This is a cosmetic surgical operation during which the lower ribs are removed to permit the person to gain an hour-glass figure.
In this body-contouring procedure, most of the floating ribs (numbers 11 and 12) and occasionally rib 10 are removed, in conjunction with abdominoplasty, to give female patients a more feminine hourglass figure. The rear portion of the ribs are left intact to protect against trauma to internal organs. This plastic surgery operation is irreversible as the ribs do not re-grow. It is performed under general anesthesia and requires hospitalization.