Women who remove ribs have a high risk of lung malfunction

Women across the world, particularly social media influencers, are increasingly turning to the removal of floating ribs - the 11th and 12th ribs - in pursuit of the coveted hourglass or figure-eight shape. The procedure, which promises dramatic waist reduction, has become a talking point online, fuelling fascination and controversy in equal measure.

Zimbabwe has not been spared from the ripple effects of the trend. Although no evidence has ever been produced, names such as Madam Boss and Luminitsa have repeatedly surfaced in social media discussions, with users speculating that some local influencers may have experimented with extreme body-modification practices. The speculation underscores how global cosmetic trends are reshaping local perceptions of beauty and physical perfection.

But new research suggests the risks associated with rib removal go far beyond aesthetics. A 2024 cross-sectional study published in Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine found that removing the 11th and 12th floating ribs for cosmetic purposes can negatively affect lung function. While the ribs do not attach to the sternum like the upper ribs, they play a subtle yet essential role in stabilising the lower thoracic cage.

The study explains that floating ribs anchor muscles that keep the lower chest structurally sound during breathing. This stabilisation allows the chest wall to expand and contract smoothly with each breath. When the ribs are removed, the shape and rigidity of the lower chest change, disrupting how the diaphragm and chest wall move.

Researchers observed that patients who underwent the procedure experienced reduced chest wall compliance, increased breathing effort, and changes in diaphragm motion due to altered muscular attachments. Lung capacity during deep inhalation was also reduced. In the long term, some individuals may face chronic discomfort, diminished stamina, and a heightened risk of respiratory complications.

The findings challenge the perception that floating ribs are merely expendable bones. Instead, the researchers stress that they are key elements of a complex anatomical system that protects internal organs while maintaining the mechanical structure necessary for normal respiration. Altering this system for cosmetic enhancement can therefore lead to unintended and potentially serious consequences.

As extreme waist-reduction procedures continue gaining traction online, the study highlights the importance of informed public health messaging. Many people considering the surgery are unaware of the functional role these small ribs play in breathing. According to the researchers, rib removal is not simply a cosmetic adjustment but a significant alteration to the architecture of the respiratory system - one that carries lasting implications.