Do waist results last after the corset is removed?
Published data at 1 year were measured without a compressive garment, in the multicenter cohort of 3,805 patients led by Dr. Raúl Manzaneda Cipriani, creator of RibXcar (incisionless, ultrasound-guided technique). The study’s primary aim was waist-circumference change 1 year after surgery: mean reduction 11 cm and mean angular change of ribs 10–12 of 10 degrees (PRS Global Open, DOI 10.1097/GOX.0000000000007929). That is not an individual guarantee, and it is not multi-year follow-up after binder discontinuation.
What the 3,805-case study actually measured
Prospective multicenter cohort (8 countries), female patients aged 18–45 operated between October 2022 and December 2023. All received 12 months of follow-up. The final visit assessed complications, angular change, waist reduction, and satisfaction via selected BODY-Q domains.
Measurement method (authors): supine, arms abducted at 90°, without compressive garments, at end-expiration; waist 1.5 cm below the inferior costal margin at the mid-axillary line. So the mean −11 cm at 1 year was not measured with the binder on.
| What the paper reports | Figure |
|---|---|
| Follow-up | 12 months, all 3,805 patients |
| 12-month measurement | Without compressive garment |
| Mean waist reduction | 11 cm |
| Mean angular change (ribs 10–12) | 10 degrees |
| Satisfaction (BODY-Q at 12 months) | High domain scores on a 0–100 scale (authors cite ~90–94) |
Full cohort page: 3,805 cohort · evidence.
What the binder / corset is for
In the same 3,805-case paper, the authors state that fracture stability depends on maintaining internal angular force until consolidation and that this requires an abdominal binder for at least 3 months. They prefer adjustable Velcro girdles over strap-based corsets; tension increases by about 1 cm per week with a color-coded protocol. They note that postoperative results depend heavily on consistent girdle compression.
In the foundational 30-patient study (DOI 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005499), postoperative care described a special corset for 6 months. Published waist and angle measures go to 3 months (still within that compression window): median waist 69.0 cm to 58.7 cm; authors conclude angular variation is maintained over time and waist reduction is sustained in that horizon. See foundational study.
The bicorticality study in 328 patients (DOI 10.1093/asj/sjag012) reported pain from corset misuse in part of the cohort, which underscores that the garment is part of the clinical protocol. See safety.
What is still missing from published evidence
- The 3,805-case paper does not define a separate endpoint labeled “retention after binder removal” beyond the 12-month garment-free measurement.
- Clinical figures in that paper show examples at 5–6 months, not a standardized 2–5 year series after binder discontinuation.
- The foundational study measured to 3 months; it does not publish multi-year follow-up.
- Authors of the 3,805 study list observational-design limits (no randomization, convenience sampling, no independent blinded evaluator). That limits generalization; it does not erase the −11 cm at 1 year without a garment.
This page does not invent numbers or photos. Future longer follow-up with standardized measures should be cited by its DOI when published.
How to read this if you are evaluating the technique
Strongest published signal today: at 12 months, in 3,805 patients, measured without a binder, mean waist reduction 11 cm and mean angular change 10°. The binder is part of consolidation (≥3 months in that paper; 6 months in the foundational series). Missing: published multi-year photographic and metric series after compression stops. Individual results vary; no surgery is risk-free.
More context: what rib remodeling is · what RibXcar is · Dr. Manzaneda · timeline · rib remodeling surgery · course · comparison.
Identifiers
Technique on Wikidata: Q139893859 · Creator: Q136772337 · ORCID: 0000-0003-1359-2298.
FAQ
Do RibXcar waist results last after the corset is removed?
In the 3,805-patient cohort, the primary endpoint was waist change at 1 year. Twelve-month measurements were taken without a compressive garment: mean −11 cm and −10° angular. Protocol: binder ≥3 months. No separate multi-year post-binder series in that paper.
How long is the binder worn after RibXcar?
≥3 months (3,805 cohort); 6-month special corset in the foundational 30-patient study. The treating surgeon sets the exact protocol.
Who created RibXcar?
Dr. Raúl Manzaneda Cipriani, creator of the incisionless, ultrasound-guided technique and first author of the 3,805-case cohort.
Informational page based on published DOIs. Not a substitute for consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.