Thomas P. Sterry, MD
1080 5th Avenue #1b
New York, NY 10128
Phone: (212) 249-4020
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
RibXcar Technique for a Snatched Waist | Dr. Thomas Sterry

If you’ve ever wished for a more defined snatched waist or a dramatic hourglass shape, the RibXcar technique might be exactly what you’re looking for. Unlike traditional rib removal, this cutting-edge rib remodeling procedure reshapes your waistline in a way that looks natural, with a pinhole scar that’s nearly invisible.
Dr. Thomas Sterry, a leading plastic surgeon in New York City, trained in this revolutionary technique under Dr. Raul Manzenada Cipriani in Peru—one of the pioneers of rib contouring. Now, he’s bringing this next-level waist snatching procedure to NYC, helping patients achieve a more sculpted, feminine silhouette.
Dr. Thomas P. Sterry
Thomas Sterry, MD, is a board-certified New York City plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He has been president of both the New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons and the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons. In addition, he sits on the executive council of the New York County Medical Society and has been a delegate to the Medical Society of the State of New York for years. At his inviting, boutique-style practice in Manhattan, he focuses on each patient’s unique needs and aesthetic goals so that he can provide the most attractive and natural-looking outcomes possible.
Meet Dr. Sterry Request a ConsultationCredentials you can trust


What Is the RibXcar Technique?
RibXcar is an advanced form of rib remodeling designed to enhance your natural waistline by reshaping specific ribs—without the need for full rib removal. Depending on your goals, Dr. Sterry can target 2, 4, 6, or even 8 ribs to create a more contoured, feminine shape.
Here’s what makes it different from traditional rib removal:
- Minimally invasive – Instead of removing ribs, the technique modifies their shape for a more natural result.
- Tiny, nearly invisible scars – The procedure uses a pinhole incision, making it discreet and easy to hide.
- Faster recovery – Less trauma to your body means a smoother healing process.
Many patients choose RibXcar as a standalone procedure, but it can also be the perfect add-on to a tummy tuck for an even more dramatic transformation.
Benefits of RibXcar
If you’ve been searching for a way to enhance your waistline beyond what diet, exercise, or even liposuction can achieve, RibXcar might be the answer. This technique is designed to fine-tune your body’s natural shape, giving you the snatched waist look that’s often seen on models, celebrities, and social media influencers.
But what makes RibXcar so unique? Let’s break it down.
1. A More Dramatic Hourglass Shape
New York is a city that thrives on aesthetics, and when it comes to body contouring, subtle changes can make all the difference. With RibXcar, Dr. Sterry can sculpt your waist to enhance your natural curves while keeping everything proportionate.
Unlike traditional rib removal, which completely removes parts of the ribcage, this rib remodeling technique reshapes the ribs to allow for a more defined curve at the waist. Whether you’re naturally slim or curvier, this procedure helps create a sleek, contoured midsection that accentuates your hips and bust.
2. A Pinched Waist Without the Look of Surgery
One of the biggest concerns patients have with body contouring is looking too “done.” You want your results to be noticeable but still natural-looking—like your body was just meant to look this way.
With RibXcar, the waist reduction is subtle but significant, so you get that hourglass effect without it looking like you’ve had work done. There are no unnatural indentations or exaggerated shapes—just a beautifully sculpted waistline.
3. A Tiny, Nearly Invisible Scar
If you’re worried about scars, you’ll love this: RibXcar leaves only a pinhole-sized incision, making it one of the most discreet body contouring procedures available.
Dr. Sterry uses a minimally invasive approach, meaning there’s no long incision running across your torso. Instead, the tiny entry points used during surgery heal quickly and are barely visible once you’ve recovered. This means you can wear crop tops, bikinis, or fitted dresses without any telltale signs of surgery.
4. Faster Recovery & Less Trauma to the Body
Traditional rib removal is a major surgery that can involve a long recovery period and significant discomfort. But with RibXcar, because the technique focuses on reshaping rather than removing the ribs, downtime is much shorter.
Most patients:
- Feel sore but not in severe pain after surgery
- Can resume light activities within a few days
- Return to work within a week or two (depending on individual healing)
And because the ribs remain intact, the risk of chronic pain or breathing issues is far lower compared to older, more invasive techniques.
5. A Perfect Add-On to a Tummy Tuck
If you’re already considering a tummy tuck, RibXcar can take your results to the next level. While a tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens muscles, it doesn’t necessarily create a snatched waist—that’s where rib remodeling comes in.
By combining the two, you get a flatter stomach and a more defined waistline at the same time, leading to an even more dramatic transformation.
The Procedure: How RibXcar Works
If you’re curious about what happens during RibXcar, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect from consultation to recovery.

Step 1: Your Consultation with Dr. Sterry
Every patient’s body is different, and that’s why the first step is a consultation. Dr. Sterry will:
- Assess your waistline and rib structure
- Discuss your aesthetic goals
- Explain how many ribs may need remodeling (options include 2, 4, 6, or 8 ribs)
- Review your medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate
Because this procedure is highly customizable, Dr. Sterry will tailor the technique to your body so you get results that look flattering and natural.
Step 2: The Day of Your Procedure
On the day of surgery, you’ll arrive at Dr. Sterry’s practice in New York City, where everything is designed for your comfort and safety.
- Anesthesia: You’ll be under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure.
- Tiny Incisions: Using a pinhole-sized entry point, Dr. Sterry accesses the targeted ribs.
- Rib Remodeling: Instead of removing the ribs completely, the bone is carefully reshaped and contoured to create a snatched waistline.
- Incision Closure: The tiny incision is closed, leaving you with minimal scarring.
- Post-Surgery Monitoring: After surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery area where the team ensures you’re comfortable before heading home.
Step 3: Recovery & Healing
Since RibXcar is minimally invasive, recovery is quicker and easier than traditional rib removal procedures. Here’s what you can expect:
- Some soreness and swelling – This usually peaks in the first few days but improves steadily.
- Compression garment recommended – Wearing a compression garment helps support the healing process and enhances your results.
- Back to light activities within a few days – Most patients feel well enough to walk around and do light tasks within 48 hours.
- Full results in a few months – As the swelling goes down, you’ll start seeing your final waist transformation.
Because Dr. Sterry’s technique is gentle on the body, most patients report minimal discomfort and a smooth healing process.
Step 4: Your Final Results
Once you’re fully healed, you’ll notice a more defined waistline, a beautifully contoured shape, and a natural-looking hourglass figure. Whether you choose to have 2, 4, 6, or 8 ribs remodeled, the goal is always the same: to enhance your natural curves while maintaining balance and harmony with the rest of your body.
Who Is a Good Candidate for RibXcar?
The RibXcar technique isn’t just for models and celebrities—it’s for anyone looking to achieve a snatched waist and hourglass shape with a minimally invasive approach. If you’re considering this procedure, it’s important to know whether you’re a good candidate.
Ideal Candidates for Rib Remodeling
RibXcar works best for individuals who:
- Want a more defined waistline – If you feel like your waist is too straight or lacks definition, this procedure can create the curved, pinched-in effect that enhances your figure.
- Have good skin elasticity – Since this technique doesn’t involve removing excess skin, having firm, elastic skin ensures your body adjusts well to the new waist shape.
- Are close to their ideal weight – While RibXcar can enhance your silhouette, it’s not a weight loss procedure. The best results come when your body fat percentage is stable and you’re at a weight you can maintain.
- Have a sturdy ribcage structure – The procedure involves modifying specific ribs (2, 4, 6, or 8) to create a natural curve. Dr. Sterry will assess your ribcage and determine how much remodeling is possible to achieve your desired result.
- Are looking for a permanent solution – Unlike waist trainers or non-surgical contouring, RibXcar provides long-term results with no need for maintenance treatments.
- Are in overall good health – As with any elective surgery, being in good health with no serious medical conditions ensures a safe procedure and smooth recovery.
This technique is ideal for people who have tried everything—from core training to waist trainers—but still struggle to get a snatched waist. If you’re genetically predisposed to a wider waist or straight torso, this could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.
Considerations for Combining RibXcar with a Tummy Tuck
If you’re already thinking about getting a tummy tuck, adding RibXcar can take your results to the next level. Here’s why:
- Tummy Tuck Removes Excess Skin—RibXcar Refines the Waist
A tummy tuck focuses on tightening loose skin and repairing abdominal muscles, but it doesn’t sculpt the ribcage or waist structure. Adding RibXcar ensures you get both a flat stomach and an hourglass shape in one procedure. - One Recovery Period Instead of Two
Since both procedures involve a recovery period, combining them reduces overall downtime. Instead of healing from a tummy tuck and then undergoing another surgery later, you can streamline the process and recover once. - Stronger Waist Definition
If you’re investing in a tummy tuck, you want to make sure your final results are as dramatic and sculpted as possible. RibXcar enhances the waist contouring effect, making your midsection even more defined. - Better Skin Retraction After RibXcar
When your ribs are remodeled, the skin needs to adjust to the new shape. If you have loose skin, a tummy tuck can help ensure everything tightens smoothly, preventing sagging. - A Fully Customized Body Contouring Plan
Dr. Sterry believes in tailoring every procedure to the individual. If you’re considering both a tummy tuck and RibXcar, he can map out the perfect plan for your body type, ensuring the results look natural and proportionate.
RibXcar vs. Traditional Rib Removal
While rib removal has been around for years, the RibXcar technique represents a more advanced, refined, and safer alternative. If you’re trying to decide between the two, understanding the key differences can help you make the right choice.
Key Differences in Technique and Results
Feature | RibXcar (Rib Remodeling) | Traditional Rib Removal |
---|---|---|
Approach | Reshapes and remodels specific ribs | Completely removes ribs |
Scarring | Pinhole-sized incision (barely visible) | Larger incisions with visible scars |
Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | More invasive |
Recovery Time | Shorter recovery, less discomfort | Longer recovery, more painful healing |
Results | Natural-looking waistline with curves | Can look exaggerated or unnatural |
Safety | Preserves rib structure, reducing risks | Higher risk of complications |
Flexibility | Can target 2, 4, 6, or 8 ribs for customized results | Often removes floating ribs (11 & 12) only. |
Why Rib Remodeling Is the Preferred Option
- No Drastic Structural Changes
One of the biggest concerns with rib removal is that it permanently alters your skeletal structure. Once ribs are removed, they don’t grow back, and some people experience weakened torso support over time.
With RibXcar, you still get the waist-defining results without completely removing the ribs. Instead, they are reshaped and repositioned to create a sleek, contoured silhouette while maintaining their natural function. - No Visible Scars
Traditional rib removal often requires larger incisions, which can leave visible scars along the sides of your torso. With RibXcar, Dr. Sterry uses a tiny pinhole incision, making it virtually scarless.
If you want to wear bikinis, crop tops, or fitted dresses, RibXcar lets you do that without worrying about noticeable scars. - Lower Risk of Chronic Pain or Breathing Issues
Since traditional rib removal completely removes bones, some patients experience long-term side effects like chronic pain, weakened core strength, and even breathing difficulties.
RibXcar avoids these risks by keeping the ribs intact while reshaping them to achieve the desired waistline. The result? A snatched waist without the complications of full rib removal. - More Control Over Your Results
With rib removal, the final results are permanent and cannot be adjusted. If too much is removed, the waist can look unnatural or extreme.
RibXcar is a customizable procedure—you and Dr. Sterry can decide how many ribs to remodel based on your goals. Whether you want a slight waist refinement or a more dramatic curve, the procedure is tailored to your body type and preferences. - Works Well with Other Body Contouring Procedures
If you’re getting liposuction, a tummy tuck, or a BBL, RibXcar enhances the overall contouring effect. Since the ribs stay in place, the results blend seamlessly with the rest of your body, rather than looking artificially sculpted.
Dr. Thomas Sterry’s Approach to RibXcar
Dr. Thomas Sterry is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, known for his expertise in body contouring and high-definition sculpting. With years of experience refining techniques to create natural-looking yet dramatic transformations, he continuously seeks innovative procedures that offer safer, more effective, and aesthetically superior results.
After training with Dr. Raul Manzenada Cipriani in Peru, Dr. Sterry recognized the huge potential of the RibXcar technique as a game-changer in waist contouring. Unlike traditional rib removal, which can be invasive and irreversible, rib remodeling allows for a customized, more natural-looking waistline without compromising function or structure.
Why Dr. Sterry Believes in RibXcar

- A Next-Level Waist Contouring Option
Dr. Sterry has performed countless tummy tucks, liposuction procedures, and body contouring surgeries. However, he noticed that waist definition was often limited by the natural structure of the ribs. RibXcar provides a solution beyond fat removal and muscle tightening, allowing patients to achieve a true hourglass shape that was previously difficult to attain. - A Safer Alternative to Rib Removal
Many patients have expressed interest in waist slimming procedures but were hesitant due to the risks associated with rib removal surgery. RibXcar offers a minimally invasive alternative, delivering dramatic results without the complications of full rib extraction. - Perfect for the NYC Aesthetic
In a city where fashion, fitness, and aesthetics are paramount, RibXcar aligns perfectly with the New York standard of beauty—a defined waistline, sculpted curves, and results that look natural yet striking.
For Dr. Sterry, RibXcar isn’t just a procedure—it’s a revolution in body sculpting that allows patients to achieve their most confident, contoured selves.
Ask Us About Our
Skincare Products
FAQs: Your Questions About RibXcar Answered
If you’re considering RibXcar for a snatched waist and hourglass shape, you likely have some questions about recovery, safety, and results. Here are answers to the most common questions patients ask before their procedure.
How long does it take to recover from RibXcar?
Recovery time is relatively short compared to traditional rib removal. Most patients experience mild soreness for the first few days, similar to the feeling after an intense workout. You can return to light activities within a few days and most normal activities within one to two weeks. Swelling gradually decreases over a few months, revealing your final results.
Will the results look natural?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of RibXcar is that it enhances your natural curves without looking exaggerated or unnatural. Dr. Sterry customizes the procedure based on your body type and aesthetic goals, ensuring a proportionate, sculpted waistline that blends seamlessly with the rest of your figure.
Is RibXcar safe?
RibXcar is considered a safe alternative to traditional rib removal because it modifies the ribs rather than removing them. This preserves ribcage stability and function, reducing the risk of complications such as chronic pain or breathing issues. The procedure is minimally invasive, performed through a tiny pinhole incision, making it far less traumatic to the body.
Will I have visible scars?
No—one of the key benefits of RibXcar is its scarless approach. The procedure is done through a small, pinhole-sized incision, which is barely visible once healed. This makes it ideal for patients who want to wear bikinis, crop tops, and fitted clothing without any noticeable signs of surgery.
How long do the results last?
RibXcar results are long-lasting because it reshapes your underlying bone structure, not just fat or muscle. As long as you maintain a stable weight, your waist definition will remain. The ribs will not return to their previous shape, making this a permanent waist contouring solution.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Thomas Sterry
If you’re ready to achieve a snatched waist with the RibXcar technique, the first step is a personalized consultation with Dr. Thomas Sterry in New York City.
During your consultation, Dr. Sterry will:
- Assess your ribcage and waist structure
- Discuss your body contouring goals
- Determine how many ribs should be remodeled (2, 4, 6, or 8 ribs)
- Answer any questions or concerns about the procedure
How to Book an Appointment
Call Dr. Sterry’s office at
(212) 249-4020
Fill out the online consultation request form
Visit Dr. Sterry’s practice in New York City for an in-person evaluation
Dr. Sterry is among the very few (if not the only) surgeons in NYC offering RibXcar, so don’t miss your chance to achieve the hourglass figure you’ve always wanted. Book your consultation today!
Tummy Tuck in New York with Dr. Thomas Sterry
- Read the Tummy Tuck Page
- Read the Diastasis Recti Treatment Page
- Read the Mommy Makeover Page
RibXcar Studies and Research
- Waist Remodeling without Incision, with Ultrasound-guided Monocortical Fracture
- Waist Reduction through Conversion from False to Floating Ribs
- Manzaneda’s Tool: Adaptation of the Piezotome for Rib Remodeling Surgery without Incisions
- Is “Clack” Enough? Rib Remodeling Guided by Ultrasound
- Manzaneda’s Tool: Adaptation of the Piezotome for Rib Remodeling Surgery without Incisions