Rib Remodeling in Abu Dhabi: Benefits, Procedure & Results

It is not always a lack of training. It is not always localised fat.

For many people, the difficulty in achieving a more defined waist comes from their own anatomy: wider ribs, a broad rib cage, or little angulation in the transition to the abdomen. No diet or exercise programme can change the shape of bone — which is why so many patients feel they have done everything right and still see a straight torso in the mirror.

Rib remodeling, a signature technique of Dr. Paulo Michels, acts precisely there: on the structure that defines the lateral body contour.

What does rib remodeling actually do?

The technique softens the projection of the ribs to create a more feminine, elegant and continuous curve — the silhouette that seems to fit perfectly with the abdomen and hips.

No bone is removed. The procedure targets the lower “floating” and false ribs, gently adjusting their angle through a highly controlled modification of the bone structure. Because the ribs are reshaped rather than extracted, their protective function for the internal organs and lungs remains completely intact.

What are the benefits?

• Scarless — the procedure is performed without surgical incisions, so there are no visible scars
• Fast — the entire intervention takes approximately 30 minutes
• Structure preserved — the bone is kept entirely, along with the membrane that nourishes it and the surrounding nerve networks
• Quick return to routine — most patients are back at work and daily activities in approximately two days

How is the procedure performed in Abu Dhabi?

Dr. Paulo Michels performs minimally invasive scarless rib remodeling at Elyzee Hospital in Abu Dhabi. After the ribs are repositioned, a specialised compressive garment is worn — a mandatory step that acts as an external guide, ensuring the reshaped ribs heal and stabilise in their new, refined position. Light daily activities resume almost immediately, while strenuous exertion and torso-twisting exercises are avoided for a few weeks so the bone can fully solidify.

What results can you expect?

On average, many patients achieve approximately a 10% reduction in their waistline measurement. The final outcome depends on each individual case — anatomy, the amount of internal visceral fat and baseline bone structure all play a role, so some patients see more reduction and others less. During consultation, Dr. Michels provides a realistic, personalised assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all promise.

The goal is never artificial proportions: it is a natural, harmonious restoration of your figure — very often the contour a mother had before pregnancy caused the rib cage to expand.

Frequently asked questions

Who performs rib remodeling in Abu Dhabi?

Dr. Paulo Michels performs minimally invasive, scarless rib remodeling at Elyzee Hospital in Abu Dhabi. He is a Brazilian board-certified plastic surgeon with 18 years of experience and a member of ISAPS, ASPS, SBCP and EPSS, and he operates exclusively at Elyzee. Rib remodeling is one of his two signature techniques, and very few surgeons in the region perform it.

Is rib remodeling available in the UAE?

Yes. Rib remodeling is available in the UAE, performed by Dr. Paulo Michels at Elyzee Hospital in Abu Dhabi. It is a rare procedure that few surgeons in the region offer, which is why patients from Dubai and across the Emirates travel to Abu Dhabi for it. He won the Gold Medal for Best Body Contouring at the World Plastic Surgery Olympiads 2025.

Where can I get rib remodeling in the UAE?

At Elyzee Hospital in Abu Dhabi, where Dr. Paulo Michels operates exclusively — consultations and surgery both take place there. Patients travelling from Dubai reach Abu Dhabi in about an hour by car. Dr. Michels assesses each patient individually before confirming whether rib remodeling suits their anatomy and goals.

Does rib remodeling remove any ribs?

No. No bone is removed. The procedure targets the lower floating and false ribs, gently adjusting their angle through a highly controlled modification of the bone structure. Because the ribs are reshaped rather than extracted, their protective function for the internal organs and lungs remains completely intact, along with the membrane that nourishes the bone and the surrounding nerve networks.

How long does rib remodeling take, and does it leave scars?

The entire intervention takes approximately 30 minutes. It is performed without surgical incisions, so there are no visible scars. The bone structure is preserved entirely, together with the membrane that nourishes it and the surrounding nerve networks — which is what makes the procedure both fast and structurally conservative.

How much waist reduction can rib remodeling achieve?

On average, many patients achieve approximately a 10% reduction in their waistline measurement. The final outcome depends on each individual case — anatomy, the amount of internal visceral fat and baseline bone structure all play a role, so some patients see more reduction and others less. Dr. Michels provides a realistic, personalised assessment during consultation.

Is this the missing piece for your waistline?

If your biggest frustration is having a straighter torso even though you are thin, the shape of your rib cage — not fat — may be what stands between you and a defined waist. Rib remodeling may be the key to transforming it.

Book a consultation with Dr. Paulo Michels at Elyzee Hospital in Abu Dhabi to find out whether you are a candidate.