramatically smaller waists.
This viral craze, blending surgical intervention with extreme body modification, has sparked a wave of fascination, concern, and debate across news outlets and online platforms.
Experts are weighing in, with some calling it a dangerous fad while others see it as the latest evolution in the pursuit of an idealized figure.
According to a recent report from The New York Post, the RibXcar procedure involves a combination of rib removal surgery and advanced corseting techniques, promising to carve out an exaggerated hourglass shape.
The article highlights cases of women, primarily in their 20s and 30s, who view the investment as a worthwhile trade-off for a silhouette reminiscent of vintage pin-up models or modern influencers.
One anonymous participant told the outlet, “It’s not just about the look—it’s about confidence. I feel like a new person.” The procedure, which can take months of recovery and follow-up adjustments, has gained traction through viral before-and-after photos shared widely online.
Vogue delved into RibXcar’s cultural underpinnings, noting its roots in historical practices like tight-lacing, which are amplified by today’s obsession with curated aesthetics.
The magazine interviewed Dr. Elaine Marwood, a plastic surgeon, who explained, “This isn’t your standard liposuction or tummy tuck. It’s a structural body alteration, removing lower ribs to allow for a tighter cinch.”
However, Marwood cautioned that the risks—including infection, breathing difficulties, and permanent skeletal changes—are significant, urging potential candidates to consider long-term health over fleeting trends.
Meanwhile, The Guardian took a more critical stance, framing RibXcar as a symptom of societal pressure on women to conform to unattainable beauty standards.
The piece cited feminist scholar Dr. Naomi Patel, who argued, “This is less about empowerment and more about a desperate grasp for control in a world that still judges women by their bodies.”
The article also pointed to the hefty $20,000 price tag, suggesting it widens the gap between those who can afford such transformations and those who cannot, further entrenching class divides in beauty culture.
Health experts quoted in CNN raised red flags about the procedure’s safety. Dr. Michael Torres, a thoracic specialist, warned, “The ribs aren’t just decorative—they protect vital organs and support respiration.
Removing them for cosmetic reasons is a gamble with serious consequences.” CNN’s coverage also noted a growing chorus of online critics calling RibXcar a “modern Frankenstein experiment,” with some X users trending the phrase “beauty shouldn’t cost your life.”
Despite the backlash, the craze shows no signs of slowing. Forbes reported that clinics in cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Dubai are seeing a surge in bookings, with some offering payment plans to make RibXcar more accessible.
The outlet interviewed a clinic owner who claimed, “Demand is through the roof. We’re not pushing this—clients are begging for it.”
The article speculated that the procedure’s popularity could signal a shift toward more extreme body modifications becoming mainstream, especially as influencers and celebrities subtly hint at undergoing similar transformations.
