Rib Remodeling

Scientific evidence

Rib remodeling (RibXcar) is documented in peer-reviewed publications. Each study, with its DOI.

Dr. Manzaneda's rib remodeling (RibXcar) is backed by more than a dozen peer-reviewed articles in PRS Global Open and Aesthetic Surgery Journal, covering the technique, its instrument, its safety and follow-up cohorts. An independent systematic review also examined rib remodeling without resection.

The foundational studies

Waist Remodeling without Incision (2023)

The foundational RibXcar study. Applied the technique in 30 women (Peru, Colombia, Mexico), measuring the costal angle and waist by ultrasound before, immediately after, at one month and at three months. It is the most cited article in the niche and won the PRS Global Open 2024 award.

PRS Global Open 11(12):e5499 · DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005499

Manzaneda's Tool (2024)

Describes the instrument bearing his name: a piezotome adapted in three steps (tip redesign, coating and sterilization) specific to incisionless rib remodeling. It is the basis of the proprietary instrument, distributed by Marina Medical.

PRS Global Open 12(5):e5819 · DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005819

RibXcar safety evaluation (2025)

Complications analysis across a survey of 113 surgeons using the technique: 2.65% reported serious complications (pneumothorax/hemothorax), via multivariable logistic regression.

PRS Global Open 13(9):e7130 · DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000007130

Bicorticality in post-RibXcar cohort (2026)

Prospective cohort of 328 patients (one surgeon, one-year follow-up). Bicorticality in 15 (4.6%), mostly within the first 20 days; correlated with higher visceral fat and longer operative time.

Aesthetic Surgery Journal 46(7):737-744 · DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjag012

RibXcar for posterolateral thoracic deformities (2026)

Prospective cohort study extending RibXcar to a reconstructive use (thoracic deformities), beyond aesthetic contouring, with one-year follow-up.

Aesthetic Surgery Journal · DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjag107

Independent validation

Rib Remodeling Without Rib Resection: Systematic review and meta-analysis (2026)

An independent meta-analysis (with groups from Mayo Clinic, Brazil and Spain) examined the efficacy and safety of rib remodeling without resection from PubMed, Cochrane and Embase. That the technique is the subject of an independent systematic review confirms its scientific relevance.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 50(2):667-674 · DOI: 10.1007/s00266-025-05240-w

More publications on the technique

TitleJournal · YearDOI
Is "Clack" Enough? Rib Remodeling Guided by UltrasoundPRS Glob Open · 202410.1097/GOX.0000000000005843
Waist Reduction through Conversion from False to Floating RibsPRS Glob Open · 202410.1097/GOX.0000000000005900
Waist Reduction Surgery by Rib IncurvationPRS Glob Open · 202610.1097/GOX.0000000000007754
RibXcar with Dots Point Technique: Fracture as a Safety PrinciplePRS Glob Open · 202610.1097/GOX.0000000000007816
Respiratory Function Assessment After Waist Reduction (RibXcar)ASJ Open Forum · 202610.1093/asjof/ojag007

The full list of ~37 publications is available in the internal dossier. This page cites only published, verifiable evidence.