Women are spending $20K to shrink their waists in viral craze experts call ‘RibXcar’

New York Post - Apr 1st, 2025

In the latest body modification trend, RibXcar surgery is capturing attention as individuals seek to achieve an hourglass figure by repositioning their ribs. This new procedure, promoted as minimally invasive, involves adjusting the 10th, 11th, and 12th ribs inward using ultrasound technology. With a recovery time of just two to three weeks and minimal scarring, RibXcar is gaining popularity among those willing to spend between $14,000 and $16,000 for a more sculpted waistline. Dr. Thomas Sterry, a New York City-based plastic surgeon, highlights the procedure's tolerable pain and emphasizes the importance of wearing a corset post-operation to maintain results.

The emergence of RibXcar reflects the growing demand for body contouring solutions beyond traditional weight loss methods like diet and exercise. The procedure is seen as an alternative or complement to popular weight loss drugs and surgeries, such as liposuction. While offering promising results, the financial and physical commitments raise concerns about accessibility and potential health risks. The trend underscores societal pressures for aesthetic perfection and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve desired body shapes. As RibXcar gains traction, it may spark further discussions on body image and medical ethics in cosmetic surgery.

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Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides an intriguing look at a novel cosmetic surgery procedure, RibXcar, which promises significant body modifications. While it effectively captures the reader's interest with its clear and accessible presentation, the article falls short in providing a balanced perspective. It primarily highlights the procedure's benefits without adequately addressing potential risks, ethical concerns, or diverse expert opinions. The reliance on a single source for expert commentary limits the article's credibility and depth. To improve its quality, the article would benefit from incorporating multiple viewpoints, detailed evidence, and a critical examination of the broader implications of such procedures. Despite these shortcomings, the topic's timeliness and relevance to ongoing cultural debates about body image and cosmetic surgery contribute to the article's overall engagement and impact potential.

Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims about the RibXcar procedure, such as its minimally invasive nature, cost, recovery time, and effectiveness. These claims are partially supported by available information but lack comprehensive verification. The description of the procedure as 'minimally invasive' and the use of ultrasound guidance aligns with some sources, but more detailed medical verification is needed to confirm these aspects fully. The cost range of $14,000 to $16,000 and the recovery details are plausible but require confirmation from multiple sources to ensure accuracy. The article's claim about the procedure's effectiveness in reducing waist size is anecdotal and lacks scientific backing, which reduces the overall accuracy score. The reliance on a single source, Dr. Thomas Sterry, for expert opinion without corroborating evidence from other professionals or studies also limits the factual robustness.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the potential benefits of the RibXcar procedure, such as achieving a more defined waistline, without adequately addressing potential risks or alternative perspectives. There is a lack of discussion on possible complications, ethical considerations, or the views of medical professionals who might oppose or critique such procedures. The narrative seems to favor the positive outcomes and downplays the potential negatives, such as pain, long-term effects, or the societal implications of promoting such surgeries. By not including a broader range of viewpoints, the article presents a somewhat unbalanced perspective on the topic.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and straightforward in its language and structure, making it accessible to a broad audience. The tone is neutral, and the information is presented logically, with a clear focus on the RibXcar procedure. However, the lack of detailed explanations for some claims, such as the specifics of the procedure and its long-term outcomes, may leave readers with unanswered questions. While the article is easy to read, the clarity could be enhanced by providing more comprehensive information and addressing potential reader queries.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on a single source, Dr. Thomas Sterry, which raises concerns about the diversity and reliability of the information provided. The lack of multiple expert opinions or references to peer-reviewed medical studies undermines the credibility of the claims. While Dr. Sterry may be a reputable plastic surgeon, the absence of additional authoritative sources or data from recognized medical organizations limits the overall trustworthiness of the content. The article would benefit from including insights from other medical professionals or referencing scientific research to enhance its source quality.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in several areas, particularly regarding the methodology and evidence supporting the claims made. It does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as financial ties between Dr. Sterry and the promotion of the RibXcar procedure. Furthermore, the basis for the claims about the procedure's effectiveness and safety is not clearly explained, leaving readers without a clear understanding of how these conclusions were reached. Greater transparency in presenting the sources of information and any potential biases would improve the article's credibility.